Doug Birnbaum

"OC's Favorite Agent"

I'm a:	Real Estate Professional
Company:	Veranda Homes
Location:	Costa Mesa
Phone:	(949) 205-9980

6 Answers
1 Useful Answer

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About Me

Doug Birnbaum got started in real estate at a very young age. Being hand groomed as a licensed assistant he started holding open house in some of Orange County most exclusive neighborhoods at the age of 16. With many years of experience Doug loves nothing less than helping his clients achieve their housing needs. Clients come first to Doug, he really treats them with the attention and professional courtesy that they need while taking the stress out of a move or an investment.

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Doug Birnbaum's Questions (3)

Doug Birnbaum's Answers (6)

RealtyTrac, are the prices too good to be true???

Asked Wed May 7 2008, 13:20 by Doug Birnbaum - Newport Beach - Foreclosure - 7 answers

Doug Birnbaum answered:

It is true that investors pick up deals early. They are many times buying the homes in bulk from the banks so that the banks can liquidate there money in a more timely manner than putting the houses on the market. However in this market we will most likely not see the prices dip to as low as 50% less than their peak prices because this foreclosure market is unique. Many of the people who are being foreclosed on are already looking to buy again. It isn't that they couldn't afford a home, it's just that they couldn't afford the home that they were in when their rate adjusted.
See this interesting article from today's Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121003604494869449.html - Wed May 7 2008, 14:24

What is the number one characteristic of a successful real estate agent?

Asked Sun May 4 2008, 13:15 by Jeff Mays - All locations - Agent2Agent - 25 answers

Doug Birnbaum answered:

I think that a sucessful Real Estate Agent must really desire to help people. The more people you are able to help the more rewarded you will be. - Wed May 7 2008, 13:34

Question removed

Asked Mon May 5 2008, 12:28 by Doug Birnbaum - Costa Mesa - Home Buying - 7 answers

Doug Birnbaum answered:

Call me at 949.205.9980 and I will gladly discuss where the strong buys are in the city. And I'll also talk to you about the unique nature of this foreclosure market and where I think this market will find the bottom. - Tue May 6 2008, 16:52

Real Estate is a holding game. 7 to 10 years is not a super long time to hold onto a real estate investment. If you are looking for a quick return I would suggest jumping into the commodities market. You can really make some fast money. Black jack is another way too! The real benefit of owning real estate is the tax advantages coupled with the amortization of your loan along with appreciation that you get out of owning. So if you are going to sit on the sidelines and rent for 7 to 10 years you can just consider all of that money that you apply toward rent going up in smoke. - Tue May 6 2008, 15:16

Recent Homebuyers : What made you buy in this current market? Any advice to buyers who are still on the fence?

Asked Mon May 5 2008, 16:11 by Elizabeth C.… - Los Angeles - Home Buying - 7 answers

Doug Birnbaum answered:

I like to tell my clients that there are two schools of thought and niether is right or wrong because no-one holds a crystal ball. Some people think the market many still come down some and the other people who are buyers in this market have the attitude that you can negotiate "now." - Mon May 5 2008, 21:37

Paying IN FULL, IN CASH - How much of a markdown can I get?

Asked Sat May 3 2008, 13:38 by Chrisine - 90630 - Home Buying - 8 answers

Doug Birnbaum answered:

Chrisine,

That's a bit of a tough question to answer. I am sure that you have read books on Real Estate investment where people go to the court house and buy homes for pennies on the dollar. Some of this is going on today but the buying is controlled by a handful of major players. These guys (manly men) are a tight group that are prepared to outbid anybody who shows up at the auction trying to break into the world of real estate investment. The best thing to do is start biding on some of the foreclosures currently listed on the market. The banks are motivated to get rid of these and you can spread your cash a bit further through leveraging your principle investment. - Mon May 5 2008, 12:15

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