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	<title>WeSpeakRealEstate Blog</title>
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		<title>WeSpeakRealEstate Blog</title>
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		<title>The Effective Process of a Short-Sale.</title>
		<link>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2011/05/23/the-effective-process-of-a-short-sale/</link>
		<comments>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2011/05/23/the-effective-process-of-a-short-sale/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2011 21:52:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wespeakrealestate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/the-effective-process-of-a-short-sale/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Consultant with a Laywer and CPA (certified Public Accountant). Hire a Realtor with short-sale experience; preferable one who has taken course(s) for such process; example SFR (Short Sales and foreclosure)certification from National Association of Realtors. The more education the better the representation. Short-Sale cover letter A signed short-sale payoff application, if available Borrower&#8217;s/Seller&#8217;s Hardship Letter; be detailed and [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com&amp;blog=2364843&amp;post=117&amp;subd=wespeakrealestate&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Consultant with a Laywer and CPA (certified Public Accountant). Hire a Realtor with short-sale experience; preferable one who has taken course(s) for such process; example SFR (Short Sales and foreclosure)certification from National Association of Realtors. The more education the better the representation.</p>
<ol>
<li>Short-Sale cover letter</li>
<li>A signed short-sale payoff application, if available</li>
<li>Borrower&#8217;s/Seller&#8217;s Hardship Letter; be detailed and direct.</li>
<li>Borrower&#8217;s/Seller&#8217;s financial information</li>
<li>All supporting documentation for hardship &amp; Financial explanations</li>
<li>If repairs needed to the property submit an estimate, if applicable</li>
<li> CMA (Comparable Market Analysis)  and sales history (Realtor)</li>
<li>Marketing history, showing and feedback (Realtor)</li>
<li>Proof of Buyer&#8217;s ability to purchase property (Realtor)</li>
<li>Copy of certified escrow instructions (Escrow Officer)</li>
<li>HUD-1 (Escrow Officer)</li>
<li>Preliminary title report (Escrow Officer)</li>
</ol>
<p>Please remember, if multiple loans you will need to repeat this process of each lien holder. </p>
<p><em>Please feel free to contact Linda or Hector, Broker for any other questions you may have.  <a href="mailto:linda.castellanos@att.net">linda.castellanos@att.net</a>     </em></p>
<p><em></em> </p>
<p><em></em></p>
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		<title>SoCal Rebates and Discounts</title>
		<link>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/socal-rebates-and-discounts/</link>
		<comments>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/socal-rebates-and-discounts/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:25:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wespeakrealestate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/socal-rebates-and-discounts/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To assist home buyers, Linda Castellanos a Real Estate Broker is providing a 20% Rebate of the net commission received upon the closing of a home when choosing her as your representative. Sellers will benefit by receving a discount on the customary selling commission. Helping to minimize selling costs. Linda Castellanos is part of Big Blue [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com&amp;blog=2364843&amp;post=108&amp;subd=wespeakrealestate&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>To assist home buyers, Linda Castellanos a Real Estate Broker is providing a 20% Rebate of the net commission received upon the closing of a home when choosing her as your representative.</p>
<p>Sellers will benefit by receving a discount on the customary selling commission. Helping to minimize selling costs.<br />
Linda Castellanos is part of Big Blue House Real Estate Sales Inc. and is licensed throught the Department of Real Estate #01139604. With 16 years of experiance and over 150 closed transactions you can be confident a skilled negotiator is working for you.</p>
<p><strong>Got Questions- 310-968-5737</strong></p>
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		<title>The Right Way To Rent</title>
		<link>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2009/07/12/the-right-way-to-rent/</link>
		<comments>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2009/07/12/the-right-way-to-rent/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:50:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wespeakrealestate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[investors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sellers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asset manager]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[landlord]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[REAL ESTATE OWN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tenant]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/?p=99</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With the economy struggling, every one is trying their best to stay abreast of what the unknown future holds. Most people our rethinking their once secure futures. Many tenants are opting to downgrade their apartments size, location, etc.. For landlords the tough part is keeping tenants to live up to their contracts, and keep units [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com&amp;blog=2364843&amp;post=99&amp;subd=wespeakrealestate&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With the economy struggling, every one is trying</p>
<p>their best to stay abreast of what the unknown future</p>
<p>holds. Most people our rethinking their once secure</p>
<p>futures. Many tenants are opting to downgrade their</p>
<p>apartments size, location, etc.. For landlords the tough</p>
<p>part is keeping tenants to live up to their contracts,</p>
<p>and keep units from becoming vacant for any extended</p>
<p>period. A new useful tool which may help with current</p>
<p>estimated comparable <strong>rent</strong>al values is  <a href="http://www.rentometer.com/">www.rentometer.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>This site will let you know if your current rents are</p>
<p>competitive to the surrounding market. On the downside</p>
<p>these estimates do not give the ability to compare amenities.</p>
<p>To compare amenities, call the listed rentals and ask what</p>
<p>amenities are included with the rent. By being competitive</p>
<p> in this tough market you will lessen your exposure to losses.</p>
<p>Hector Gutierrez,  Real Estate Broker, Investor, Contractor C-10 Licensed</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wespeakrealestate.com">www.wespeakrealestate.com</a></p>
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		<title>The Truth About Reverse Mortgages</title>
		<link>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2008/11/11/the-truth-about-reverse-mortgages/</link>
		<comments>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2008/11/11/the-truth-about-reverse-mortgages/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:37:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wespeakrealestate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Buyers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sellers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortgage loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reverse mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[senior citizen]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/?p=97</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[                                               A reverse mortgage does not sell your home to the bank. Banks are not in the business of owning homes &#8212; they want to make loans and earn interest. You will keep the title to your home in your name. However, the bank will add a lien onto the title for [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com&amp;blog=2364843&amp;post=97&amp;subd=wespeakrealestate&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><strong><em><span style="font-size:18pt;"></span></em></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Times New Roman;">                                        </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;margin:0;"><span style="font-size:13pt;color:#333333;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span> </span>    A reverse mortgage does not sell your home to the bank. Banks are not in the business of owning homes &#8212; they want to make loans and earn interest. You will keep the title to your home in your name. However, the bank will add a lien onto the title for the amount that you borrow so that it can guarantee that it will eventually get paid back the money it lends to you. </span><a name="2"></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;margin:0;"><span style="font-size:13pt;color:#333333;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span> </span>  Your estate inherits your home as usual but there will be a lien on the title for the balance of the reverse mortgage. The balance is however much you&#8217;ve received and interest. A reverse mortgage is a &#8220;non-recourse&#8221; loan which means the only asset guaranteeing the loan is the property itself. If the property value is less than the balance of the reverse mortgage, the bank is forced to take a loss and can not request other assets from the estate. </span><a name="3"></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;margin:0;"><span style="font-size:13pt;color:#333333;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span>     </span>The FHA reverse mortgage was created specifically to allow seniors to live in their home for the rest of their lives. Because you receive payments <em>from</em> a reverse mortgage instead of making payments, you can never be evicted or foreclosed on for non-payment. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;margin:0;"><a name="4"></a><span style="font-size:14pt;color:#252525;font-family:Arial;"><span> </span></span><span style="font-size:13pt;color:#333333;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span> </span>The reverse mortgage becomes due when all homeowners have permanently moved out of the property or passed away. There is no time limit. </span></span><a name="5"></a><span style="font-size:14pt;color:#252525;font-family:Arial;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;margin:0;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:13pt;color:#333333;">    Government entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare are not affected by a reverse mortgage. However, need-based programs such as Medicaid can be affected. You will need to manage how much you withdraw from the reverse mortgage in one month to remain eligible for Medicaid. </span><span style="font-size:14pt;color:#252525;font-family:Arial;"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;margin:0;"><a name="6"></a><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:13pt;color:#333333;">    The proceeds from a reverse mortgage are not considered income and are not taxable. Furthermore, the interest on reverse mortgage is tax deductible when it is repaid. </span><span style="font-size:14pt;color:#252525;font-family:Arial;"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;margin:0;"><a name="7"></a><span style="font-size:14pt;color:#252525;font-family:Arial;"><span> </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:13pt;color:#333333;">  Typically the only out-of-pocket expense is the cost of the appriasal. If you request it, many lenders will agree to pay that fee upfront for you and finance the cost into the loan. </span><span style="font-size:14pt;color:#252525;font-family:Arial;"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;margin:0;"><a name="8"></a><span style="font-size:14pt;color:#252525;font-family:Arial;"> </span></p>
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		<title>Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008</title>
		<link>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/90/</link>
		<comments>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2008/08/13/90/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:25:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wespeakrealestate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Buyers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sellers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[affordable housing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fha reform]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recovery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tax credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[va loans]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[H.R. 3221, the “Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008,” Passed the House on July 23, 2008, by a vote 272-152. On Saturday, July 26, 2008, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 72-13. The President signed the bill on July 30, 2008. The bill includes the following provisions:   GSE Reform- including [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com&amp;blog=2364843&amp;post=90&amp;subd=wespeakrealestate&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Times New Roman;">H.R. 3221, the “Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008,” </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Times New Roman;">Passed the House on July 23, 2008, by a vote 272-152. On Saturday, July 26, 2008, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 72-13. The President signed the bill on July 30, 2008.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Times New Roman;">The bill includes the following provisions:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>GSE Reform</strong>- including a strong independent regulator, and permanent conforming loan limits up to the greater of $417,000 or 115% local area median home price, capped at $625,500. The effective date for reforms is immediate upon enactment, but the loan limits will not go into effect until the expiration of the Economic Stimulus limits (December 31, 2008).</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>FHA Reform- </strong>including permanent FHA loan limits at the greater of $271,050 or 115% of local area median home price, capped at $625,500; streamlined processing for FHA condos; reform to the HECM program, and reforms to the FHA manufactured housing program. The down payment requirement on FHA loans will go up to 3.5% (from 3%). The effective date for reforms is immediate upon enactment, but the loan limits will not go into effect until the expiration of the Economic Stimulus limits (December 31, 2008).</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>Homebuyer Tax Credit-</strong> a $7500 tax credit that would be available for any qualified purchase between April 8, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The credit is repayable over 15 years (making it, in effect, an interest free loan).</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>FHA foreclosure rescue-</strong> development of a refinance program for homebuyers with problematic subprime loans. Lenders would write down qualified mortgages to 85% of the current appraised value rowers would have to share 50% of all appreciation with FHA. The loan limit for this program is $550,440 nationwide. Program is effective on October 1, 2008.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>Seller-funded downpayment assistance programs-</strong> codifies existing FHA proposal to prohibit the use of downpayment assistance programs funded by those who have a financial interest in the sale; does not prohibit other assistance programs provided by nonprofits funded by other sources, churches, employers, or family members. This prohibition does not go into effect until October 1, 2008.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>VA loan limits-</strong> temporarily increases the VA home loan guarantee loan limits to the same level as the Economic Stimulus limits through December 31, 2008.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>Risk based pricing-</strong> puts a moratorium on FHA using risk- based pricing for one year. This provision is effective from October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>GSE Stabilization-</strong> includes language proposed by the Treasury Department to authorize Treasury to make loans to and buy stock from GSEs to make sure that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could not fail.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>Mortgage Revenue Bond Authority-</strong> authorizes $10 billion in mortgage revenue bonds for refinancing subprime mortgages.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>National Affordable Housing Trust Fund-</strong> Develops a Trust Fund funded by a percentage of profits from the GSEs. In its first years, the Trust Fund would cover costs of any defaulted loans in FHA foreclosure program. In out years, the Trust Fund would be used for the development of affordable housing.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>CDBG Funding-</strong> Provides $4 billion in neighborhood revitalizing funds for communities to purchase foreclosure homes.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><strong>LIHTC-</strong> Modernizes the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to make it more efficient.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:&quot;">Loan Originator Requirements-</span></strong><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:&quot;"> Strengthens the existing state-run nationwide mortgage originator licensing and registration system (and requires a parallel HUD system for states that fail to participate). Federal bank regulators will establish a parallel registration system for FDIC-insured banks. The purpose is to prevent fraud and require minimum licensing and education requirements. The bill exempts those who only perform real estate brokerage activities and are licensed or registered by a state, unless they are compensated by a lender, mortgage broker, or other loan originator.</span></p>
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		<title>What is Homestead?</title>
		<link>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/what-is-homesead/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:17:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wespeakrealestate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Buyers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[investors]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[homestead]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[judgement lien]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[  The Homestead Law is technical in nature and complex in its application. A Declaration of Homestead, which is not properly prepared, may be invalid. The following is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We therefore suggest that you contact an attorney for any legal advice on your specific [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com&amp;blog=2364843&amp;post=87&amp;subd=wespeakrealestate&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">The Homestead Law is technical in nature and complex in its application. A Declaration of Homestead, which is not</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">properly prepared, may be invalid. The following is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We therefore suggest that you contact an attorney for any legal advice on your specific situation.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">What is the purpose of the homestead exemption?</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">The homestead exemption gives you rights against many debts you might incur through accident, illness or misfortune. However, there are limitations and exceptions. The policy underlying homestead laws is to provide a place for the family where they may live free from the anxiety that it may be taken from them.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">How does the homestead exemption work?</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Example: If the market value of your home is $120,000 and you have a first mortgage or deed of trust of $65,000 and a second mortgage of $25,000, you have an equity of $30,000 in your home. The homestead exemption protects this equity against creditors.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="text-decoration:none;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">What is a judgment lien?</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">When you owe someone money he is considered your creditor. If a creditor sues and wins a judgment against you, he can file a lien against your home. The homestead exemption is protection against such liens.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="text-decoration:none;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">What kind of property is covered?</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">A house, a condominium, a duplex, a mobile home, a community apartment project, or a planned development. <span> </span>Who is eligible for this homestead exemption? </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Every homeowner who resides in his or her home is entitled to this protection. A person can only have one valid homestead at a time. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="text-decoration:none;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Who may file a Declaration of Homestead?</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Every homeowner may file. A homestead will remain in effect until the house is sold, or the homestead is abandoned by recording an Abandonment of Homestead.  </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Are their limits to the amount of equity protected? <span> </span>Yes, for married couples, or single parents with dependents living at home the homestead exemption is $75, 000; </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">unmarried individuals, $50,000. For persons 65 years or older, or for persons physically or mentally disabled, the exemption limit is $100,000.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">What situations are not covered by the homestead exemption?</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Judgment liens recorded before you have recorded your Declaration of Homestead will attach to the house. Loans or debts secured by the property (mortgages, deeds of trust, etc.) are not covered by the homestead exemption. When you voluntarily put up your home as security against a debt, a homestead will not protect it. When a contractor or laborer puts </span></span><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">labor or materials into repairs or improvement on your property, and you do not pay him, the homestead exemption will not protect against the mechanic&#8217;s lien. Tax liens by federal, state and local governments. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="text-decoration:none;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Can I remove the homestead exemption if I want to?</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Yes. You can remove the homestead exemption at any time by filing a form called Abandonment of Homestead. Also, if you were to record a homestead on another property, it would remove the homestead on the first property. When you sell </span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;">your home, the homestead on it is auto</span><span style="font-size:11pt;color:#000081;">matically removed.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;margin:0;"><span style="color:#000081;font-family:Times New Roman;"><a href="mailto:info@WeSpeakRealEstate.com"><strong>info@WeSpeakRealEstate.com</strong></a><strong>   for more questions?</strong></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"> </p>
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		<title>Get your Free Credit Report</title>
		<link>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/get-your-free-credit-report/</link>
		<comments>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/get-your-free-credit-report/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:18:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wespeakrealestate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[california]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[equifax]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[  I cannot stress enough the importance of reviewing your current credit history before thinking of purchasing a home and finding derogatory information which may disqualify your purchase or be placed in a higher interest rate. Request your free annual credit report from Experian,  Equifax and Trans Union.   https://www.annualcreditreport.com   Fight identity theft by [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com&amp;blog=2364843&amp;post=86&amp;subd=wespeakrealestate&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><strong></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:8.5pt;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:small;">I cannot stress enough the importance of reviewing your current credit history before thinking of purchasing a home and finding derogatory information which may disqualify your purchase or be placed in a higher interest rate. Request your free annual credit report from Experian, <span> </span>Equifax and Trans Union.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;"><a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;">https://www.annualcreditreport.com</span></a></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;">Fight identity theft by monitoring and reviewing your credit report. You may request your free credit report online, Free credit reports requested online are viewable immediately upon authentication of identity</span></p>
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		<title>Propostion 90 and You</title>
		<link>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2008/06/09/propostion-90-and-you/</link>
		<comments>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2008/06/09/propostion-90-and-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:21:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wespeakrealestate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[california]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[county tax assessor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[los angeles county]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[moving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prop 90]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[proposition 90]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selling home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[senior discount]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seniors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[taxes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trading]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/?p=84</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What Is Proposition 90? Under Proposition 90, California property owners who are 55 and over may qualify to transfer the assessed value of their principal residence sold in participating counties. Qualifications for Proposition 90 are as follows: 1.  The purchaser or spouse must be 55 years of age. 2.  The replacement residence must be equal [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com&amp;blog=2364843&amp;post=84&amp;subd=wespeakrealestate&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:18pt;font-family:BookAntiqua;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">What Is Proposition 90?</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:18pt;font-family:BookAntiqua;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Under Proposition 90, California property owners who are 55 and over may qualify to transfer the assessed value of their principal residence sold in participating counties.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-family:BookAntiqua;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Qualifications for Proposition 90 are as follows:</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family:BookAntiqua;">1</span><strong><span style="font-family:BookAntiqua-Bold;">. <span> </span></span></strong><span style="font-family:BookAntiqua;">The purchaser or spouse must be 55 years of age.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-family:BookAntiqua;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">2. <span> </span>The replacement residence must be equal to or less than the value of the residence sold.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-family:BookAntiqua;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">(3) The replacement residence must be located in the same county as the property</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-family:BookAntiqua;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">being sold OR must be located in one of the counties which have voted to</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-family:BookAntiqua;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">pass Proposition 90 in order for the real property tax base to be transferred</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-family:BookAntiqua;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">from the former residence to the replacement residence. Before making plans to move, call the County Assessor’s Office in the county you are moving to and request the most recent information concerning Proposition 90.</span></span></span></p>
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		<title>REO, Bank Own- Buy it now!</title>
		<link>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2008/05/18/reo-bank-own-buy-it-now/</link>
		<comments>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2008/05/18/reo-bank-own-buy-it-now/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 18 May 2008 06:35:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wespeakrealestate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Buyers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[as is]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[auction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good faith estimate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pmi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Short Sale]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/?p=83</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s here, the time to purchase a bank owned property. There are much more active buyers bidding on a home. The need to wait for a short sale or an auction sale isn&#8217;t necassary. Banks are asking for at least 10% -down payment and properties to be sold in an as is condition. Make a [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com&amp;blog=2364843&amp;post=83&amp;subd=wespeakrealestate&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Arial Unicode MS;"></p>
<div><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Arial Unicode MS;"><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Arial Unicode MS;"><span style="font-size:small;">It&#8217;s here, the time to purchase a bank owned property. There are much more active buyers bidding on a home. The need to wait for a short sale or an auction sale isn&#8217;t necassary. Banks are asking for at least 10% -down payment and properties to be sold in an as is condition. Make a trip to the city, where the property is located to see what are the pending violations, if any.</span></span></span></div>
<p><font face="Arial Unicode MS" size="3"> </p>
<p></font></span><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Arial Unicode MS;"><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Arial Unicode MS;"><span style="font-size:small;">Most loans which are 10% down payment require <strong>Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). </strong>The lender programs may have the option of including the PMI on the rate (in the form of a higher rate), or may include a seperate monthly private mortgage insurance premium along with the mortgage payment (its about aproximates .82% of the loan amount and varies by insurer). The difference is, adding it to the rate makes the payment lower. The downside is when you do have the 20% equity you would have to refinance the loan rather than on a monthly premium you would just call the bank and ask them to remove the monthly PMI premium. It would be wise to you ask your loan officer to give you the different payments and make your decision accordingly.</span></span></span></p>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Arial Unicode MS;"><span style="font-size:small;font-family:Arial Unicode MS;"><span style="font-size:small;">Be prepared, by being buyer ready in these times of multiple offers we suggest the following:</p>
<p>Consult a loan officer to give you a &#8220;good faith estimate&#8221; (make sure you get a copy of your credit report)</p>
<p>A good faith estimate will show an itemized estimate of all fees involved in closing the mortgage loan</p>
<p>Receive a qualification letter from the loan officer.</p>
<p>Do not disregard an &#8220;as is&#8221; purchase. Most purchase agreements allow an inspection time frame.</p>
<p>Bank owned properties in many occasions just need paint, carpet, and minor maintenance.</p>
<div><strong>Building sweat equity is what matters.</strong></div>
<p> </p>
<div><strong> </strong></div>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong> </p>
<p></strong></p>
<p></span></span> </p>
<p></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
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		<title>HUD PROPERTIES ARE BACK!</title>
		<link>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2008/05/07/hud-properties-are-back/</link>
		<comments>http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/2008/05/07/hud-properties-are-back/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2008 04:14:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>wespeakrealestate</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Buyers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[h.u.d.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HOUSING URBAN DEVELOPMENT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUD HOMES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PEMCO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[southern california]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com/?p=82</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has chosen Pemco Ltd. to administrate property management and sale of all HUD Homes in the states of Georgia, California, Hawaii, Guam and the   This site will help with the search of HUD homes for sale. Big Blue House Real Estate Sales in Downey California [...]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=wespeakrealestate.wordpress.com&amp;blog=2364843&amp;post=82&amp;subd=wespeakrealestate&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:Arial;">The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has chosen Pemco Ltd. to administrate property management and sale of all HUD Homes in the states of Georgia, <strong>California</strong>, Hawaii, Guam and the</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:#444444;font-family:Arial;">This site will help with the search of HUD homes for sale. Big Blue House Real Estate Sales in Downey California <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.bbhrealestate.com</span></strong> is an authorized agent to represent buyers of HUD homes in California. </span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:Arial;">Using a real estate broker is a very good idea. All the details involved in home buying, particularly the financial ones, can be an abundance of choices. <span> </span>A good real estate professional can guide you through the entire process and make the experience a simple one. A real estate broker will be well-acquainted with all the important things you&#8217;ll want to know. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:#444444;font-family:Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;color:#444444;font-family:Arial;">You will also find information on special programs offered by HUD, such as the Good Neighbor Next Door (GNND), Disaster Evacuee, and Non-Profit programs </span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:Arial;">Marianas</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:Arial;"> Islands</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:Arial;">. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:Arial;">HUD homes and is good buy. When a HUD insured mortgage becomes a lender foreclosed home; HUD pays the lender what is owed; and HUD is now the owner of the home. Then it is priced at value to move as quickly as possible. Read all about buying a HUD home on Pemco’s website. Check out listings of HUD homes and homes being sold by other federal agencies office or your county executive&#8217;s office. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:Arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:Arial;">To search for HUD properties available go to <strong>www.hudpemco.com .</strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">.</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">.</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0;"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">.</span></strong></p>
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