http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Real_Estate_Pro-Long_Beach_CA-79609/The latest answers submitted by Maggie, your REALTORŪ to questions asked on Trulia Voicesen-ushttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Property_QandA/I_m_interested_in_this_property_Could_you_mail_me-85241Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Sending you info you requested in just a few minutes!Sun, 1 Feb 2009 19:04:13 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Looking_for_rent_to_own_homes_in_beautiful_Orange_-84275Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Moe, you'll be in very good hands with Barbara. She actually sold me the house that i am living in today! She's a terrific agent and I can vouch for that! I'm sure you don't see this kind of KUDOS between agents everyday do you?..We are all here to help! Maggie ;) Prudential California RealtyWed, 28 Jan 2009 21:50:21 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Looking_for_rent_to_own_homes_in_beautiful_Orange_-84275Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Hello Moe, you're looking for a home with an option to buy. I can help you with this. Please call me at 310-890-3271 or visit my website at www.maggiehomefinder.com I'm more than happy to be of help! Maggie Prudential California RealtyWed, 28 Jan 2009 20:36:57 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/removed-83204Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Hello Lori, First and foremost, you need to speak with your current lender and ask them to modify the terms of your loan due to your hardship. They will either say yes or no. If you don't qualify for a loan modification, then the next step would be to do a SHORT SALE, where the lender accepts a value less than the amount owe to them. I have a question for you...do you have just one mortgage on this home? If so, then the lender will not be able to take any further action against you for this deficiency. California is a single action state. The most important advice I can give you is to AVOID any sort of foreclosure and either do a short sale or do a loan modification (loan workout) with your lender. If you have any other questions, please contact me at 310-890-3271, I am a very experienced real estate professional who has successfully helped both buyers and sellers negotiate short sales over the past 18 months with the lender.Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:10:49 PSThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/I_tried_to_sell_my_house_on_and_off_for_about_mon-52052Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Hi Mot, No, banks are not in the "swapping" business. Your best bet is to put your home up for sale at or below the market value to get it SOLD once and for all. Then, you can negotiate and incredible deal with the banks on one of their foreclosures! I hope you purchased your home prior to 2000 so you should have enough equity. My market includes Bellflower, I would be happy to provide you with an evaluation of your home's current value, let me know if you're interested. Thanks, MaggieMon, 11 Aug 2008 12:20:52 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/how_much_is_the_buyer_agent_and_seller_agent_commi-52038Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Dear Deepesh, Your real estate agent would be representing your interests and has a fiduciary responsibility to negotiate the best terms for you. Currently it is a BUYER'S market but NOT in the REO/foreclosure market. There are usually multiple offers on foreclosed homes. A really good agent will position your offer so that the seller/bank can pay your closing costs or even help offset your downpayment. if this is the "cash back" you are referring to. the commission is negotiable and is paid by the seller of the property. Only a licensed individual in the state of California can be paid a referral fee. So, the best approach for you is to have your real estate agent negotiate the best terms for your offer. Good luck!Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:47:02 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/I_am_working_with_an_agent_who_seems_to_be_guiding-51642Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Dear Beau Beau, Honesty and Integrity are two very important qualities and traits of a professional. I only do business with those whom I trust and your agent isn't acting in your best interest but in HIS/HER interest. It's your choice, but the facts still remain that there is a breech of trust when someone misleads the very person they are "guiding". Have you signed a Buyers Agency agreement with this agent? If so, he/she has a fiduciary responsibility to represent your best interest. If you haven't, it may be time to take your business elsewhere. Let me know if you'd like a referral of some terrific agents in North Hollywood. Have a nice evening and thanks for taking the time to ask this very important question. Sincerely, MaggieFri, 8 Aug 2008 20:11:53 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/How_To_/Need_to_find_someone_to_share_home_and_or_charge_-51607Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Hi Cynthia, I would recommend that you partner up with an Event Coordinator who specializes in seminars, bridal, non profits, political meetings, etc. You are thinking outside the box and that's a wonderful thing! Best of luck to you! Maggie :)Fri, 8 Aug 2008 16:51:01 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/removed-51604Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Your real estate professional can definitely pull the information for you regarding the history of this home. I would definitely find out if there are any material facts around why the home is being re-sold so quickly. Best of luck! MaggieFri, 8 Aug 2008 16:29:03 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Financing/Where_can_I_find_a_VA_lender_near_me_in_Los_Angele-51383Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: I just closed a VA loan with Scott Chaplin of Chase Bank. He was wonderful and everything went smoothly! Scott Chaplin Senior Loan Officer Chase (714) 921-6715 (800) 260-3477 x715 Fax (714) 364-6233Thu, 7 Aug 2008 18:08:42 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Crime_and_Safety/crime_incidence_around_North_orange_grove_at_Pasa-50917Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Your best bet is to call the local police precinct (station) and they have the crime stats per grid area. The police is your best source of information regarding any stats for crime in a given locale.Tue, 5 Aug 2008 12:48:52 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Can_anyone_recommened_a_reputable_mortagage_lende-50889Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Please contact CLS Financial Wendee Close at 562-594-6884. They are the best!Tue, 5 Aug 2008 10:49:01 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Can_anyone_recommened_a_reputable_mortagage_lende-50889Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Hi Paul, Please contact CLS Financial, Wendee Close and her team work with Wells Fargo, Countrywide, Bank of America and all the large banks. They have been successfully closing the loans of my buyers for the past 4 years and each one has CLOSED ESCROW! Wendee can be reached at 562-594-6884. Hope this helps! Maggie Mouscardy Prudential California RealtyTue, 5 Aug 2008 10:48:08 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/I_want_to_buy_a_plex_in_west_hollywood_what_do_I-46392Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Be sure you know everything about investments such as cap rate, ROI, gross multipliers and the like! Make sure you are aware of all the permits and compliance codes for owning a multiunit. Make sure you have sound advice from those who already know the ropes about owning a 4plex. Make sure you have a great REALTOR who will find you the right property at the right price. if this is your very first venture into owning a 4plex do your homework and yes, make sure you have the downpayment. Get educated on all the responsibilities that come with being the owner of an investment. All the best, MaggieSun, 13 Jul 2008 21:41:01 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/In_California_are_sellers_still_liable_for_any_mi-45867Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: None whatsoever. Caveat emptor (buyer beware). The ONLY mandatory items regulated by Statutory Laws are: smoke detectors and water heater bracing. The buyer has ample time to do their inspection and discovery during the contingency period (while in escrow); there is no recourse after the sale especially for minor repairs of wear and tear.Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:21:36 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/removed-45056Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Please contact me with your criteria of what's most important to you: Space, price, location, etc....any special needs and I'll be happy to point you to the right real estate professional! Sincerely, MaggieSun, 6 Jul 2008 20:03:50 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/General_Area/I_have_a_small_home_in_the_Hollywood_Hills_that_si-45046Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Call an excellent seismologist and geologist who can give you the answers to your questions. His name is Ali Ekbatani of Diamond Realty Group. Tel: 818-710-0832 Cell: 818-486-9666 Naser@AliAEkbatani.com He has built dams, bridges all over the world...he certainly can give you expert advice on your question! Good luck! Maggie in Long Beach, CA 22111 Erwin St R123 Woodland Hills. Ca 91367Sun, 6 Jul 2008 19:51:55 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/I_would_like_to_buy_in_the_Los_Angeles_area_eithe-44910Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Hello Michelle, Please don't be discouraged! There ARE definitely very nice properties out there, the only reason you don't get to find them is because you are swimming UPSTREAM! Most of the really nice ones are "spoken for" before they even hit the MLS or web. It all comes down to preparation and anticipation. Start by working with a real estate professional who has access to pre-foreclosure homes in your desired areas. Then, be willing to POUNCE once you find one that matches your desires. The reason why it's so difficult to find a nice property is because the people who lost their homes are usually very bitter and SOME (not all) take out their frustrations, anger out on the property. I've seen homes where the seller drove a car into the kitchen or backed into the garage breaking the door and all. Take toilets and rip out kitchens! But, let's focus on the positive...there ARE diamonds in the rough which you can turn into a showplace with new paint, flooring and your incredible desire to make it YOUR home! Good luck and if I can be of ANY help, please contact me! I specialize in homes around $300K.Sun, 6 Jul 2008 07:19:50 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/Can_I_get_anyone_s_opinion_on_our_listing_-44838Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Hi there in Ohio! It's a tough market and the ONLY thing you can really do is lower your price to the LOWEST in your area for the size, square footage and location. Offer incentives such as you'll be willing to pay closing costs or offer $1,000 GAS CARD, get creative! Set yourself apart from all the other homes for sale in your market. Ask your agent to bring you the market FACTS in your area: 1) How many homes have sold in the past 90 days? 2) How many homes are for sale that are similar to yours (the competition) 3) How much are the foreclosures selling for that are similar to your home? Everything is a function of price, if you can be the best priced home in your area then it will sell! If you MUST get your asking price and the market isn't respecting your price, then I recommend you stay put a while longer or consider leasing out your home. Hope this gives you some more insight from a veteran of 21 years in the business. Sincerely, Maggie in Los Angeles, CA Give buyers a reason to look at your home because of the financial VALUE!!!Sat, 5 Jul 2008 13:33:58 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Hi_I_found_the_dream_home_and_I_m_almost_set_with_-43121Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Hi Kevin, Congratulations! My preference is to have you 22122 Main St, Carson, CA 90745. (310) 834-6655 contact Farmers Insurance Celso Roque in Carson. He is awesome and will take good care of you. You also need CEA (California Earthquake Authority) for special earthquake coverage. Most people think that because they have homeowner's insurance they are covered for the BIG ONE , not so! If you live by the coast, you will also need FLOOD insurance...another one that's a special policy... All the best and many happy years in your new home! Maggie REALTORWed, 25 Jun 2008 17:42:32 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/removed-42933Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Hello Tanya, Absolutely! I HIGHLY recommend the cities of Redondo Beach, Torrance, Culver City are all great choices. Prices are absolutely within the range you are stating and the High Schools are good. Check out my website for more information...Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:50:20 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Moving/Moving_to_LA_-42333Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Hello Ambrose, Welcome to Los Angeles! Best move I made from Vermont over 11 years ago myself. We have the HIGHEST gas prices in the nation and because of this I highly recommend you move to a location that gives you access to mass transit (both to save on the commute and the gas prices) LA has one of the most challenging traffic conditions in the nation too. Having said all that, I highly recommend two areas for you to consider: ONE, for the economics and the diversity...Long Beach, CA is tops on my list of cities for you to live in...especially with a child that is under 3. I have been to Boston many times and Long Beach will be close in spirit to the way you're used to living in Boston (albeit in the summer ). Check out my website www.ourlongbeach.com for information on Long Beach and things to do on a discount and budget. If money is no object then I would wholeheatedly recommend the Beach Cities in the South Bay: Manhattan, Hermosa or Redondo Beach...absolutely beautiful areas, also have a train to downtown and very close to LAX if you're going to travel. I've lived in both locations and I am still living and working in Long Beach/Seal Beach area... Hope this answers your question and if you'd like to take a look at properties...check out my real estate website...maggiehomefinder.com! Have an awesome weekend! MaggieSat, 21 Jun 2008 07:23:20 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/In_Los_Angeles_If_after_submitting_an_offer_on_a_-41687Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Dear Luis, Your agent should have given you a short sale addendum which gives you a specified period of time to be able to "back out" and that varies anywhere from 5 days, 10 days or as much as 17 days from when the lender of the seller has accepted your offer. If you are within this time frame then your agent can submit a cancellation to the listing agent. Whatever the case, you need to notify the seller and their agent as soon as possible if your intent is to retract your offer. Please contact your buyer's agent as soon as possible as time is of the essence.Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:22:45 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Want_advice_about_assessing_a_fair_offer_I_m_inte-37002Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: I believe your offer is well within the acceptable range, these days it is NOT uncommon to see offers which are 15% below the asking price. My advice would be to have your REALTOR (i'm assuming you have one) negotiate on your terms and get as close to your offered price of $425,000. The market is still adjusting down about 1% per month. So, you would be wise to make a low offer. If you don't have a REALTOR, I would be more than happy to assist you. You can reach me at 562-787-1101. I would also need the address of the property to do a thorough market analysis for you.Tue, 20 May 2008 13:14:56 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Looking_at_areas_around_Los_Angeles_to_buy_a_house-36960Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Hello Tom, Long Beach definitely has opportunities for you! You are able to find either a nice condo or a starter home around $300K and if you happen to be a first time buyer there are great programs to assist you with downpayment and/or closing costs. I specialize as a buyer's agent and would be more than happy to assist you. You can reach me at 562-787-1101 ! Sincerely, Maggie Mouscardy, your REALTORTue, 20 May 2008 10:40:06 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/I_NEED_CONTAC_-36302Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Hello Chong Kim, I specialize as a Buyer's Agent and would be more than happy to be of service to you. I promise to help you find the right home at the right price for your needs. Please call me at 562-787-1101. Regards, MaggieThu, 15 May 2008 21:37:41 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/How_to_buy_a_foreclosure_house_-35411Answer by Maggie, your REALTORŪ: Hello Yuki, The best approach is to make sure you have your own representation and retain a BUYER'S Agent and have an Buyer-Broker Agreement. Once you have representation, your REALTOR will handle all the negotiations with the bank/owner of the property. How low you can go will depend on many factors: 1) The price of the most recent sales in the immediate area 2) The condition of the property 3) The location and the length of time it's been for sale I specialize in foreclosures and work with my buyers as their Buyer's Agent; I advise my clients of the risks of purchasing an AS-IS bank owned property and I ALWAYS recommend that they have a Home Warranty. I'll be more than happy to answer any other questions you have and to meet with you. Please reach me at 310-890-3271 or visit my website www.maggiehomefinder.com Best regards, Maggie Mouscardy REALTORSat, 10 May 2008 19:30:35 PDT