http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com Information on historic districts and historic homes in Orange County posterous.com Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:18:00 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/-f8oObDfKsU/diane-keatons-real-estate-coup-from-smartmone http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/diane-keatons-real-estate-coup-from-smartmone <p> <p>What She Did</p> <p>She may have come off as a lovable ditz in Annie Hall, but Diane Keaton is savvy about flipping real estate. A board member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Oscar-winning actress is known for meticulously gussying up old California abodes and selling them to the likes of Madonna. She recently continued her streak with a stunning twofer, selling two homes, a 1920s Beverly Hills manse and a house designed by Lloyd Wright (son of Frank), for a total of almost $21 million.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>How She Did It</p> <p>Keaton's coup required some serious elbox grease. At the Wright home, she restored the designer's built-in furniture, upgraded the kitchen and knocked down walls to create a loftlike master bedroom. She brought in interior designer Steven Shadley to collaborate on the other project; they replaced medallion-dotted fireplaces with simple, white-plaster ones and turned an entryway into a library. (Keaton, who bought both homes in 2007, declined to be interviewed, but public listings confirm the renovation details.) Even after expenses, local experts estimate Keaton came away with a profit of about $1 million, over a period when the local market was down more than 20 percent.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>What You Can Do</p> <p>Orange County, Calif., real estate agent Markus Brown says old-home buyers can imitate Keaton by "capitalizing on the nostalgia" instead of staying 100 percent true to the original design. Getting rid of smaller rooms typical of the older style - but keeping nods like vintage doorknobs and color schemes - can make homes more attractive.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you have any questions about historical homes in the Orange County area or are interested in purchasing one, contact <a href="http://oldtowntustinhomes.com/default.asp.f-contactme">Markus Brown</a>.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/diane-keatons-real-estate-coup-from-smartmone">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/diane-keatons-real-estate-coup-from-smartmone#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/-f8oObDfKsU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/diane-keatons-real-estate-coup-from-smartmone Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:50:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/dd-IvwR1_jU/foreclosures-temporarily-suspended http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/foreclosures-temporarily-suspended <p> <p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> <p style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">No doubt you&rsquo;ve heard the news recently that a number of major banks have volunteered to temporarily suspend foreclosures in 23 states and Bank of America is temporarily suspending foreclosures nationwide.&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px;">While this situation is changing daily, this is what we know for now:</p> <ul style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <li>In late September and early October some lenders and servicers began voluntarily halting foreclosures in select states while they reviewed their foreclosure processes.&nbsp;</li> <li>So far, only Bank of America has extended its foreclosure moratorium to California, where the vast majority of foreclosures are conducted without a court order.&nbsp; Foreclosures in the other 23 states are processed through the court system.</li> <li>Non-judicial foreclosures in California, however, do have legal requirements that lenders must follow.&nbsp; For example, California law requires that lenders for certain mortgage loans made between Jan. 1, 2003, and Dec. 31, 2007, attempt to make contact with borrowers to discuss options for avoiding foreclosure at least 30 days before filing a notice of default.&nbsp; Lenders also must sign a declaration in the notice of default stating that they tried to contact the borrower, made contact with the borrower, or fall within an exception (such as a bankruptcy filing).</li> <li>The lenders and servicers that have placed their foreclosure moratorium on properties in the 23 states where courts are involved in the foreclosure process include:&nbsp; Goldman Sachs Group Inc&rsquo;s Litton Loan Servicing, Ally Financial Inc.&rsquo;s GMAC Mortgage unit, JPMorgan Chase, and PNC Financial.</li> <li>These lenders/servicers have only temporarily halted their foreclosures while they review their foreclosure process.&nbsp; This is in response to findings that questioned whether some lenders/servicers were following the correct procedures to foreclose on a property.&nbsp;</li> <li>This halting of foreclosures is a voluntary action taken on the part of these lenders/servicers and has not been mandated by either the states or the federal government.&nbsp;</li> <li>Some members have begun to report the immediate impact of this moratorium on transactions that involve foreclosed properties.&nbsp; Delays in escrow and the removal of listed foreclosures are temporary results of this moratorium.&nbsp;</li> <li>The immediate impact on the market will be the slowing of home sales, which could put upward pressure on home prices in the short term.&nbsp; The long-term effect on the market is uncertain at this point as it depends how long the moratorium remains in place.</li> <li>Assuming the moratorium is lifted in the next month, the flow of REOs to the market should resume, but the uncertainty created by the moratorium may cause hesitation on the part of buyers.</li> <li>Federal agencies, including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Housing Administration, and the conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have asked lenders and servicers to review their foreclosure processes.&nbsp; This review would apply to all states including those like California where the vast majority of foreclosures are non-judicial.</li> <li>The participating lenders and servicers believe their internal review processes should take anywhere from a few weeks to 30 days to complete.</li> </ul> </span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/foreclosures-temporarily-suspended">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/foreclosures-temporarily-suspended#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/dd-IvwR1_jU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/foreclosures-temporarily-suspended Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:26:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/-f68sCvb9QE/huge-home-in-ranch-santa-margarita-perfect-fo http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/huge-home-in-ranch-santa-margarita-perfect-fo <p> <p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Calibri;">This gorgeous home is an entertainer's dream. Featuring an open floorplan that&rsquo;s perfect for indoor/outdoor living with lots of natural light and soaring ceilings, this home lends itself to large family gatherings or holiday parties. The entry opens to a large living room with cathedral ceilings, fireplace, and an adjacent formal dining room with outdoor access. The spacious kitchen with its large center island and casual dining area has views of the pool and back patio and is upgraded with premium counters, Thermador 5-burner range, two ovens, a warming drawer and wine refrigerator. The kitchen, dry bar and family room flow into one another and feature views of the pool and patio area. Outdoor living and entertaining is easy in the large backyard/patio area featuring a gorgeous pebble tech finished pool with natural stone coping and a serene water feature. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>Upstairs, the expansive master bedroom suite has vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, and a large walk-in closet. A downstairs bedroom and bath is great for out of town guests. Two additional spacious bedrooms upstairs share a bath with dual sinks and one is perfect as an office or media room. Other features include the large inside laundry room, three car garage, dual zone HVAC, and easy access to shopping which make this superb home great for the discerning buyer. Local amenities include the association pool, basketball courts and soccer fields, and convenient access to the excellent outdoor recreation opportunities for hiking in O&rsquo;Neil Park and relaxing around Lago Santa Margarita.</span>&nbsp;</p> <p>For more information or to schedule an appointment, <a href="http://markusandheidi.com/default.asp.f-contactme" title="contact Markus &amp; Heidi">contact Markus &amp; Heidi</a>. To see <a href="http://markusandheidi.com/default.asp?f=listing_details&amp;listingid=229461&amp;listingtype=1" title="Photos">photos</a> of this superb home, click here.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/huge-home-in-ranch-santa-margarita-perfect-fo">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/huge-home-in-ranch-santa-margarita-perfect-fo#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/-f68sCvb9QE" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/huge-home-in-ranch-santa-margarita-perfect-fo Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:21:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/lv3za2fdauM/fha-eligible-3-bedroom-1-bath-home-for-sale-i http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/fha-eligible-3-bedroom-1-bath-home-for-sale-i <p> <p> <p style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Located on a quiet interior street, this home has all the charm and character that Old Town Tustin is known for. With it's white picket fence, picturesque wishing well, and storybook weeping willow, there is no more charming home in Old Town. The house features a remodeled kitchen with ample granite counter space, large pantry and open integration with the main room. The living room is bathed in natural light from the large picture windows and connects to the dining area and kitchen for a perfect great room. Each of the bedrooms are roomy and have great natural light while the inside laundry room is an excellent convenience. Out back, the spacious backyard is perfect for entertaining on the patio or letting the dogs and kids run free on the vast, green lawn. Old Town Tustin is one of the best places in Orange County for walking to local amenities including numerous family-owned restaurants, the weekly organic farmer's market, coffee shops, the library, etc. No HOA, no Mello-Roos.&nbsp;Perfect for the first-time buyer. FHA eligible. <a href="http://oldtowntustinhomes.com/default.asp.f-contactme" title="contact us">Contact us</a> for more information or <a href="http://oldtowntustinhomes.com/default.asp?f=listing_details&amp;listingid=229454&amp;listingtype=1" title="330 Myrtle">click here</a> to view photos and tour.</span></p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/fha-eligible-3-bedroom-1-bath-home-for-sale-i">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/fha-eligible-3-bedroom-1-bath-home-for-sale-i#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/lv3za2fdauM" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/fha-eligible-3-bedroom-1-bath-home-for-sale-i Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:06:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/-u6APABzMSU/awesome-laguna-beach-ocean-view-condo-with-18 http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/awesome-laguna-beach-ocean-view-condo-with-18 <p> <p>Beautifully upgraded condo with amazing 180 degree ocean views of the coast from Aliso Beach to Long Beach. Enjoy views of Catalina Island and breathtaking sunsets from almost every room. Upgraded kitchen features gleaming granite countertops, hardwood cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Spacious master bedroom and bathroom make for comfortable living while the second bedroom is perfect for guests or an office. Amazing views from the deck, living room, dining room and kitchen. Detached one car garage and on-site laundry. Solar heated association pool Low HOA dues. Offered at $699,000. Set up a private showing by <a href="http://markusandheidi.com/default.asp.f-contactme" target="_blank">contacting us.</a>&nbsp;<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-02/hdsDsbrfznlrgvlGvogxftzwuIqolBhIeqetrziksmwgIoszIDAedDfEykJw/5_3633669_29107-106.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="5_3633669_29107-106" height="333" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-02/hdsDsbrfznlrgvlGvogxftzwuIqolBhIeqetrziksmwgIoszIDAedDfEykJw/5_3633669_29107-106.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-02/fbaovqqjysIAkgFbedcEjvhiwFagvxsqciqpvEumhsDeqCxFIbFmBozcohsF/13_3633701_29107-114.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="13_3633701_29107-114" height="333" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-02/fbaovqqjysIAkgFbedcEjvhiwFagvxsqciqpvEumhsDeqCxFIbFmBozcohsF/13_3633701_29107-114.jpg.scaled500.jpg" 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href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-02/kEvcaEakpJmEgBytarnogsbBCswBfFrEHCsdqjriIwqqelqwkCIFaExaDCnh/28_3633761_29107-129.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="28_3633761_29107-129" height="333" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-02/kEvcaEakpJmEgBytarnogsbBCswBfFrEHCsdqjriIwqqelqwkCIFaExaDCnh/28_3633761_29107-129.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/awesome-laguna-beach-ocean-view-condo-with-18">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-02/IeamhgChffArmryxHtekuCsslyvJwBkvwlcdtGczAfnuArnotnwIaHEjvqnt/12_3633697_29107-113.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="12_3633697_29107-113" height="333" 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src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-02/qErdcElyHzkmxsAGEEGsEyGnFFhrGiulsjvkqGfJvqqdowajcEDjbtvDtyhc/27_3633757_29107-128.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/awesome-laguna-beach-ocean-view-condo-with-18">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-02/BpiikidebzisEehceDGkAbybrHcrqIhHduigrrxDhoxclAmpkcDvkEzuDEau/28_3633761_29107-129.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="28_3633761_29107-129" height="333" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-02/BpiikidebzisEehceDGkAbybrHcrqIhHduigrrxDhoxclAmpkcDvkEzuDEau/28_3633761_29107-129.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/awesome-laguna-beach-ocean-view-condo-with-18">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/awesome-laguna-beach-ocean-view-condo-with-18#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/-u6APABzMSU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/awesome-laguna-beach-ocean-view-condo-with-18 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:55:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/Lq6E7O7PbBk/housing-stimulus-package-its-like-having-the http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/housing-stimulus-package-its-like-having-the <p> <p>Take advantage of this exclusive limited time offer. If you are in the market to buy a home, just use us as your Realtors and our convenient bundle of real estate services and you'll receive a bundle of benefits and savings from us, including a 1/4% interest rate reduction for the life of the loan - all at no cost to you!</p> <p>The total amount of the program benefits is dependent on the dollar amount of the mortgage taken by the buyer to complete the transaction. For example, if your loan amount is $417,000 you can save up to $23,269 dollars. To be eligible you have to be either a first time buyer or current homeowner as long as you are purchasing the property for owner occupancy and you have to buy prior to October 31st.</p> <p>Call us today to find out how you can qualify for these savings. This is a limited time offer so don't delay. You can reach us at 714.299.3400. We are First Team Realtors with lots of experience who work in the Orange County area. Why not put the power and the convenience of one-stop shopping to work for you and save thousands of dollars! For complete package details in writing, please contact us.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/housing-stimulus-package-its-like-having-the">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/housing-stimulus-package-its-like-having-the#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/Lq6E7O7PbBk" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/housing-stimulus-package-its-like-having-the Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:03:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/q1hnD5nLCW8/old-town-tustin-concerts-in-the-park http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/old-town-tustin-concerts-in-the-park <p> <p>Ahhh....summer. Gotta love it. Sunny days and Concerts in the Park. My favorite part of the year in Old Town Tustin.</p> <p>Concerts in the Park started a week ago. I missed it and that's too bad. The Fenians played and they usually draw a great crowd and have great Irish music. But I went yesterday and as usual I had a great time. An 80's cover band called Neon Nation played songs that remind me of high school. Oh the memories! But I thought they were pretty good and from all the people dancing I figure everyone else thought so too.</p> <p>What I love about Concerts in the Park is that it's music the way it should be. You take a nice big blanket to the park to sit on, you open up a bottle of wine,  you get your dinner out of your picnic basket or picnic backpack and you relax and enjoy the music. Part of enjoying the music is seeing other people you know: your neighbors, your co-workers, your family, your friends. It's a great place to catch up and socialize. Yesterday I did it differently. We have new neighbors that moved in across the street from the park. They invited us to come and grill with them and listen to the music from their front porch. How cool is that? You don't even have to leave your house. We had a great night hanging out with them and eating a gourmet feast although I did kind of miss the whole sit-in-the-grass part. Don't know why. Maybe because then you're in the middle of it all.</p> <p>If you haven't been to Concerts in the Park, I recommend it highly. It's every Wednesday night until August 11th. The bands that are playing are:</p> <p>July 7                 The Nocturnes, Surf         </p> <p>July 14               Alturas, Latin / World Music</p> <p>July 21               .45 Band, Classic Rock</p> <p>July 28                Danny Dean and The Rockabilly Rebels, Rockabilly / Swing</p> <p>August 4             Open Wide, 70's / 80's</p> <p>August 11           Don't Stop Believin', Journey Tribute</p> <p>See you there!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/old-town-tustin-concerts-in-the-park">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/old-town-tustin-concerts-in-the-park#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/q1hnD5nLCW8" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/old-town-tustin-concerts-in-the-park Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:51:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/gg9YHOrQS1c/20205917 http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/20205917 <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-11/fmbaafIpzrxsaIHBAaymAHrsFxpbezGDryegiwrvfpoEoEJrxpvEDmzFzzAg/1_3530498_28434_102.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="1_3530498_28434_102" height="334" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-11/fmbaafIpzrxsaIHBAaymAHrsFxpbezGDryegiwrvfpoEoEJrxpvEDmzFzzAg/1_3530498_28434_102.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-11/sdjDqcetdGwwaoFetuafzmzvjfqlbEsDDkdsnsCEJqHjkbCBBaqgjyxGapnu/2_3530502_28434_101.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="2_3530502_28434_101" height="333" 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src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-11/xmjvgavBvHyzuoDrnAuBpecinegiiJdABdAGenquloqlfJhttFHbmfayewdd/35_3530634_28434_135.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-11/sycvzktCxamBnbxeunibpFHingyojqhhmjIgkhlncAImcJmEipoFyAymFeej/36_3530638_28434_136.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="36_3530638_28434_136" height="333" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-11/sycvzktCxamBnbxeunibpFHingyojqhhmjIgkhlncAImcJmEipoFyAymFeej/36_3530638_28434_136.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-11/bwrmoEeFrazjfpqiGqmhBlcEFseyEhIGglJCjJuwzreEtbfjjsDwtzGCnhEA/38_3530646_28434_138.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="38_3530646_28434_138" height="334" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-11/bwrmoEeFrazjfpqiGqmhBlcEFseyEhIGglJCjJuwzreEtbfjjsDwtzGCnhEA/38_3530646_28434_138.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-11/uAreHykgqyGvJkIccxwzlbHoietHaClbcAnBxiatapgtbDHzFgFDrAdlucpE/43_3530666_28434_143.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="43_3530666_28434_143" height="333" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-11/uAreHykgqyGvJkIccxwzlbHoietHaClbcAnBxiatapgtbDHzFgFDrAdlucpE/43_3530666_28434_143.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/20205917">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> TWO ON A LOT IN OLD TOWN TUSTIN for just $599,000!</p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.oldtowntustinhomes.com/" title="Old Town Tustin Homes">www.oldtowntustinhomes.com</a> for more photos and information.</p> <p>Fabulous opportunity to own a charming California Bungalow with detached guesthouse in Old Town Tustin. This 1928 bungalow has lots of character and features 2 bedrooms/1 bath, beautiful hardwood floors with coved ceilings in the dining and living rooms, and an archway separating both rooms. The remodeled kitchen has recessed lighting, maple cabinets and granite counters and the vintage style bathroom has the original built-in vanity with globe lights that give it lots of character. It also features a spacious attic perfect for your extra storage needs. Behind the kitchen is a brick patio with private backyard perfect for growing a small garden.</p> <p>The back unit has 3 bedrooms/2 baths with a spacious backyard and lots of windows for maximizing natural light. The kitchen is remodeled with maple cabinets and a large slider to access the backyard. The light and bright living room features high ceilings with access to the first floor bedroom and bath.<span style="">  </span>The second downstairs bedroom has it’s own private entry beside the main entry. Upstairs, there is a large office with attached bedroom and bath. Both units share a detached laundry area. This home is in Old Town Tustin, close to Peppertree Park. Enjoy Summer Concerts in the Park, walk to the weekly Organic Farmer’s Market, or just go for a stroll or dinner in one of the many mom-and-pop restaurants in downtown Old Town.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/20205917">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/20205917#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/gg9YHOrQS1c" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/20205917 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:46:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/pSX9hFSkbkI/historic-home-with-one-guesthouse-in-old-town http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/historic-home-with-one-guesthouse-in-old-town <p> <p>Coming Soon! This home is not on the MLS yet and is a brand new listing in Old Town Tustin. Two on a lot on a quiet interior street in Old Town. Great condition and very cute. Priced at $599,000. If you are interested, please contact us at 714-299-3400. We will provide more information on this site later once photos are taken. Don't miss your chance to see it prior to it hitting the MLS.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/historic-home-with-one-guesthouse-in-old-town">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/historic-home-with-one-guesthouse-in-old-town#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/pSX9hFSkbkI" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/historic-home-with-one-guesthouse-in-old-town Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:43:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/wUWcY42iIv4/chili-cook-off-in-old-town-tustin http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/chili-cook-off-in-old-town-tustin <p> <p><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, Bitstream Vera Sans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Ahhhh the Chili Cook off. Gotta love it. Lots of chili, lots of beer, and lots of sun. Makes for a great combo! This is one of my favorite summer things to do in Old Town. They say about 30,000 people descend on our Old Town for this cook off and that it is one of the largest chili cook offs in California (at least that's what my memory is telling me - I may be wrong and if I am I apologize in advance). Regardless, it's definitely worth a look.<br />They close down El Camino Real between First and Sixth Streets and a few of the side streets so the heart of downtown Old Town becomes a pedestrian thoroughfare. Then they line up all of the chili cook off participants up and down the right and left hand sides of the street and the competitors cook their chili on the spot. Mmmmm, the sights, sounds and smells of the cook off. You buy tickets for the tastings and then you can stroll over to any of the participating chili cookers and try a sampling of their chili. Some of the competitors come back every year and make some great chili that sticks to the inside of your ribs. You can watch as they add their secret and not so secret ingredients and even chat with them about the chili making process if they're so inclined. Every year I tell myself that next year I will participate and make the most smoking hot chili anyone has ever tasted but I get busy, life goes on, and the chili cook off becomes but a fond memory. There is also music, I think last year there were two bandstands. And, of course, who can have chili without the beer. And lots of it. There are also shows that are put on by local dance troups, crafts for sale, and tons of people. For some of us who enjoy people watching it can be quite entertaining. Not sure how many hours it lasts, long enough, though I wouldn't mind seeing it go into the evening some day. I love it because I always see people I know and I always finish off the day of hot chili eating with a dip in the pool. Can't beat that! If you're interested in Old Town Tustin and have ever considered moving into the neighborhood or checking it out, Chili Cook Off is the perfect opportunity. It's this Sunday, June 6th in Old Town Tustin. And if you're interested in checking out any of the homes for sale in the neighborhood, don't forget to call us at 714-299-3400 - we're locals and can give you all the information you'll need.</span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/chili-cook-off-in-old-town-tustin">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/chili-cook-off-in-old-town-tustin#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/wUWcY42iIv4" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/chili-cook-off-in-old-town-tustin Wed, 19 May 2010 20:34:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/pbSmTQTQsM4/consumer-alert-on-refinanced-mortgages-and-de http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/consumer-alert-on-refinanced-mortgages-and-de <p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> <p class="BodyText" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>From the California Association of Realtors</em></span></p> <p class="BodyText" style="font-size: 10.5pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; font-family: arial;"> </p> <p class="BodyText" style="font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; font-family: arial;">California has protected borrowers from so-called "deficiency" liability on their home mortgages since the 1930s, but the evolution of mortgage finance requires that the statute be updated.</p> <p class="BodyText" style="font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; font-family: arial;"> </p> <p class="BodyText" style="font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; font-family: arial;">Current law says that if a homeowner defaults on a mortgage used to purchase his or her home, the homeowner's liability on the mortgage is limited to the property itself. The law has worked well since the 1930s to protect borrowers, ensure the quality of loan underwriting and allow borrowers who are brought down by financial crisis to get back on their feet.</p> <p class="BodyText" style="font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; font-family: arial;"> </p> <p class="BodyText" style="font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; font-family: arial;">Unfortunately, the 1930s law does not extend the protection for purchase money mortgages to loans that re-finance the original purchase debt -- even if the re-finance was only to gain a lower interest rate.  Recent years of low interest rates have induced tens of thousands of homeowners to refinance their mortgages, yet almost no one realized that by re-financing their mortgage to obtain a lower rate, they were forfeiting their protections. These borrowers became <strong>personally liable</strong> for the balance of the loan.</p> <p class="BodyText" style="font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; font-family: arial;"> </p> <p class="BodyText" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in;"><strong style=""><span class="BodyText"><strong>The California Association of Realtors is Sponsoring SB 1178:</strong></span></strong></p> <p class="BodyText" style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: 800;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The California Association of Realtors is sponsoring SB 1178 to extend anti-deficiency protections to homeowners who have refinanced “purchase money” loans and are now facing foreclosure. Most homeowners didn't know that when they refinanced they lost their legal protections, and now may be personally liable for the difference between the value of the foreclosed property and the amount owed to the lender.    <p class="BodyText" style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: arial; text-align: left;">SB 1178 will be voted on soon by the entire Senate.  One can’t help but think, “When is enough, enough?” Banks have already foreclosed upon a family’s home and now lenders can continue to hound them for additional payment. How much more money can today’s families afford to pay when they’ve already lost their homes and most likely their jobs? Are they never to have the opportunity to begin again?</p> </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="BodyText" style=""><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: symbol;">·     </span><strong style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: arial;"><span class="BodyText"><strong>SB 1178 is fair</strong>. </span></strong><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: arial;"><span class="BodyText">Home buyers, and lenders, entered into the purchase with the idea that the mortgage would be non-recourse debt, and that the lender would look to the security (the house) itself to make good on the debt if the borrower cannot.  It meets the legitimate expectation of the borrowers, who have no idea that they are losing this protection by a refinance. Home owners didn't know that their refinance exposed them to personal liability, and new tax liability, on the note. It would be unfair to allow a lender, or someone that has purchased a note from a lender, to pursue the borrower beyond the value of the agreed upon security</span>.<br /></span>  </p> <p class="BodyText" style="">    <strong> </strong> <span style="font-family: arial;"><strong>SB 1178 is consistent</strong> with the intent of the original law and simply updates it for modern times. Current law was intended to ensure that if someone lost their home to foreclosure, they wouldn’t be liable for additional payment. Since the law was passed over 70 years ago, homeowners refinancing from the original loan to lower their interest rate has become a commonplace. The 1930s legislature didn’t anticipate how mortgages would change over time.</span></p> <p class="BodyText" style="font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-family: arial;"> </p> <p class="BodyText" style="">·     <strong>Lenders could pursue families to collect this “deficiency debt”</strong> years down the road. Under current law, lenders have up to ten years to collect on the additional debt after a judgment has been entered on the foreclosure. Years after a family has lost their home, they could find themselves in even more financial trouble. Lenders could even sell these accounts to aggressive collection agencies or even bundle them into securities. The end result would be banks who didn’t lend responsibly in the first place coming after families for even more money that they don’t have.</p> <p class="BodyText" style="font-size: 11pt; margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-family: arial;"> </p> <p class="BodyText" style="">·     <span class="BodyText"><strong style="font-family: arial;">SB 1178 does NOT apply to “cash-out” refinances, unless the money was used to improve the home and it doesn’t apply to HELOCs.</strong></span></p> </span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/consumer-alert-on-refinanced-mortgages-and-de">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/consumer-alert-on-refinanced-mortgages-and-de#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/pbSmTQTQsM4" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/consumer-alert-on-refinanced-mortgages-and-de Mon, 17 May 2010 17:55:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/eSFjcmETzSU/historic-home-with-two-guesthouses-in-old-tow http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/historic-home-with-two-guesthouses-in-old-tow <p> <p>We just took a substantial price reduction on this wonderful property in Old Town Tustin. This is a historic California Bungalow with two guest houses and is an exciting and unique opportunity as the potential for this property is endless. The main house is a fully renovated three bed, two bath house with formal living and dining rooms, fireplace and abundant natural light. It has a remodeled kitchen with center island, vintage style cabinets and adjacent breakfast nook. It also has upgraded plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.</p> <p>In addition to the main house there is a studio guest house with kitchenette over the two car garage. The studio has wood floors and lots of light with a small porch or mud room at the entrance. The additional guest house is behind the garage with one bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Both guest houses are on an electric meter separate from the main house.</p> <p>The property also features a detached game room perfect for billiards, a sewing room or the kids’ playroom. At 200 ft deep the enormous backyard feels like a park with its vast lawn and mature avocado trees. This property may be eligible for the Mills Act historic property tax reduction program. Ask us about that if you're interested.</p> <p>Old Town Tustin is centrally located and offers excellent options for walking to summer concerts in the park, the weekly organic farmer’s market, and many fine family-owned restaurants. No HOA, no Mello-Roos. Equity seller. For more information and photos, please visit our website <a href="http://oldtowntustinhomes.com/default.asp?f=listing_details&amp;listingid=184287&amp;listingtype=1">www.oldtowntustinhomes.com</a>.</p> <p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/historic-home-with-two-guesthouses-in-old-tow">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/historic-home-with-two-guesthouses-in-old-tow#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/eSFjcmETzSU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/historic-home-with-two-guesthouses-in-old-tow Thu, 13 May 2010 18:20:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/JTIrath5L8Y/large-100-year-old-craftsman-to-come-on-the-m http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/large-100-year-old-craftsman-to-come-on-the-m <p> <p><span style="font-family: Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, Bitstream Vera Sans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">I don't know about the rest of you, but I hold a special place in my heart for the Craftsman style home. I love the earthiness of this style, all the wood and the natural feel of it all. What a great era that was. It never ceases to amaze me how well built the homes were. They were all unique and the craftsmen that built them put so much care and art into them. That's why I'm excited about this awesome Craftsman that is coming on the market soon. It's 100 years old and is known at the Kleidosty House. It's located in Park Santiago and is an outstanding example of the Craftsman era. It is historically noteworthy as one of the handful of homes in Santa Ana still in existence today that were built on orchards or ranches in Orange County. I can imagine this home surrounded by acres and acres of land - how different from our homes in this area today. The home has much of it's original leaded glass as well as original stained glass windows and a massive speckled brick fireplace. It has it's original built-in china cabinets and bookcases and a very neat round porch that seats eight that is reminiscent of a Queen Anne style porch. It's a large home, 3000 square feet, and it has a 650 square foot basement. This home is truly a gem and when it does come on I'll make sure to post some photos here. If any of you are interested in more information or would like a private showing before it hits the market, please call us at 714-299-3400. We'd love to find a loving owner for this great home.</span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/large-100-year-old-craftsman-to-come-on-the-m">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/large-100-year-old-craftsman-to-come-on-the-m#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/JTIrath5L8Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/large-100-year-old-craftsman-to-come-on-the-m Wed, 12 May 2010 14:58:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/hFnyVDCXe9w/hafa-the-home-affordable-foreclosure-alternat http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/hafa-the-home-affordable-foreclosure-alternat <p> <p><span style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: medium;"> <p class="Title" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; color: #000000; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px;"> </p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px;"><span class="BodyBold" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; color: #000000;">T<span style="font-size: small;">rying to reduce the rising number of foreclosures</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> in the U.S., the Treasury Department introduced a new federal program that makes it easier to process a short sale for people unable to keep their homes.</span></p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="BodyBold" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; color: #000000;">Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives</span> (HAFA) streamlines the process for doing a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure for distressed homeowners who do not qualify for a federal home loan modification through the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) or have missed consecutive payments after a modification.</span></p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="BodyBold" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; color: #000000;">The HAFA program started April 5, 2010,</span> and ends December 31, 2012. Federal rules require servicers participating in HAMP to implement HAFA. The new program also requires borrowers to be released fully from future liabilities related to their first mortgage, including cash contributions, promissory notes and deficiency judgments.</span></p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="BodyBold" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; color: #000000;">Participation in HAFA</span> cannot save homeowners from losing their property, but it can eliminate the effects of a foreclosure on their credit. Financial incentives for program participation include a $1,000 servicing bonus for lenders and a $1,500 relocation bonus for displaced homeowners. Lenders of other subordinate liens (e.g., HELOCs) may be allowed to keep a limited portion of the proceeds (up to $3,000 each) of a short sale, with the first-lien lender’s approval.</span></p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="BodyBold" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; color: #000000;">HAFA is designed for homeowners</span> who have applied to HAMP for assistance but have had no success with their loan modification program. To participate in HAFA, homeowners must still meet HAMP’s eligibility criteria: home is principal residence; first-lien mortgage is in delinquency or default is reasonably foreseeable; loan closed before January 1, 2009; unpaid balance is under $729,750; and the mortgage payment is over 31% of gross income.</span></p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px;"> </p> <p class="BodyCopy" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="BodyBold" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; color: #000000;">For more information on HAFA,</span> go to the following link: </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yshortcuts"><a href="https://www.hmpadmin.com//portal/programs/foreclosure_alternatives.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hmpadmin.com/portal/programs/foreclosure_alternatives.html</a> If you are a distressed homeowner in need of assistance, please contact us at 714-299-3400. We've helped many distressed homeowners with information and short sales when necessary.</span></span></p> </span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/hafa-the-home-affordable-foreclosure-alternat">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/hafa-the-home-affordable-foreclosure-alternat#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/hFnyVDCXe9w" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/hafa-the-home-affordable-foreclosure-alternat Thu, 06 May 2010 19:25:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/BY4kn0ldeBA/how-to-buy-a-foreclosure-4 http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/how-to-buy-a-foreclosure-4 <p> <p><span style="font-size: small;">Everyone always wants to know how to buy a foreclosed home. This is a brief entry on how that works.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There are three basic stages of foreclosure in California: Pre-foreclosure, trustee’s sale, and repossession, often called an REO or real estate owned by the bank. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pre-foreclosure homes are in the foreclosure process, but have not yet been auctioned. Owners of pre-foreclosed homes often try to sell the properties because they are “underwater,” meaning they owe more on the mortgage than the home currently is worth.  Many homeowners attempt to sell via short sale, where the lender must agree to accept less than the amount owed on the mortgage. Buying at this stage of foreclosure often is a complicated and slow process. However, buyers of pre-foreclosed properties often are given the opportunity to inspect the home prior to purchasing, whereas this is not always the case when buying at other stages of foreclosures.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The second basic stage of foreclosure is the public auction at a trustee’s or foreclosure sale. Homes in this stage often are well priced, but also come with challenges to buy. These homes may not be available for inspection and buyers may later discover the property needs numerous repairs. As a result, many of the homes at auction are purchased by investors and contractors who have experience working with homes needing numerous repairs, or taken back as REO by the foreclosing lenders.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If a home does not sell to a third party at the trustee’s auction, the bank takes the property--the final stage of the foreclosure process. Although homes in this stage typically do not offer buyers the best prices, buyers generally can perform a thorough inspection of the property prior to closing. These are the type of foreclosed homes that buyers in the market most commonly purchase. You will see them advertised as "BANK OWNED" or "REO" or "FORECLOSURE" in the MLS as well as on any of the more popular listing sites like Realtor.com. Commonly, these homes are advertised as being sold in "as is condition" with "no repairs". However, we have had numerous occasions where we have been able to get major repairs done by the banks in order to close escrow with our buyers. So don't let their "as is" terminology scare you. You just need to work with someone who knows how to get the repairs through and what types of repairs they'll accept.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>If you are interested in purchased a foreclosure, please give us a call at 714-299-3400 or contact us via <a href="http://www.markusandheidi.com/default.asp.f-contactme">email</a>. We're happy to meet with you and give you an in-depth session on the ins and outs of buying a foreclosure.</span></span></span></span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/how-to-buy-a-foreclosure-4">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/how-to-buy-a-foreclosure-4#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/BY4kn0ldeBA" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/how-to-buy-a-foreclosure-4 Thu, 06 May 2010 14:33:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/VH4NfN7H7oc/turn-key-north-tustin-home-for-a-great-price http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/turn-key-north-tustin-home-for-a-great-price <p> <p><span style="">Upgraded, completely move-in ready home in North Tustin. Located north of Irvine Blvd, this charming home features beautiful original hardwood flooring, custom paint, and upgraded windows for lots of natural light. The kitchen is spacious with quartz countertops, beautiful cabinetry, views to the yard, and an open design toward the living room. The living room features a cozy fireplace, hardwood floors and views of the back yard. The dining area has lots of natural light with a slider to access the backyard which makes it perfect for summer entertaining. Located on a quiet, interior cul-de-sac with access to prestigious Tustin schools including Redhill Elementary, this home is truly the perfect opportunity for the discerning homebuyer. And with its large, grassy back yard, low property taxes, no Mello-Roos and no HOA dues, you just can't go wrong with this home.</span></p> <p>Click <a href="http://www.markusandheidi.com/default.asp?f=listing_details&amp;listingid=206597&amp;listingtype=1">here</a> for more information.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/turn-key-north-tustin-home-for-a-great-price">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/turn-key-north-tustin-home-for-a-great-price#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/VH4NfN7H7oc" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/turn-key-north-tustin-home-for-a-great-price Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:20:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/BC7OvoF-1bI/short-sale-basics-for-sellers http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/short-sale-basics-for-sellers <p> <p style="line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #333333;">People always ask me what a short sale is and how it works. In a nutshell, a short sale is when a home is sold for less than the amount owed on the mortgage for the home. This occurs when the bank agrees to take less than the full amount due on the mortgage. You are basically asking the bank for permission to sell your home “short”.</span><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; font-family: Georgia; color: #333333;"></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #333333;">A seller doesn’t have to be behind on their loan to do a short sale. If sellers want to pursue a short sale as an option, they must owe more than what the home is worth, demonstrate the house can’t be sold for the amount owed, and they must suffer from a legitimate financial hardship that makes the mortgage unaffordable.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #333333;">The next step in the short sale process is to assemble a short sale package. This package includes things such as a financial statement showing monthly expenses, income documentation, bank statements, tax returns, a listing agreement, purchase agreement, an estimated HUD statement and a financial hardship letter.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #333333;">If the home is sold as a short sale, there will be a difference between the amount owed and what the bank collects. This is called the shortage or the deficiency. Sometimes this deficiency may be negotiable. Some banks will seek a promissory note for the deficiency, meaning that the seller may be responsible to pay the difference between what the home sold for and what is owed to the lender. Some lenders might choose to file a collection or a judgment for the amount owed. The seller should be certain that any amount of debt, or release from debt, is received in writing. If the deficiency is forgiven, the lender can write off the shortage with the IRS, which means the seller may be responsible for paying taxes on the amount of the deficiency. However, the Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 generally allows taxpayers the potential for relief from tax on mortgage debt forgiveness. </span></p> <p style="line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #333333;">A short sale will affect the seller’s credit score, but generally not as badly as a foreclosure will. To minimize the effect on a credit score, sellers can try to work with the bank to have them report the payoff in the best possible manner.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #333333;">Short sales can be very tricky and time consuming. They have to be handled by professionals who know what they’re doing so they can be proactive rather than reactive in any situation that presents itself during the process.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #333333;">Realtors are not required to train on how to do short sales correctly – this is shocking to me. I believe training should be a requirement so that both the sellers and the buyers can be confident that they are working with someone knowledgeable about the process and who is going to handle the transaction in an ethical manner.</span></p> <p style="line-height: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #333333;">My husband and I are trained Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Realtors. We went through the course that the National Association of Realtors offers to those Realtors that are interested. Short sales are going to be around for years to come and we wanted to make sure that we had all of the information we would need to help our clients understand the options available to them. We have now teamed up with a legal team that advises our sellers on their options and helps them determine which option is best for <em>them</em>. Not what is best for everyone else. This is about helping the distressed seller understand their options so they can make educated decisions and handle their situation in a dignified manner.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #333333;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #333333;">If you or anyone you know is in a distress situation, please </span><a href="http://www.markusandheidi.com/default.asp.f-contactme"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #666666;">contact us</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #333333;">.</span></span></span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/short-sale-basics-for-sellers">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/short-sale-basics-for-sellers#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/BC7OvoF-1bI" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/short-sale-basics-for-sellers Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:45:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/OVSK1UX4XzA/stripping-wood-molding-part-two http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/stripping-wood-molding-part-two <p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px;">Well, after 90 days of living in what I affectionately call “hell”, the stripping is finally done. I should’ve known the guy’s estimate of 9 days was unrealistic but I was so caught up in finally getting this last piece of restoration done that I let it cloud my judgment. The house looks great and the Douglas Fir molding that was buried under layers and layers of paint really shines and makes our Craftsman really look like a Craftsman again. Was it worth it? Yeah, I guess it was.</p> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px;">Like I said, we started this project 90 days ago. At that time I had come across a worker guy at a house down the street that had been completely restored to its former glory. I took a look inside and asked the guy that was there who was responsible for doing the molding. When he replied that he was, I quickly asked him to come down the block to my house and give me an estimate.</p> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px;">He came buy late in the day and did a walk thru of the house. He described how he would strip the paint and that I didn’t have to pay him until the project was complete and then only when I was truly satisfied and happy with the job. Great! What did I have to lose? My sanity, that’s all!</p> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px;">Looking back I realize that he really had no clue as to how long it would take him. I asked him numerous times, in disbelief, if it would really only take 9 days. Of course, he said. He would use the liquid stripper that works great and removes everything quickly. He would cover the floors and the furniture so that nothing would be damaged. Huh!</p> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px;">To be fair, he did cover the floors and the furniture. However, he didn’t account for tears he put in the paper and plastic that allowed for stripper to come through and basically strip my couch and floor along with the molding. Ouch! Those are expensive items to repair.</p> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px;">Needless to say my husband and I were not too happy with the way the job was progressing. But then we’d look up at the 96-year-old Douglas Fir crown molding around the perimeter of the dining room and we’d think, “That is awesome” and “Thank God we didn’t have to do it” and we’d overlook some of the damage as minor compared with having to do the work ourselves.</p> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px;">In the end, our house looks great. Yes, our nerves were on edge for the last couple of weeks hoping that nothing else was damaged that could not be replaced or repaired. And yes, we know that this job should have cost us a lot more than what this guy charged us. So now I’ll get the new couch I’ve been bugging my husband to get and my husband will need to do some repair work to the floor. In the end, the house looks 100% better than it did and we don’t have any sore muscles to show for it.</p> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px;">My only word of caution to those of you looking for someone to strip your molding on your historic home: go and visit the references that your worker tells you about and talk to them about their experience. Find out if the guy was responsible with their home, cleaned up after himself, and take a look at the work he did. I wish I had. But then, maybe I wouldn’t have hired him and my molding would still be covered in remnant paint. It’s hard to find someone to do work on your historic home as lovingly as you would. So many people out there just don’t understand the value of the 100-year-old wood or why you would rather keep your historic hardware than “upgrade” to something new and shiny. It’s tough to find workers that know historic, know what they’re doing with regards to historic, and care enough to respect the historic home. If you find someone like that, refer them here. I’d love to share a good resource with everyone else.</p> </span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/stripping-wood-molding-part-two">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/stripping-wood-molding-part-two#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/OVSK1UX4XzA" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/stripping-wood-molding-part-two Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:39:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/g-WoCxHEax4/lead-based-paint-renovation-rule http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/lead-based-paint-renovation-rule <p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px;">Starting today, renovations that disturb lead-based paint in older residential dwellings and child-occupied facilities must generally comply with the Lead-Based Paint Renovation Rule of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Anyone performing renovations, repairs, or painting projects for properties built before 1978 (yes, that’s the magic number) will need to be informed about these lead renovation requirements. Look for prices on these types of services to go up due to the training that will be required.</p> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px;">Under the newly implemented rule, renovators of target housing built before 1978 must now be trained and EPA-certified to perform safe work practices to prevent lead contamination. Additionally, renovators must deliver EPA’s lead renovation pamphlet to an occupant within 60 days before a project begins (and, if mailed, at least seven days before a project begins). Renovators must also obtain the occupant’s signed acknowledgment of receipt or substitute documentation as specified.</p> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px;">The EPA issued this rule in 2008, but delayed implementation until now. The rule generally applies to building contractors, handymen, residential landlords, property managers, and anyone else who is paid to perform renovations or to direct workers to perform renovations as specified. The lead renovation rule does not apply to homeowners renovating the homes they live in. However, sellers of target housing must, among other things, disclose to their buyers any known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards (C.A.R. Form FLD).</p> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px;">Renovation work covered by the lead renovation rule is defined as a modification of an existing structure that disturbs a painted surface, such as surface restoration or surface preparation activity. Excluded are minor repair and maintenance activities that disrupt up to 6 square feet of interior painted surface or 20 square feet of exterior painted surface. Demolitions and window replacements are not considered minor repairs.</p> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px;">For more information about the lead renovation rule, see the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting <a href="http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm" title="EPA webpage" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: underline;">webpage</a> which includes the new requirements, pamphlets, and other resources. If you want to locate an EPA-certified renovation firm, go to <a href="http://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/searchrrp_firm.htm" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: underline;">http://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/searchrrp_firm.htm</a>.</p> </span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/lead-based-paint-renovation-rule">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/lead-based-paint-renovation-rule#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/g-WoCxHEax4" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/lead-based-paint-renovation-rule Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:05:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~3/PNpkZjo0PaU/no-more-state-tax-on-forgiven-debt-from-short http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/no-more-state-tax-on-forgiven-debt-from-short <p> <p><span style="font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> <p style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-right: 0px;">Brought to you by the California Association of Realtors...</p> <p style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-right: 0px;">Distressed homeowners no longer have to pay California state income tax on debt forgiven in a short sale, foreclosure, or loan modification. Enacted into law yesterday, Senate Bill 401 generally aligns California's tax treatment of mortgage debt relief income with federal law.  For debt forgiven on a loan secured by a "qualified principal residence," borrowers will now be exempt from both federal and state income tax consequences. The existing federal exemption is for indebtedness up to $2 million, whereas the new California exemption is for indebtedness up to $800,000 and forgiven debt up to $500,000.</p> <p style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-right: 0px;">"Qualified principal residence" indebtedness is defined as debt incurred in acquiring, constructing, or substantially improving a principal residence. It includes both first and second trust deeds. It also includes a refinance loan to the extent the funds were used to payoff a previous loan that would have qualified.</p> <p style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-right: 0px;">The tax breaks apply to debts discharged from 2009 through 2012. Californians who have already filed their 2009 tax returns may claim the exemption by filing a Form 540X amendment.<br /> <br />Taxpayers who do not qualify for the above exemptions (e.g., second home or rental property) may nevertheless be exempt under other provisions. Most notably, taxpayers who are bankrupt are exempt from debt relief income tax. Also, taxpayers who are insolvent are exempt from debt relief income tax to the extent their current liabilities exceed current assets.</p> <p style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-right: 0px;">For more information about mortgage forgiveness tax consequences, go to California Franchise Tax Board's <a href="http://www.ftb.ca.gov/aboutFTB/newsroom/Mortgage_Debt_Relief_Law.shtml" target="_blank">webpage</a> and the Internal Revenue Service's <a href="http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=179414,00.html" title="IRS" target="_blank">webpage</a>. The full text of Senate Bill 401 is available at <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/" title="CA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="font-size: 11px; color: #003366; font-weight: bold;"><span class="yshortcuts">www.leginfo.ca.gov</span></a>. </p> <p style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-right: 0px;">If you are interested in doing a short sale and need more information on the process, please contact us at 714.299.3400 or <a href="http://www.markusandheidi.com/default.asp.f-contactme" title="Contact Us">email us</a>.</p> <p /> </span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/no-more-state-tax-on-forgiven-debt-from-short">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/no-more-state-tax-on-forgiven-debt-from-short#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OrangeCountyHistoricHomes/~4/PNpkZjo0PaU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/431854/Sept_2004_low_res.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5eHzK4tP1vFL Markus & Heidi Brown markusandheidibrown Markus &amp; Heidi Brown http://orangecountyhistorichomes.posterous.com/no-more-state-tax-on-forgiven-debt-from-short