Andy Nazaroff's posterous

Andy Nazaroff's posterous

Andy Nazaroff  //  Real Estate Agent Coach & Sales Manager, REALTOR, husband, dad of 3 little kiddos

 
Dec 9 / 5:28pm

My kids singing Jingle Bells in the car

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Jul 30 / 1:07pm

Why use a laptop when you can use a keyboard with your iPhone 4?

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Jul 28 / 11:58am

Good-bye HVCC?

Since the Home Valuation Code of Conduct arrived, REALTOR's have advocated for its repeal. Tucked in the Dodd-Frank Bill (HR 4173) is a clause that, in effect, eliminates HVCC. These provisions will strengthen appraiser independence and enforcement, regulate the use of broker price opinions (“BPOs”), set standards for pricing of appraisals and appraiser valuation model products (“AVMs”), and subject appraisal management companies (“AMCs”) to federal and state oversight.
 
Jul 5 / 10:13am

How Real Estate Pros are Using Social Media for Real Results

Thanks to Mashable for another great write up for real estate agents. 
Whether they are sharing videos, listings or advice with prospective buyers or sellers, real estate pros are using social media for real results.
  • HOW TO: Better Serve the Social Media Customer
    Here’s a look at how each department can blend traditional and social media to drive business goals and collaborate on a seamless customer experience.
  • 6 Ways to Manage International Relationships Online
    Sometimes the hardest part of having international clients is finding a way to connect with them, despite different time zones, languages and customs.
  • 6 Challenges to Managing a Brand on the Social Web
    From the tools you use today to the ones you’ll need tomorrow, six social media experts tackle challenges to managing your brand on the social web.
  • 5 Rules for Professional Social Networking Success
    Social media has opened up fantastic new ways to make and keep professional connections. Here are five best practices for tapping in.
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    Jun 28 / 11:47am

    What's going on with the real estate market in Fresno?

    I often get asked by people considering getting into the real estate business in the Fresno area, "What's going on in the market?" After we talk about the reasons why it's a good time to get into the market, we often discuss real estate statistics. Since I do not have a crystal ball, here's more insight into the future from an article posted on Realtor.com:

    Banks: We're Hiring
    The Mortgage Bankers Association predicts that the mortgage business should increase from $725 billion in 2010 to $916 billion by 2013. Some banks agree and are hiring loan officers by the dozens.

    For instance, JP Morgan Chase is hiring 1,200 mortgage officers. "We may not be inundated with applications tomorrow, but we are confident the need will be there," says Christine Holevas, a spokeswoman for the bank.

    Citizens Bank, owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland and doing business in 12 states, plans to add 400 loan officers by 2013.

    Source: CNNMoney.com, Tami Luhby (06/24/2010)

     
    Jun 3 / 2:45pm

    After foreclosure: How long until you can buy again?

    CNN Money recently published an article how long it takes to buy a home after going through a foreclosure.

    Financing a home after foreclosure is possible for most homeowners.  Those who default on their mortgages due to economic hardships, such as job loss, may receive approval for another mortgage in as little as two years, while it may take more than seven years for strategic defaulters to be approved.
    • Lenders utilize several methods in determining whether to grant mortgages, including the amount of money borrowers have saved; employment histories; and payment history.

    • According to the chief economist with the Mortgage Bankers Association, lenders may be more willing to finance a mortgage for a borrower who defaulted on their mortgage as a result of factors beyond their control.

    • Some homeowners who strategically default—intentionally not meet their mortgage obligations although they have the financial means to do so—assume they can raise their FICO scores by paying their others bills on time.  However, most future loan underwriters will scrutinize their records very closely, and if they determine the borrower strategically defaulted on their previous mortgage, the repaired credit score will not overshadow the walkaway. 

    • Although not impossible for strategic defaulters to finance another home purchase, it likely will be more difficult.  Lenders may ask for down payments of 30 percent or more to provide sufficient collateral to enable the bank to recoup most of its money in a foreclosure.  These borrowers also may be charged higher interest rates, even above the levels other borrowers with similar credit scores would receive.

    For more tips on how to avoid foreclosure, or to speak with a specialist trained in these matters, visit www.guarantee.com/avoidforeclosure
     
    May 28 / 8:44am

    Fresno County Real Estate Statistics April 2010

    Here are some recent statistics for Fresno County Residential Real Estate in April 2010:
     
  • Total Solds: 787 - This is the highest since July 2009
  • Reo's Sold: 373, 47% - The past 9 months has stayed within 4% of this total
  • Short Sales Sold: 135, 17% - This is the highest amount of short sales closed ever in Fresno County in one month
  • # of Under Contracts: 1,214 - This is the highest total in the past year
  • Active Listings (Last Day of Month): 2,838 - This is also the highest total in the past year
  • Months Supply Inventory: 2.3 - We've been in the 2-3 month range for over a year

    • With 64% of the sold properties being distress properties, I think we can do MORE to help homeowners sell their home instead of just walk away. For more information on avoiding foreclosure, check out www.guarantee.com/avoidforeclosure
     
    May 25 / 2:09pm

    Jose Basin in Central California is beautiful on Memorial Day

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    This photo was taken on the dirt road called Jose Basin Road in the Sierra National Forest in May 2010. The view is of Redinger Lake and the Jose Basin.

    Posted from Auberry, CA

     
    May 10 / 4:25pm

    More applications coming to Google Apps users soon

    More Google applications coming for Google Apps customers
    Yesterday we shared the news that many more Google applications are coming later this year to businesses, schools and organizations using Google Apps. Coworkers will be able to publish their organization’s blog on Blogger, share project images with Picasa Web Albums, track industry news in Google Reader, advertise online with AdWords and much more, all without switching back and forth between multiple accounts. Read the details on the Google Enterprise Blog.

     
    Apr 13 / 12:41pm

    NO MORE STATE TAX ON FORGIVEN DEBT

    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.

    "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.

    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.
     
    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.