It's no secret that the flagging Orange County, California real estate market has caused many real estate agents and people in real estate related industries to take other jobs. Some of us have been fortunate enough to be able to afford to stay in this business to ride out the storm. There was a long period when the phone just didn't ring, so I began looking for ways to use the quiet time to improve my business for the days ahead.
A friend told me about a company that helps homeowners make a connection with lenders to do loan modifications. This isn't one of those companies that asks the homeowner for money and makes a lot of empty promises. They actually are contacted by the lenders to make a human contact with homeowners who have fallen behind in their payments that are good candidates for loan modifications. I've been working with them for about a month now.
This week, I met with a woman who has had a very tough time of it; Business failures, job layoff after 10 years, just a really hard time. We met on Friday morning and were able to get her approved to begin the loan modification process. There's still work ahead for her, but the chances are very good that things will work out.
There is so much negative press these days, but this one small success gave me so much hope. The hug that I got from this very grateful lady who appreciated someone who could come alongside her and give her some hope was like a tonic. I felt my step lighten, my shoulders lift and walked out of her home appreciating the sun on my face.
I know this sounds very sappy, but countless surveys have shown that what drives most real estate agents is that it is a profession that provides us the opportunity to help people. That dear lady helped me to remember what it feels like to be able to help someone. For that reminder and the hope of more opportunity to come is just what I needed for a complete attitude adjustment.
Here's a wonderful video that encourages me and is a wonderful metaphor for today and the days of recovery ahead.
Do you know of someone who is currently struggling to make their house payments? Please let them know that there is someone who is willing to stand alongside them and give them some help. It is my pleasure to provide my clients with information to assist them in making informed decisions regarding real estate matters and when contemplating buying and selling homes in Orange County, California. If you have questions and would like some honest answers or need more resources, please give me a call, text me or email me.
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®
800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592
Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009
President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009
Marlene is a highly experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo.
Recently I visited with a lady in Laguna Woods, California who called to ask me to help her sell her condo. She has a large, well-furnished and upgraded unit. She is no longer able to manage taking care of herself on a full time basis. She needs some assistance with bathing and dressing and meal preparation. She thought it might be time to consider moving into a place that could care for her needs. She is currently being assisted by a wonderful caregiver who will be returning to her native country at the end of the year,
So, just as I would with anyone who is thinking about selling their home, I prepared a complete package with plenty of information about the housing market and information about her home in particular. As we visited, she told me she had a reverse mortgage. She was concerned it might be a problem. As I reviewed the paperwork, it became apparent that this sweet lady had gotten a reverse mortgage a few years ago when her condo was appraised at over $400,000. Today, we'd be lucky to find a buyer who'd be willing to pay $250,000. Now, here's the interesting part. She's only used about $225,000 of her reverse mortgage and still has over $50,000 left to draw against her line of credit.
We chatted for a bit and I shared with her that I really think she needs to continue to use her Long Term Care insurance policy for assistance in her home until it runs out in about 3 years. Then, she can begin using her equity line on her Reverse Mortgage to pay for in-home care. Then, if the market has bounced back by then, we might consider selling her condo. She is so fortunate that she took advantage of the opportunity to get a reverse mortgage when her property value was at it's peak. She now has money that she'll be able to draw out even though her property value has declined in our current market.
It sure felt good to be able to let this lovely lady know that she would be able to live comfortably in her own condo for the next 5-6 years. It would have been perfect if I could have assured her that our market will come back up again in those 5-6 years, but alas this is not a fairy tale. This is real life.
As we parted, we hugged and she told me how grateful she was that we had met and that I didn't tell her what she wanted to hear, but confirmed what she suspected to be true. I didn't list a condo today, but I sure made a new friend.
If you are a senior or know a senior who is considering buying or selling a home or condo, I'd be pleased to provide you with information to assist you in making informed decisions. It's my pleasure to provide my clients with information to assist them in making informed decisions when contemplating buying and selling homes in Orange County, California. If you have questions and would like some honest answers or need more resources, please give me a call, text me or email me.
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®
800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592
Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009
President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009
Marlene is a highly experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo.
If you've every wondered what money can buy, here's a video to give you a little insight.
Here's a fun link to some of the world's most expensive homes. Sure they have money, but are they really happy? Of course they are!
While I'm not the listing agent for any of these homes...actually they never even called me...I am available to assist you in buying or selling your home in Orange County, California.
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®
800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592
Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009
President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009
Marlene is a highly experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo.
Orange County, California home owners often ask, "What exactly is a short sale?" Many people have an idea what it means, but there are some interesting ideas percolating out there. Here are a couple of things a short sale is NOT:
A short sale IS when the bank agrees to accept less than you actually owe as payment in full on your home loan - IF you and your home qualify.
How to identify if you and your home can qualify for a short sale:
When a homeowner finds themselves in the position to consider a short sale of their home, one of the best resources is to work with a local REALTOR® who is familiar with how to list and sell a short sale. Not all agents are trained or even care to work with short sales. It is a lengthy process, there is a great deal more paperwork than for a traditional home sale, and there is an added layer of work involved in communicating regularly with the lender(s).
If you or someone you know is having difficulty making their payments and they need some help in deciding whether a short sale is the right thing to do, please give me a call as soon as possible so we can discuss your options. I have been specially trained to negotiate with lenders on your behalf and know what paperwork needs to be gathered to document a short sale.
It's my pleasure to provide my clients with information to assist them in making informed decisions when contemplating buying and selling homes in Orange County, California. If you have questions and would like some honest answers or need more resources, please give me a call, text me or email me.
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®
800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592
Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009
President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009
Marlene is a highly experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo.
It just got easier to apply for a reduction of your property tax bill. 
Orange County, CA Assessor Webster Guillory has been quoted by the Orange County Register as saying that homeowners who are looking at reducing their property taxes due to the downturn in market prices don't have to provide comparable sales to prove that the value of their home has dropped. Orange County Homeowners who purchased after 2002 are likely to see a reduction in their property taxes by applying. You still have until April 30th to request an informal review of your tax assessment.
Send this information to a friend copy and paste this link to to email to a friend http://tinyurl.com/SaveOnPropertyTaxes
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®
800 777-1775 - Toll Free ~ or ~ Text Me 714 745-2592
Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009
President Elect - Southern California Chapter Certified Residential Specialists® 2008 - 2009
Marlene is a highly experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo.
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Providing superior Real Estate service in the South Orange County California cities of Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Laguna Niguel.
The Real Estate Market is Constantly Changing...Buying a home or condo in South Orange County (Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods-formerly Leisure World, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch and Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, San Clemente) requires more than it did just a few years ago. It requires a REALTOR® who is experienced in identifying market values and trends, strong negotiation skills and a knowledge of the area. In an effort to keep in pace with the changing markets and provide superior service to her clients, Marlene has acquired a number of special designations including:
CRS® - Certified Residential Specialist is acquired by only about 5% of all agents. Yet CRS's account for over 80% of all transactions in the U.S. The training not only offers cutting edge information, it also provides a National Referral Network. So, when Marlene's clients need to make a move to another area, she is able to refer her clients to the best of the best throughout the U.S. and Canada.
SRES® - Seniors Real Estate Specialist which affords her special knowledge in working with seniors and their families. Seniors have very specific and specialized needs with regard to real estate. Marlene has prepared to identify those needs and to care for the senior client's and their families during times of lifestyle transitions.
ePro® - Demonstrating computer knowledge and internet marketing excellence.
Marlene also serves in her community as the President of the Laguna Hills and Laguna Woods Chambers of Commerce and the South Orange County Regional Chambers of Commerce. Marlene is also actively involved with the Pacific West Board of REALTORS and currently serves on the Professional Standards Committee and formerly served Grievance Committee Chair in 2007 and on the Charity Foundation Board. On a broader level, Marlene is currently serving as President Elect for 2008 for the Southern California Chapter of Certified Residential Specialists She monitors and attends 4-5 CRS education classes each year. This gives her an opportunity not only to serve others, but also increases her knowledge of cutting edge technology and information that assists her in better serving her clients.
Cruising the net to find Orange County Real Estate, can be overwhelming. The process of buying or selling a home has become very complex with the ever-changing market as well as the many laws that govern the business of real estate. Marlene's goal is to guide you through the maze, keeping you informed every step along the way. Your home buying or home selling experience should be hassle-free. There are many tasks that are performed behind the scenes including detailed paperwork and negotiating. Marlene's strong negotiation skills and attention to detail have garnered the respect and gratitude of her clients. With over 81% of all her business being referred or repeat clients, it is very important to keep all her clients satisfied---satisfied beyond their expectations.
Many agents have also appreciated that it is Marlene's practice to work together to accomplish mutual goals for clients. Marlene has been referred by numerous agents to represent their families in selling and purchasing homes particularly working with senior in Laguna Hills and Laguna Woods a senior retirement community in South Orange County.
If you or someone you know is planning a move outside the area, Marlene is prepared to assist you as a member of a national network of top real estate professionals. Marlene will ascertain your needs, then interview top agents to assure that you receive the same level of excellent service from the agent on the other side of the move as you have come to expect from your work with Marlene.
Who do you know that you need to introduce to Marlene today?
She specializes in real estate in South Orange County California cities of Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods (a 55 and over senior community), Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Talega, Las Flores and Rancho Santa Margarita. Her business is assisting people with lifestyle transitions. Whether it's working with first-time buyers, people who need to move into a larger home, or people who find a need to scale down.
Marlene offers a unique concierge service to families who have experienced the loss of a loved one or have a parent who is no longer able to live alone. Marlene assists in getting family heirlooms packed, helping to hire estate sellers if necessary, orchestrating repairs, painting, recarpeting, etc. to get the home ready for prospective buyers. This service is provided without charge as part of her service in helping families to sell their homes. This seniors real estate service has been of particular assistance in the nearby senior community of Laguna Woods. Laguna Woods real estate and home sales in Laguna Woods requires specialized services. If you are looking for someone who has a track record in helping seniors and their families with senior real estate needs, Marlene is the person to call.
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"We didn't think we were ready to buy a home. Thanks for all your help in getting us into our first home. We couldn't have done it without you!" E.K. & N. I. - Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
"Thanks for all the great info at your class. And, thank you for helping us get the perfect home for our family."
"You went far beyond the call of duty in helping to get my home sold. Thanks you for referring and overseeing the work that needed to be done to get my home ready to sell. You're a miracle worker." M.B. - Laguna Hills, CA
"After Mom died, it was really hard to get down to selling her home. Thank you for your help in sorting out and packing all the family memories. The estate sellers you referred us to did a great job. We were able to use that money for the painting, carpet and handyman services you arranged for. It was such a blessing to know that we didn't need to come fly to California from our homes in Colorado to get all this accomplished. We knew we could count on you. When the house was ready to put on the market, you also did a great job explaining the offers we received and helped us to get the best price possible for Mom's home in Laguna Woods." M.S. & D.S. - Colorado
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