Adam Brett's Blog - All Things Real Estate in Fullerton and Beyond

For the month of May the median selling price of homes in Orange County was $380,000 which is down 22.4% from a year ago

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:23:39 -0500

For the month of May the median selling price of homes in Orange County was $380,000 which is down 22.4% from a year ago and 41% below the peak that was reached in June 2007.

In the current market, single family homes are selling for 41% less than their peak pricing and condos are selling for 47% below their peak. Currently builder prices for new homes are 45% below their February ’05 top.

Over the last month, home buyers in Orange County purchased 2,451 residences – which is up 14.1% from a year ago.

April marked the 10^th straight month of sales gains vs. the year-ago period. This follows a period of 33 consecutive months where sales gains failed to beat the previous years pace.

Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club - Absolutely Amazing

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:35:50 -0500

If you live in South Orange County, San Clemente specifically - and golf is your passion; Bella Collina Towne and Golf Club is the place to be.

The Private Club features:

27 Holes

255 Acres of Pristine Rolling Hills

30,000 sq.ft. Clubhouse

... and this is just what is visible.

Bella Collina is re-inventing the private club model with Vineyards, Organic Vegetables, Pilates, a business center complete with wireless and video conferencing, and in the works is a Tuscan Outdoor Amphitheature.

Take a look at this article for a great overview from the San Clemente Times:

Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club writeup.

541 Princeton Cir in Fullerton - Stunning Home near Cal State Fullerton

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:06:40 -0500

Photo Gallery

Description

Stunning fully updated home in Lower Raymond Hills featuring Hardwood Floors throughout, double pane windows and sliders, remodeled kitchen with granite countertops & stainless steel appliances, updated bathroom with granite vanity, large covered patio, scraped ceilings, individual laundry room, central heat and air, and a very desirable open floor plan making the house light - bright - and airy. House feels MUCH bigger than the square footage. This is the street during the holidays with the sparkling globes hanging from the Jacaranda Trees. True neighborhood feel.

Features

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	1
Parking Spaces:	2
Year Built:	1950
Subdivision:	Lower Raymond Hills
Lot Size:	6124
Garage Size:	2
School District:	Fullerton
Square Footage:	1134
Agent Name:	Adam Brett
Broker:	RE/MAX NOC
MLS #:	P682701

Location

541 Princeton Cir East Fullerton CA 92831

vFlyer Id: 2550362

Is Broker Preview a Worthwhile Use Of Time?

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:13:59 -0600

As I sit - right now - at a broker preview with not a sole in attendance -
I ask the question:

Is this a good use of time?

I am of the opinion the answer is - sometimes yes.

Let me explain. 2 weeks ago I had a broker preview at a very nice 1.3 Million Dollar listing in an exclusive part of town. Over 30 agents came through with some excellent feedback. In that case it was well worth the time.

Today I am at a very nice yet average home for the area priced at $549,000.

Wait a sec - just had 1 person come through and they were in and out in no joke 15 seconds.

Beyond the seller appeasement aspect of the preview - I find agents don't preview the lower 2/3 of the market. However, I am still apt to do them as I am a believer you won't catch the fish if you don't put your line in the water.

I would love to hear how Broker Previews are viewed and the success rate you feel with the time spent.

Adam Brett
RE/MAX NOC
1441 Brea Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92835
714-496-8116
800-977-ADAM

How to Use Microsoft Outlook for Contact Management and Followup

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 15:24:48 -0500

I have made Microsoft Outlook an integral part of my business and I have simplified it to the point of routine.

I was recently asked to go over my implementation so here it is.

I am sure most people can figure out how to enter a contact in Outlook and there are multiple blogs and sites dedicated to grouping these contacts so I will leave you to do this.

Now that you have your contacts in Outlook and you are starting to set appointments, meeting people and scheduling follow-up, how do you keep track of it all.

Here is what I do.

First I set an all day appointment

I enter the date and place I met them, their contact info, needs and wants and any other pertinent information.

I then set the appointment date to the next day I want to make contact. Let's say 3 days later.

When the day arrives I see that I am supposed to Follow Up with Jim Smith.

If I call him I make an entry in the field with the content I sent him, If I called, and the outcome. I then save the appointment to the next day I want to make contact.

This isa very simple way to have your Contact Management and you never forget to call, email, or write someone.

I also make recurring appointments on every Monday to Follow Up with my listings and on Fridays to send my mass emails.

When I speak with my listings, I put a recurring appointment in the Calendar with the content of the conversation.

Outlook is searchable so I have everything I need in one place.

You are welcome to ask me questions and I will respond.

Fullerton - California Work of Art - "Lemon Park Murals"

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:46:49 -0600

David Whalen, 1978

East portion of Lemon Park
701 S Lemon St., Fullerton, CA 92832

Produced with assistance from community youth
8 separate panels, all dealing with Mexican American identity
Restored in 1998 by local artist Emigdio Vasquez

Fullerton has a wealth of fine art, history, and culture. We are famous for Fender Guitars, one of the best DownTown scenes in Orange County, and fine restaurants.

If you ever need a well informed Realtor, just give me a ring.

Adam Brett
714-496-8116
RE/MAX NOC

21st Annual Police K-9 Benefit Show - Orange County - California

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:03:42 -0500

Come Join us for the 21st Annual Police K-9 Benefit Show.

On October 11, 2008. The show starts at 6:00pm.

Held at Glover Stadium - 1151 N. Anaheim B;vd. - Anaheim, CA 92801.

For Tickets or advertising please visit: www.ocpca.org or call 714.227.8886.

Adam Brett
RE/MAX NOC
Fullerton, CA 92835
714.496.8116
www.RealtorAdam.com

If you are thinking of buying Real Estate in Orange County and want a pet friendly realtor, just give me a call.

Fullerton School Disctrict Open Enrollment ReInstated

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:28:10 -0500

Open enrollment has been reinstated in the Fullerton School District following a postponement because of budget concerns.

The enrollment period for the 2009-10 school year will be from March 30 to April 24, Administrative Services Director Marilyn White said.

"Because of potential budget cuts, we didn't know if we would have teachers or programs the parents would want," White said. "We decided to go forward with business as usual."

The program allows parents to apply to have their children attend a school other than their school of residence within the city.

Normally, the period is from early February to early March.

Intradistrict transfer forms are available at schools of residence. For information, call 714-447-7528.

USCGAUX Fly& Float Show at Fullerton Airport - Airport Day

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:02:54 -0500

The US Coast Guard Aux Flotilla 15-08 would like to invite the public to come out and experience the Fly & Float Show at the Fullerton Municipal Airport.

Kick-off is Saturday, May 9th at 9:00 with an opening ceremony with California Assemblyman and "boating advocate" Mike Duvall.

The event is to kickoff the National Safe Boating Week. This is an important role the Coast Guard and many other emergency water responders play in providing lifesaving and recreational boating services in Orange County. In attendance will be US Coast Guard aircraft, patrol boats/PWCs and other equipment along with the Orange County Fire Authority, California Highway Patrol and Anaheim & Fullerton Police units. Commander Chuck Street, local air traffic reporter will be on hand with others from the media. Additional displays include vintage aircraft, Racing boats, hot rods and related display booths & food vendors. We will also be giving safe boating & first aid demonstrations and free promotional giveaways.

If you would like to join in and/or have a display booth- Please send an email:
rouch@auxguardian.com

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Fact Sheet

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:20:26 -0600

Who is Eligible

The $8,000 tax credit is available for first-time home buyers only.
The law defines a first-time home buyer as a buyer who has not owned a home during the past three years.
All U.S. citizens who file taxes are eligible to participate in the program.

Income Limits

Home buyers who file as single or head-of-household taxpayers can claim the full $8,000 credit if their modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than $75,000.
For married couples filing a joint return, the income limit doubles to $150,000.
Single or head-of-household taxpayers who earn between $75,000 and $95,000 are eligible to receive a partial first-time home buyer tax credit.
Married couples who earn between $150,000 and $170,000 are eligible to receive a partial first-time home buyer tax credit.
The credit is not available for single taxpayers whose MAGI is greater than $95,000 and married couples with an MAGI that exceeds $170,000.

Effective Dates for the Tax Credit

First-time home buyers would receive a $8,000 tax credit for the purchase of any home on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. To qualify, you must actually close on the sale of the home during this period.

Tax Credit is Refundable ***This is a good thing***

A refundable credit means that if you pay less than $8,000 in federal income taxes, then the government will write you a check for the difference.
For example, if you owe $5,000 in federal income taxes, you would pay nothing to the IRS and receive a $3,000 payment from the government.
If you are due to receive a $1,000 tax refund from the government, your refund would grow to $9,000 ($1,000 plus $8,000 from the home buyer tax credit).
You are allowed to claim the credit for a purhase in 2009 on your 2008 tax returns. Consult your tax preparer.

Types of Homes that Qualify for the Tax Credit

All homes, whether single-family, townhomes or condominium apartments will qualify, provided that the home will be used as a principal residence and the buyer has not owned a home in the prior three years. This also includes newly-constructed homes.

Jury Duty - Does self-employed mean anything anymore

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 18:31:10 -0500

I just received a summons for Jury Duty. Now I would love to do my civic duty but I have a newborn and I am the sole provider for my family. As we all know in this Real Estate market any time off can mean lost business.

I submitted I was self employed and any time away from work would create financial hardship. I heard lately this reason is not enough to be excused.

They now have call in Jurors. For those of you who have not heard of this it is: You call in the day before you are scheduled and they tell you to come in or not. You have to do this for a week, and if they do not need you the entire week, you are done.

I would have this as I could not make appointments, would have to cancel at the last minute.

Well, it would be nice to be excused, but this government needs us to survive.

Adam Brett
RE/MAX NOC
Fullerton, CA
714.496.8116
800.977.ADAM
realtoradam@gmail.com
www.realtoradam.com
http://activerain.com/realtoradam

Yorba Linda Bank Repo - Cheap Foreclosure - Way Below Market Value!

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:04:38 -0500

Yorba Linda Bank Repo - Cheap Foreclosure - Below Market Value!

Location: Yorba Linda, CA

Beautiful Warmington Rancho Dominguez Home! Featuring 4 years new tile roof, newer dual pane windows, double sink, granite counter tops in the kitchen and master bathroom, newer central heat and air conditioning, enclosed sun room/patio, and award winning Travis Ranch School. Directions Off of Esperanza between Imperial Hwy. and Yorba Linda Blvd, North on Yorba Ranch Rd., right on Via Nietos and continue on Via Nietos on the right side.

Information

Contact Information

Adam Brett

Pricing

Asking Price: $499,000

Flexibility: Negotiable

Property Location

6170 Via Nietos
Yorba Linda, CA 92887

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Year Built: 1978

Lot Size: 5520

Garage Size: 2

School District: Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified

Square Footage: 1606

Agent Name: Burt Omar

Broker: Remax NOC

MLS #: P634085

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Dishwasher

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Exterior Amenities

Patio

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1650550

Photo Gallery

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1650550

Fullerton Foreclosures and Bank Repos - Bank Owned Properties and How to Search for them

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:28:21 -0600

For more information please go to: View Fullerton Foreclosures

You can view all foreclosure listings in the City of Fullerton as well as every other city in Southern California at

Foreclosure Listing in Southern California.

Search Foreclosures like you never have before - on a map overlayed with great information. Find neighborhood information including schools, crime statistics, stores and restaurants, mortgage calculators, and pricing estimates.

South Brea Lofts - SOLD at AUCTION !!!

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:53:32 -0500

The South Brea Lofts near DownTown Brea were auctioned the weekend of May 3, 2008. Here are the pre-sale listed prices and auction posted prices.

While the officical numbers have not come out yet, a little birdie gave me the low down.

The owner of the complex pulled 5 homes before the auction to increase demand for the remaining units.
The 20 which sold at auction went for an average of $563,000.
Of the remaining 5 units - 1 has already sold traditionally at the new price range of $560,000 - $590,000.

For those of you looking to be close to DownTown Brea, and who would like to operate or lease business space this is a great opportunity.

Adam Brett
RE/MAX NOC
Fullerton, CA
714-496-8116
800-977-ADAM
www.RealtorBabble.com

DELINQUENCIES RISE WHILE NEW FORECLOSURES DIP

Adam Brett - Fullerton, California Realtor (RE/MAX NOC) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:08:14 -0600

In one of today’s government reports at least two positive stats can be

Foreclosure starts dipped 2.6% in the third quarter vs. the second quarter.
For the first time this year loan modifications – started in Q3 – were 4% greater than completed foreclosures in the period.

Unfortunately, other than those facts the report was fairly bleak.

The Office of Thrift Supervision and the Controller of the Currency reviewed 34.6 million first lien mortgage loans, or roughly 60 percent of all outstanding mortgages, from nine banks and five thrifts.

Some more positive facts:

The lenders reviewed started 281,298 foreclosures in Q3, down 2.6% from Q2 but slightly higher than Q1.
Of those lenders reviewed they initiated 133,106 loan modifications in the third quarter, up 83% from the first quarter and the 4% higher than the 127,738 completed foreclosures in Q3. In the first half of the year foreclosures surpassed loan modifications.

When a lender or loan provider agrees to change a loan’s term (by cutting the interest rate, extending the term, etc.) to make it more affordable it is considered a loan modification.

Sadly out of the borrowers getting the loan modifications, more than half started missing payments within six months.

Out of the loans that were modified in the first quarter, 37% were delinquent again in three months, and 55% were delinquent again in six months. Loans modified in the second quarter fared even worse with 40% of borrowers becoming delinquent within three months.

Across the credit spectrum delinquencies increased, from prime (good credit) to Alt-A (fairly good credit often combined with stated income) to subprime (low credit score) through subprime. The chart shows the proportion of loans 60 days or more past due, by type and by quarter.