Susan Vanderburgh

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  • Real Estate Professional
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  • Family Realty Group
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Susan Vanderburgh,  in Newark
  • 46 Answers
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  • 8 Useful Answers
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About Me
As a real estate professional, it is one of my goals to get continuous training to make sure that I keep up with real estate and lending laws and have access to the best marketing tools for sellers. For my loyal buyers, I make sure that I have access to new housing developments, new trends and financing programs to achieve favorable results.

I am often flooded with questions about real estate values and upcoming trends and I am very in tune with the local real estate markets.

The real estate industry has gone through its various trends and at times, it might be confusing to consumers which direction real estate values will go, but I am confident that we will live through the "bad" times. Some will fare better than others. Savvy buyers are seeking my assistance and guidance because they know the value of a licensed real estate professional who knows the local markets. My advice and presence at real estate auctions has given buyers the confidence to bid and buy properties they would otherwise lose out on if I did not accompany them to the auctions. The auction process could be overwhelming to people who are not completely aware of real estate, lending laws and transactional procedures.

I've realized that my real estate license is more than duty, knowledge and experience. It is a professional standard that everyone deserves.

I am integral to making sure every transaction goes smoothly. Clients often speak or email me directly and yes, I personally respond to each inquiry. Every decision is made in the client's best interest, even if it means, I get paid less. Even though I have a family to take care of, I am not motivated by "the commission" at the end of the transaction. To me, getting paid is just a result of a job done well and done correctly. I really enjoy the real estate business and I am in my real estate business to stay, through the good and bad times, and longevity means having a good reputation and having competence to serve all my clients.

Here is a summary of types of transactions in which I have experience.

1. Single family homes (detached, fine homes, condos and townhomes);

2. Multiple units (2 houses on 1 lot; 3-4 units);

3. Business opportunities;

4. Pre-foreclosures; Real Estate Owned (REO);

5. Relocation;

6. Loans (first-time buyers, refinancing, investor, bad credit, bankruptcy, business, auction properties);

7. Auctions;

8. Lease Options / Lease Purchases; and

9. Short sales.

As a commitment to quality for my loyal clients, I actively manage and price bank-owned properties and inform clients of upcoming potential investment prospects. From experience, once a property is available to the open market, it receives multiple offers, even in "down real estate markets". Therefore, my clients know that by keeping in touch with me, they are getting first-hand knowledge of properties that have hidden equity and could turn a profit in their real estate portfolios. Real estate moves fast, especially with bank-owned properties that have hidden equity. The banks trust my knowledge and experience to price their assets and buyers know they are getting an exceptional deal! It's a win-win situation for everyone.

My family depends on me and so do the people I work with and the relationships I've established. Repeat and referral business from affiliates and loyal clients will take care of my family. And all of this happens because of a job well done!
Testimonials
"Steve just got out of surgery and recovering. Thanks for thinking of us. Thanks again for your help at the auction. It went so fast! And you were right about the prices. I couldn't believe what great deals people were getting. And we got deals too, so yay! Thanks! Keep us in mind for the next one. We're there."
Elaine R. Thu Jan 10
"Joe and I thought we should write to you now before we go on another trip. Guess where we're at now? Peru. Isn't that interesting? We were talking about going for so long and here we are! You are a go-getter and you inspired us to go. Our property in San Diego is doing great despite all the foreclosures that are taking place. I'm glad you saw what was happening and gave us the right advice. I am so glad. You saved us hundreds of thousands of dollars. -"
Janet G. Fri Nov 2, 2007
"Thank you for taking care of us. We really enjoyed working with you to find us the perfect first home. You work so hard and have so much going on, but you've always made time for us and still have a personal life. How do you do it? Thanks a billion for your experience and expertise."
Shanen Fri Oct 19, 2007
"Thank you Susan for helping me fulfill the dream of starting my first business in the United States. I have much to be grateful for you. Come by the restaurant anytime."
Gina Sun Sep 2, 2007
"I used to believe the adage, "Jack of all trades, expert of none". Is that the right quote? Anyway, I don't believe that applies to you. You are an exception and a very unique person. You were able to get me a loan, a house and provide great service. I couldn't ask for more. -"
Jackie Tue Aug 28, 2007
"Before I contacted you, I was trying to sell my house on my own for 3 months. I don't know why I stuck with it for so long, but I did. Your knowledge and experience really impressed me. What was more impressive was that you got my house sold for $45,000 above the asking price. Wow!"
Adam Thu Aug 2, 2007
"Hello Susan! We have so much to be thankful for. Our credit was not the best and no one wanted to work with us. I am so glad that you worked with us. That really showed us you care about people you work with. Thank you for believing in us and helping us."
Gerry Sun Jul 8, 2007
"Susan, just a quick note to let you know that Sheila and the kids really enjoy the spacious backyard. Your recommendations were right on the bullseye. Thanks again."
Steve and family, happy in San Lorenzo Tue Jun 5, 2007
"My buddy and I watched all these home shows on TV and thought, "Gee, we could make money like that!" Guess what, we lost money because the Realtor we hired did not write the contract correctly. When we found you, we practically fired the other Realtor on the spot. We need to help you get the word out girl! You are worth every penny we paid and more. We will definitely buy and sell again with you. Now that you are on our side, you are our secret weapon to a better financial future."
M(iguel) & M(ark) Fri Mar 10, 2006
"Susan, your knowledge about foreclosures, auctions, and all that stuff is very impressive. I wish that I have found you a long time ago so that I would be in a better financial situation. But then, fate got us to meet. It was so scary to do this alone. I think people who try just don't know what they are in for! They need you and they need to know that now. I will tell all my friends and family members about you and how great you've been in getting me in the right direction."
Ashamed to say my name but you know who I am. Fri Jan 20, 2006
My Q&A View all >>
Susan Vander…'s Questions (2)
Susan Vander…'s Answers (46)
Susan Vanderburgh answered:
I've answered a similar question earlier this evening (or morning) -- way past my bedtime.

Good! You've covered your first step which is quite important -- being pre-approved. You need to submit such proof between 24-48 hours after you submit an offer.

Please do yourself a HUGE favor -- make sure you work with an agent who has worked with bank owned or REO properties so a good clean contract can be written for you and you have the better chance of winning that home in a multiple bid situation (as with many of the nice bank-owned properties).

I've worked with homes that have had multiple offers every time they went on the market and nothing is more frustrating than to keep informing agents to write clean solid offers but only to receive "wishy washy" offers and offers that require additional "addendum". No time for that.

Foreclosure properties are different -- you will not be able to be represented at the court house steps by an agent. Very strict rules about that. Also, no chance to inspect the properties.

Bank-owned properties in San Mateo County are quite scarce. I know of a few in Daly City that are priced fairly low, but they require some work. I also know of other upcoming ones that are not yet ready to accept offers -- these are great for people who are serious about getting ahead in the bidding game. - Sun May 18 2008, 03:52

Can I buy a house from another agent other than mine?

Susan Vanderburgh answered:
I am so glad you've asked this question because other buyers need to know what they are doing to themselves and to others.

I guess the best question to ask yourself is: "Why am I doing this?"

And the possible answers:

"So I could save the seller some money." OR

"Because I don't care about this agent who has worked with me for x months, he will not get paid and does not deserve to be paid." OR

"Because I really don't care what happens as long as I get the house." OR

"I could probably get myself into a bad deal by not having my best interests represented. Heck, life is short, why not?" - Sun May 18 2008, 03:45
Susan Vanderburgh answered:
San Mateo county is not known for getting the square footage for the price you pay (especially in more desirable areas), further south. If you are buying further north, your $436,000 could get the job done, but it would require some patience. However, if you go too far north, that will be San Francisco, and for $436,000, you will likely be in a condo/townhome or a home that requires some work or some type of "protection".

If you want the $436,000 to go farther, my suggestion is either the South Bay or East Bay. - Sun May 18 2008, 03:34
Susan Vanderburgh answered:
Public auctions -- there are two types.

One is the courthouse auction where property owners go through the foreclosure process and then the property gets auctioned at the court house steps. The notices of these auctions are posted as per regulations in a newspaper of general circulation. Going through these papers could be tedious. The next best step is to go to the courthouse to review the postings because there is a trustee hotline to call. In order to get the most up-to-date information, you will need to have trustee sale number. And if you don't call the right hotline, you don't get the information. Properties can be pulled from auction on the day of the auction.

The second type of public auction is where an auction company has a bunch of properties to sell that day or series of days. Some of these auctions are held at a large hall or on site (at the property). These are typically the bank-owned properties that were added to the auction because they did not sell while they were listed in the open market. I know, because I've had a few properties that went to auction and I actually helped host one auction onsite. It was all very exciting.

If you are participating in the second type of auction, it depends on which liquidation company is selling the properties and how much they charge.

I hope this answers your questions. I can go on forever about auctions and bank-owned and foreclosure, etc.

Perhaps your best bet is to know what type of auction you are really interested in because one you can be represented by an agent and the other you cannot be represented. And if you are not a seasoned auction attendee, you probably should seek assistance from an agent who has attended, participated and represented clients at various auctions. - Sun May 18 2008, 03:27
Susan Vanderburgh answered:
If the house is located with a 1/4 mile of a fault line, it must be disclosed in the natural hazard report. If you decide to make an offer, make sure you do ask that the seller provides this report. Also, check on the insurability of the house by asking for a report of all past claims. The new buyer will also have concerns such as yours. - Sun May 18 2008, 03:09
Specialties
Representing the best interests of Bay Area clients (Counties: San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa) with:

1. Single family homes (detached, fine homes, condos and townhomes);

2. Multiple units (2 houses on 1 lot; 3-4 units);

3. Business opportunities;

4. Pre-foreclosures; Real Estate Owned (REO);

5. Relocation;

6. Loans (first-time buyers, refinancing, investor, bad credit, bankruptcy, business, auction properties);

7. Auctions;

8. Lease Options / Lease Purchases; and

9. Short sales.
Certifications & Awards
Business writing contest (First Place)
Interests
Real estate
Investments
Computers
Languages
Writing
Traveling
Design
Decor
Building business enterprises
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