Find, buy, or sell your home with the help of qualified professionals! Areas of Expertise include Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Camarillo, Pasadena, Agoura Hills, Ventura, Oxnard and Calabasas.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Our Resume

AUDRA CAMACHO, REALTOR®, WCR

Audra Camacho has been helping people in Southern California achieve their goals for over 15 years. She has become widely respected for her energetic spirit and willingness to help those in need.

Throughout the years, Audra has blossomed as a principal clarinet teacher and a Mary Kay Sales Director. Her students and clients hold her in the highest regard, and Audra goes the extra mile to maintain her superior reputation.

Now, as a Realtor® for Realty Executives - East County, Audra has found a way to further help her friends and colleges. Taking her energy and organizational skills to a new level, Audra is on the fast-track to becoming one of Southern California's premiere real estate agents. By exercising her teaching skills, Audra is able to alleviate her clients' worries by simultaneously anticipating their needs, while patiently clarifying every development of their real estate transaction.

AARON RENO, DIR. TECHNOLOGIES

Aaron Reno has been working directly and indirectly with computer technologies throughout his career. Most recently, Aaron utilized his computer skills to develop company-wide systems at a multi-million dollar literacy company for children ages K-12.

After completing his undertaking in the field of education, Aaron then turned his attention to real estate. Although there are many products available to real estate agents, most are incomplete in their design or simply not "user-friendly." It has become Aaron's new mission to systemize the way in which real estate transactions are handled, thus enabling agents to avoid errors triggered by a lack of systems and/or proper organization.

His mission was able to take shape when he and Audra decided to combine forces and enter the real estate industry together. Utilizing Audra's refined awareness of customer service and Aaron's ability to create data systems, a new and improved way of visualizing and maintaining crucial data began to develop. This development led to increased efficiency, which in turn led to heightened productivity. These improvements can be witnessed firsthand upon the initial meeting with either partner.

Monday, July 31, 2006

Who Pays What???


The SELLER generally pays:

X Standard CLTA owner’s Title Insurance

X Real Estate Commission

X Document preparation fee for Deed

X Documentary transfer tax

X Homeowner’s Transfer Fee

X Any City Transfer / Conveyance tax (according to contract)

X Any FHA or VA loan fees required by Buyer’s Lender

X Payoff of all loans in Seller’s name (or existing loan balance if being assumed by Buyer)

X Interest accrued to Lender being paid off, Statement Fees, Reconveyance Fees and any Prepayment Penalties.

X Termite Inspection (according to contract)

X Termite Work (according to contract)

X Home Warranty (according to contract)

X Any judgment, tax liens, etc. against Seller.

X Tax pro-ration (for any taxes unpaid at time of transfer of title)

X Any unpaid Homeowner’s dues

X Any bonds or assessments (according to contract)

X Any and all delinquent taxes

X Notary Fees

X Escrow Fees

X Seller’s portion of Sub-Escrow Fee

X Demand Fees

X REALTY EXECUTIVE’S Document Compliance Fee of $350.00 (includes the $99.00 risk management coverage).


The BUYER generally pays:

X Title insurance premiums (ALTA Loan Policy)

X Escrow Fees

X Document preparation (if applicable)

X Notary Fees

X Recording changes for all documents in Buyer’s names

X Termite Inspection (according to contract)

X Tax pro-ration (for date of acquisition)

X All new loan charges (except those required by Lender for Seller to pay)

X Assumption/Change of Records Fees for takeover of existing loan

X Beneficiary Statement Fee for assumption of existing loan

X Inspection Fees (roofing, property inspection, geological, etc.)

X Home Warranty (according to contract)

X City Transfer/Conveyance Tax (according to contract)

X Fire Insurance Premium for first year

X Buyer’s portion of Sub-Escrow Fee

X REALTY EXECUTIVE’S Document Compliance Fee of $350.00 (includes the $99.00 risk management coverage).

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Common Selling Mistakes

1. Pricing Your Home Too High
A real estate agent can research comparable sales in your area and advise you of the appropriate price range of your property.

2. Taking an Inflexible Position on Financing
Have your agent explain what financing options are available. Being flexible on financing terms may secure a better selling price.

3. Errors in Market Timing
The market can change on a daily basis. Ask your agent to determine whether the market cycle is poised to net you the most money.

4. Not Providing Easy Access for Showing
There are many ways to show a home. “Appointment Only” is the most restrictive, while lock boxes (key safes) are the most accessible. If your home is easy for agents to show, more prospective buyers will see it, improving your odds of getting the deal you want.

5. Not Utilizing Current Marketing Technology
Make sure your agent is knowledgeable on the latest technologies (such as websites and virtual tours) that cater to home buyers. Check around to see what technology is being utilized in your specific area. A good agent will know where you can get the best exposure.

6. Not “Staging” Your Property Correctly
Put some items in storage, create more light, play soothing music or otherwise improve the ambience. Your agent can offer helpful advice or recommend professional staging personnel to create the right first impression.

7. Believing That Selling Property Is Seasonal
Do not base selling decisions on the seasons as property sells year round.

8. Pricing Your Property Too Low
One reason to hire an agent is to make sure that you get the highest possible price for your home.

9. Not Re-evaluating the Market Plan
Re-evaluate your agent’s marketing plan every 10 days. You and your agent may need to make intuitive changes based on the current market and buyers.

10. Premature Lack of Confidence in Your Agent
Most sellers are unaware that 80% of all buyer activity comes from the sign and MLS. If you do not have a problem showing the home, but is has not generated any interested buyers, it may be time to re-evaluate the price.

11. Ignoring the Importance of First Impressions
Spend time on the little details. Many sales have been blown by unkempt lawns, cluttered closets, unpainted front doors, hard-to-work locks, blown light bulbs, stains, unlit areas and bad smells.

12. Not Making the Right Kind of Repairs
Do not be tempted to make improvements prior to listing without consulting your agent. Some upgrades will not yield any real increase in value, while others may increase property value substantially.

13. Not Giving the Sales Effort Enough Time
Never give too little time to what is inherently a long process. Homes may take 3-6 months to sell in any market. Estimate how much time you have before you need to sell and then plan ahead to allow extra time.

14. Not Screening Prospects Adequately
One of the best reasons for hiring an agent is his/her ability to prequalify a prospect financially before valuable negotiation time is lost. More importantly, your agent may discover when a prospect has an ulterior motive for shopping homes, other than purchasing.

15. Believing that You Can Not Make a Difference
The top agents in the industry report that sellers themselves are responsible for a least one out of ten sales! You can network to your friends, hand out fliers at your place of business, and keep your house in “move-in condition.” Your agent should be ready to hand you a few assignments to help make the “team effort” successful.

16. Testing the MarketNever put your property on the market unless you really want to sell it!
Get ready for a professional sales push when you list with a great agent. If your plan harbors uncertainty, resolve your concerns before

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Helpful Real Estate Advice

1. How many homes should I consider before purchasing?
There is no set number of properties you should see before deciding to purchase a home. Be sure to inform your real estate agent about everything you are looking for in a home. Frequent communication with your agent will help you avoid wasting time viewing properties that do not fit your needs.

2. How do I determine my housing needs?
Your home should fit your way of life. Make a list of your priorities. Think about how large your home should be and what type of lot you prefer.

Establish a set of minimum requirements and a wish list. Minimum requirements are those items a house must have to be considered for purchase. A wish list covers items you would like to have, but would not be essential in your decision to buy.

3. What should I look for when deciding on a community?
Select a community that will best fit your lifestyle. Many people choose communities based on schools, transportation, local facilities, libraries and museums. Others prefer the peace and quiet of rural communities.

When you find a community you like, speak with the people that live in the neighborhood. The locals know the most about their area and would be your future neighbors. Above all else, look for a neighborhood where you feel “at home.”

4. What is a mortgage?
A mortgage is a loan obtained to purchase real estate. The "mortgage" itself is a lien (legal claim) on the home or property that secures the promise to pay the debt. All mortgages have two features in common: principal and interest.

5. How large of a down payment do I need?
There are mortgage options available that only require a down payment of 5% (or less) of the purchase price. However, a larger down payment means you will be borrowing less money.

Mortgages with less than a 20% down payment generally require a mortgage insurance policy to secure the loan. When considering the size of your down payment, consider that you will also need money for closing costs, moving expenses, and any repairs not covered by the seller.

6. What should I look for during the final walk-through?
This may be your first opportunity to examine the house without furniture. Check the walls and ceilings carefully, as well as any work the seller agreed to do in response to the inspection. Any previously noted problems that you find uncorrected should be brought to the attention of your agent immediately.

7. How can I find out about local schools?
You can get information about school systems by contacting the city or county school board or the local schools. Your real estate agent may also be knowledgeable about schools in the area.

8. Should I use a real estate agent?
Using a real estate agent is a very good idea. All of the details involved in home buying (especially the financial ones) can be baffling. A good real estate professional can guide you through the entire process and make the experience much more pleasant.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Welcome to Our Blog!

This blog has been created for home buyers, sellers, and real estate agents alike. Please feel free to leave your questions and comments. For more information, please visit: www.AudraCamacho.com. Thanks!