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

Tina Maraj Fullerton Realtor

RE/MAX North Orange County Hosts April Fullerton Chamber Sunset Mixer

RE/MAX of North Orange County, located at 1441 Brea Blvd. in Fullerton, will host the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce's April 8, 2009 Sunset Mixer, from 5-7 p.m. Ron Holborn, owner of the Fullerton-based realty company and his associates including Tina Maraj and Cristal Drake will be hosting the the free networking event. Attendees will be able to appetizers and beverages "From Around the World" while making new business contacts.

"During this economic environment, Sunset Mixers remain a great way to drum up business," said Jennifer Fitzgerald, Chair of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

The Fullerton Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the economic vitality and prosperity of our members and the community. The Chamber of Commerce is located at 444 N. Harbor Blvd., Suite 200. For more information on these or other activities, please call 714-871-3100 or visit www.fullertonchamber.com

Posted By Tina Maraj, Fullerton REALTOR Since 1989. Fullerton Chamber Ambassador. jpegwww.TinaMaraj.com jpeg

jpeg

RE/MAX 2009 Internation Convention was a Great Experience! By Tina Maraj

I have been in the RE/MAX system for 13 years now and have attended many conventions. This years was especially moving to me. First of all with "times being tough" there were not many agents attending. In past years many agents from each office in Orange County attended. This year, I believe it was only my friend and fellow RE/MAX Associate Cristal Drake, and I. We both share the same drive to continue our education and stay on top of industry changes.

It didn't take Cristal and I long to make new friends from RE/MAX Offices around the world, and to meet jpegin person fellow RE/MAX Active Rain Bloggers. The first associats we ran into at the registration booth with our Active Rain buddies from Texas, Kristin Moran and her sister Sheila Moran. I also had the opportunity to spend time with a friend that I had made at a Convention 6 years ago from Singapore.

Together we attended knowledge building classes on the Internet and how it has changed our business, learned how we can better assist distressed homeowners. We were inspired by The Children's Miracle Network Presentation and brought to tears by Craig Gardner, the once homeless man on the streets of San Francisco who was the subject to the the Will Smith Movie "The Pursuit of Happyness". Gardner who is now an avid motivational speaker, addressing the keys to self-empowerment, beating odds, and breaking cycles made us all feel like we could concur any financial obstacle if we worked hard enough!

jpegWe were able to squeeze in some fun too! The Night of the Stars, Awards Ceremony was electric. Everyone dressed to impress and proudly accepting their very hard earned production awards for 2008, a difficult year in real estate! My favorite part was meeting Dave Linagar, the CEO of RE/MAX and having a picture taken with him receiving my award!

I am honored to have met so many inspirational people this year at the RE/MAX Internation Convention in Las Vegas. It was a wonderful experience!

Written By Tina Maraj, Fullerton REALTOR Since 1989

www.TinaMaraj.com

Home Buyers Should be Well Informed Before Making an Offer on a Short Sale Listing

Short Sales escrows are falling apart more today than ever! There is always a huge risk when a buyer jpegdecides to make an offer on a home that the owners needs approval from one or usually two lien-holders before they can close. Typically the fear that the short sale will not be approved by the bank is the number one issue that occurs. Sometimes the lien holder requests the seller's make a financial contribution to close this escrow. Although that is an obstacle that can be concurred.

The new Short Sale deal breaker is one that cannot, and should not, be overcome, the homeowners opportunity to stay in their home. All of the big banks like Countrywide, and Wachovia are offering homeowners "Loan Modifications" with the intention of assisting the homeowner. This is something that every listing agent should be talking to their seller about before they put their home for sale. If the seller does not have the desire to stay in the home then and only then should the home go on the market for sale.

Too many listing agents are just trying to make a buck by offering to sell their clients home for FREE in a short sale. My advice is work with an experienced buyers agent that knows how to navigate through these potential issues. A short sale transaction can be closed.

Written By Tina Maraj, Fullerton REALTOR Since 1989! Successfully Closing Short Sales! www.TinaMaraj.com

Testimonial from on of my closed short sale transaction sellers:

Unlike the other real estate agents that I've consulted with, Tina was friendly, courteous, and compassionate. In the end, her commitment and persistence paid off as the short sale transaction was successful and everyone was satisfied. - anonymous

Having met with Tina her frequently, I was impressed with her deep industry knowledge, customer service, dedication, energy, and drive for the work she did. It's not often you see that in this type of industry, and that's why I would not hesitate to seek her assistance in the future. - PP

jpeg

You Meet the Nicest People at The Fullerton Chamber of Commerce Events

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Daniel Peress, the Owner and Service Center Manageer of The OC Humm Automotive Collision Center. I had noticed that Daniel was a new face to our Fullerton Chamber so I thought as an Ambassador for the Chamber I would make a special effort to welcome him.

At the Young Professionals Mixer we attended at Bourbon Street, we sat on the sunny patio and chatted away about how Daniel came to bring his Automotive business to auto shop row on Williamson Ave. in Fullerton. Daniel was proud to announce that in only his second month of being opened that " we are paying our bills" "Now if in our 3rd month we could make a profit that would be great!" says Daniel.

I am looking forward to doing business with Daniel in the future, as I like to try and give business to Chamber Members. He appears to be a very hard working and honest gentleman.

In the need of Auto Collission Repair? contact Daniel Peress at www.OCHumm.com or 714-420-1084

Free Estimates! FREE Oil and Filter Change with Any Authorized Repair

Refer a Friend and Receive $100 with Qualifying Repair

Written By Tina Maraj, Fullerton REALTOR and Fullerton Chamber Ambassador

www.TinaMaraj.com

Short Sale Nightmare...Agent or Just the situation?

One of my very best friends have been going through a "Short Sale Nightmare" since October of 2008. Of jpegcourse the transaction did not start out terrible but quickly turn ugly. Here is the situation:

At the end of the original closing period like I believe it was 45 days...there was no approval from the bank and on top of that the buyers were having a hard time getting the loan! (At this point I would have bailed on the deal)There was a mutual extension of the escrow period but an unagreed upon per diem was being added to the buyers account for every day they were late! The funny thing is that the sellers were unable to close as well!

Months went by and the situation became worse, the sellers actually moved out of the house even though the buyers still could not obtain a loan. There were hours of conversations between the buyers agent, the sellers agent and the escrow company.

Here is the real nightmare: Six months later, the buyer can't get a loan and the sellers agent is treating to keep the buyers deposit and give it to the seller!

I do not know how the seller's agent even thinks the seller is en-tiled to the buyers deposit!There is no ground for this other than he feels that the seller deserves it. How ridiculous! The purchase agreement and the short sale addendum both protect a buyers right to his deposit. There was no contingency removal signed or even presented to the buyer for signature!

What are your thoughts on this?

Have you even encounted a short sale nightmare?

Written by Tina Maraj, REALTOR Since 1989.

www.TinaMaraj.com