Isi Wu's Blog » Did You Know… http://isiwu.com Realty World - Blue Property Group Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:46:15 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Problems with Real Estate Listings on Trulia… http://isiwu.com/2012/01/25/problems-with-real-estate-listings-on-trulia/ http://isiwu.com/2012/01/25/problems-with-real-estate-listings-on-trulia/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:41:23 +0000 Isi Wu http://iwu.blogs.rwnetwork.com/?p=1269

Image representing Trulia as depicted in Crunc...

HELLLOOOO My Beautiful Wonderful Bay Area!… Its a bright sunny day in our neck of the woods today…  I know many of you out there are searching and searching the awesome world of the internet for the best “deals” available in your chosen areas, including # of bedrooms, # of baths, square feet, space for parking your cars, space for play and gardening and the best absolute best (most rock bottom) list price possible!!… Tell the truth… you are right??  Of course you are!!… In this “down” market we’re in… why wouldnt you?… if you’ve spend any decent amount of searching online… you must also be wondering why those doggone listings at places like Trulia, Zillow etc… always have properties posted that are no longer available, have gone pending, have sold and not just sold but sold perhaps years ago, or perhaps they’re not actually on the market at all… the following is a partial explanation…

Trulia: Problems with real estate listings info are pervasive (INFOGRAPHIC) | Inman News

Source: inman.com

Survey shows accuracy is key priority for consumers, industry pros. A real estate data-quality study released by online portal Trulia found that about 69 percent of errors in online real estate listings information were directly related to third-party syndication of information by non-multiple listing service sources. The company reviewed about 1.2 million listings from about 250 data sources during the third quarter and found about 120,000 inaccuracies in listings information. More than half (51 percent) of those inaccurate listings had errors in price, 41 percent had status errors, and 8 percent had errors in both price and status.

My Beautiful Wonderful Bay Area… please keep the above in mind as you search the internet … when you’re ready to make that “decision to purchase”… please do yourself a major favor and enlist the help of a Licensed Realtor who can assist you every step of the way and provide you with bonafide “real time properties for sale” … properties that best fit your parameters…

Trust me… Licensed Realtors are here to guide you and assist you in everyway possible to help you get that home you’re looking for…  you can be assured they abide by the Code of Ethics… if they belong to the NAR (National Association of Realtors)… If you dont know how to find a good licensed realtor I’ll be happy to help you find one…

Cheers to you and Happy Searching…

Enhanced by Zemanta
]]> http://isiwu.com/2012/01/25/problems-with-real-estate-listings-on-trulia/feed/ 1 Certain Tax Deductions Are Going Away… http://isiwu.com/2011/12/06/certain-tax-deductions-are-going-away/ http://isiwu.com/2011/12/06/certain-tax-deductions-are-going-away/#comments Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:06:02 +0000 Isi Wu http://iwu.blogs.rwnetwork.com/?p=1235

HELLLLOOOO My Wonderful Beautiful Bay Area… Those of you who have enjoyed taking certain deductions yearly… be forewarned… certain tax benefits will be going up up and away… (the article below comes from Inman News)… please make your notes and be sure to take what you can before they disappear…

Real Estate Tax Talk. There are several tax credits and deductions set to expire at the end of the year, and given the federal deficit problem, there’s a good chance they won’t be extended. If you want to take advantage of them, you need to act before Jan. 1, 2012. Mortgage insurance premium deduction If you itemize deductions, you may deduct the premiums you pay for mortgage insurance, just like you do mortgage interest. However, this deduction is phased out if your income exceeds certain levels. To qualify for the full deduction, a couple or a single taxpayer must have an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less. The deduction is phased out completely if AGI exceeds $109,000. For further details go ahead and check out the full article…click open the hyperlink below…

http://shar.es/oh6zE

]]> http://isiwu.com/2011/12/06/certain-tax-deductions-are-going-away/feed/ 0 Tis the Season!!… 8 Germiest Places in the Mall… http://isiwu.com/2011/11/23/tis-the-season-8-germiest-places-in-the-mall/ http://isiwu.com/2011/11/23/tis-the-season-8-germiest-places-in-the-mall/#comments Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:38:55 +0000 Isi Wu http://iwu.blogs.rwnetwork.com/?p=1217

HELLLOOOOO My Wonderful, Beeeeauuutiful Bay Area… Tis the Season!!…

No matter how you look at it…there are legions of consumers getting ready for their annual “holiday shopping”… O Joy!! Personally have been there many times, done that many times and am finally very comfortable at my very comfortable age not participating in all the planning, crush of traffic, lack of parking, stress of finding the right gift or not, staying within a reasonable budget or not, skipping meals to get all the shopping done, sore feet and body aches, bundling up to stay warm from the chill outside but oooops peel off once inside to stay cooool… too much stuff to carry…

Life is so much simpler and happier these days not participating… but that’s just me…

For all of you who love all of the trappings and traditions the holidays bring… who truly enjoy “holiday shopping”… hitting the malls everywhere… please beware of the 8 Germiest Places in the Mall…

There’s really some true advantages to “Online Shopping”!!… LOL

Take Care – Stay Well – Enjoy The Season with Happiness and Love!!
]]> http://isiwu.com/2011/11/23/tis-the-season-8-germiest-places-in-the-mall/feed/ 0 Latest Housing Snapshot for you… http://isiwu.com/2011/08/04/latest-housing-snapshot-for-you/ http://isiwu.com/2011/08/04/latest-housing-snapshot-for-you/#comments Fri, 05 Aug 2011 03:58:50 +0000 Isi Wu http://iwu.blogs.rwnetwork.com/?p=1191  HELLLOOOO My Ever Wonderful Beautiful Bay Area… here’s some interesting stats for you regarding housing activities in the following counties….they may give you a better insight as to what the average List prices are in high and low price points … Enjoy!!

 

I hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate   
inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on 
MLS data for the specified date.     
Housing Inventory Snapshot  July 28, 2011
  Average List Price Median List Price Average Days On Market
Santa Clara County, CA
Single Family under $1M $592,091 $580,000 69
Single Family over $1M $2,302,785 $1,650,000 77
Condo/Townhome under $600K $346,370 $349,000 75
Condo/Townhome over $600K $746,892 $708,000 67
San Mateo County, CA
Single Family under $1M $614,943 $588,888 74
Single Family over $1M $2,806,758 $1,728,000 80
Condo/Townhome under $600K $370,848 $359,900 88
Condo/Townhome over $600K $779,907 $719,000 65
Santa Cruz County, CA
Single Family under $1M $563,733 $559,000 79
Single Family over $1M $1,952,887 $1,645,000 108
Condo/Townhome under $600K $353,149 $333,703 107
Condo/Townhome over $600K $800,226 $759,000 120
Monterey County, CA
Single Family under $1M $449,639 $375,000 87
Single Family over $1M $3,139,852 $2,195,000 125
Condo/Townhome under $600K $310,009 $279,000 80
Condo/Townhome over $600K $1,074,440 $897,000 111
San Benito County, CA
Single Family under $1M $363,682 $319,900 92
Single Family over $1M $1,983,890 $1,500,000 199
Condo/Townhome under $300K N/A** N/A** N/A**
Condo/Townhome over $300K N/A** N/A** N/A**
Alameda County, CA
Single Family under $1M $439,582 $400,000 77
Single Family over $1M $1,861,976 $1,498,000 87
Condo/Townhome under $600K $272,242 $249,000 85
Condo/Townhome over $600K $757,419 $699,000 61
Contra Costa County, CA
Single Family under $1M $389,133 $314,900 77
Single Family over $1M $1,930,678 $1,450,000 113
Condo/Townhome under $600K $228,331 $177,000 88
Condo/Townhome over $600K $718,012 $679,950 82
       
If you know someone who is considering buying or selling a home, please 
give me a call. I will provide professional & courteous service along with 
knowledgeable guidance through the process.   
       
]]> http://isiwu.com/2011/08/04/latest-housing-snapshot-for-you/feed/ 0 Coming Very Soon!!… http://isiwu.com/2011/03/24/coming-very-soon/ http://isiwu.com/2011/03/24/coming-very-soon/#comments Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:08:33 +0000 Isi Wu http://iwu.blogs.rwnetwork.com/?p=1063 HELLLLOOOOOO My Wonderful Beautiful Very Wet Outside Bay Area… Rain is Good, Rain is Good… Am so enjoying staying in and catching up on much needed computer work… yes realtors dont just sell properties we also use and work  on our computers LOL> LOL…
Today I have a heads up for all of you…  
COMING VERY SOON TO MARKET… 
A Gorgeous, Spacious Bi-Level Home  located in
“Distinguished Castro Valley Schools” on a quiet – private street…
3 Bedrooms – 2 Large Baths
2,364 sq.ft.  interior – 5,029 sq.ft. lot
( Huge Master Suite with Adjoining Office & Master Bath upper floor)
List of Amenities & Upgrades are too much to list…
(will forward to you upon request)
Move In Ready!!
Must see to appreciate… you will Love This One!!… 
Feel free to contact me for more information…

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
]]> http://isiwu.com/2011/03/24/coming-very-soon/feed/ 0 Life in a Small House… under 100 sqft. http://isiwu.com/2011/02/02/1019/ http://isiwu.com/2011/02/02/1019/#comments Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:22:38 +0000 Isi Wu http://iwu.blogs.rwnetwork.com/?p=1019 HELLLLLOOOO My Wonderful Beautiful San Francisco Bay Area!!… What a beautiful day we’re having today… We’re so fortunate to live where we do… Life here is the best!!…  Today for your amusement and consideration as a possible very viable alternative to the high cost of homes as we know it… There’s big interest brewing for this option… what do you think??….

Enhanced by Zemanta
]]> http://isiwu.com/2011/02/02/1019/feed/ 2 Watch Out for the Flipper’s House!! http://isiwu.com/2010/11/29/watch-out-for-the-flipper%e2%80%99s-house/ http://isiwu.com/2010/11/29/watch-out-for-the-flipper%e2%80%99s-house/#comments Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:09:36 +0000 Isi Wu http://iwu.blogs.rwnetwork.com/?p=935

HELLLLOOOOOO My Beautiful, Wonderful Bay Area!!… Its a gorgeous day today…  hope you’re out there enjoying it!… Wanted to share some food for thought for all you 

First Time Home Buyers out there…  

First Time Home Buyers – so excited, filled with anticipation and hope for the future… the first homes you see may well be foreclosed properties – terrible carpeting, damaged walls, missing items, various aromas inside the house… the excitement and hope may begin to fade…

All of a sudden your dream home appears!!… Brand new kitchen, remodeled bathrooms, new paint, new flooring, new windows… its perfect!!… It’s the only one you want… no way will you consider those awful foreclosed/distressed homes!… its too good to be true!!…

Your Realtor informs you it’s a “Flip”…  what the heck is a “Flip” you ask?… A flip is a property purchased by an investor at a discounted price, either on the courthouse steps or some other means… the investor “Flipper” will usually send in a crew to upgrade and improve the home before putting it back on the market for a profit.  The upgrades usually include new paint, new flooring, new kitchen cabinets, new counters, new appliances, new dual pane windows, new hot water heater, a new roof and more…

The drawback is… permits are required for many of the upgrades, and in many cases the “Flippers” don’t bother.

Whenever improvements are made without the necessary permits its creates a real problem. Permits are required for almost every kind of home improvement.

When a buyer purchases a home without the required permits, they become liable for bringing the home to compliance.  This is the problem… time is money, to make a profit “Flippers” must get the home improved and back on the market asap.  Obtaining permits can take more time and delays and more money.

Since the “flippers” buy properties “as is” they inherit the pre-existing improvements – many without permits.  They really should get these properties into compliance with the local building departments BEFORE doing anymore additional work and re-selling.  Its safe to say this isn’t happening in most cases.

In Summary…

The Good?  Flippers are upgrading homes and improving neighborhoods.

The Bad? Shortcuts. Buyers should check city records for permits… None? Ask the seller to provide them.

The Ugly?  Not all flippers do good work. Some just paint over issues and hide problems to turn a quick profit. There’s no guarantee all improvements were installed properly and safely.

Make sure you get a proper home inspection so you know what you’re getting into. BUYER BEWARE!..

Thanks for checking in!! Your comments are always welcome…

Isi

Isi Wu… the realtor for you…
the right agent makes all the difference

Serving Clients All Over the Eastbay…

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
]]> http://isiwu.com/2010/11/29/watch-out-for-the-flipper%e2%80%99s-house/feed/ 0 Crime in Your Neighborhood?? Find Out Now… http://isiwu.com/2010/11/14/crime-in-your-neighborhood-find-out-now/ http://isiwu.com/2010/11/14/crime-in-your-neighborhood-find-out-now/#comments Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:27:15 +0000 Isi Wu http://iwu.blogs.rwnetwork.com/?p=923  

HELLLOOOOOO My Beautiful Wonderful Bay Area!!… Safety- Safety-Safety… Location is a key component to how we go about our daily lives.. our Safety is right up there with Location choices… Ever want to know what kind of crimes are going on in a specific area??… search by street address, neighborhoods, sort of crimes, sex offenders…one of the better sites I’ve found is …Welcome to CrimeReports.com … easy to use and very informative… you can even sign up for email alerts for any activity in a specific area…Check it out and pass it along to your family and friends…very useful information… please give me your feedback…

Thanks for checking in… visit me again…

Isi

Serving Clients All Over the Eastbay…

Isi Wu
the right agent makes all the difference
Realty World – Blue Property Group
DRE#01258838
Cell 925.997.2426
isiwu@comcast.net
www.isiwu.com

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
]]> http://isiwu.com/2010/11/14/crime-in-your-neighborhood-find-out-now/feed/ 2 Please Consider Me for the Job! http://isiwu.com/2010/10/30/please-consider-me-for-the-job/ http://isiwu.com/2010/10/30/please-consider-me-for-the-job/#comments Sun, 31 Oct 2010 06:40:53 +0000 Isi Wu http://iwu.blogs.rwnetwork.com/?p=914
Alway's real estate agent, c. 1913

HELLLOOOOO My Wonderful Beautiful Bay Area!!… Are you looking for a realtor to work with?… I’d surely like to apply for the job!… I love this job I do and the very best compliment is to have Happy Satisfied Clients!… The best way for you to get an idea of how I work would be to hear it from my clients… so yes I’m toooooting my own horn…

Mike and Nicole just sent this one today…  and I’m very proud to share it with you…

Isi is very professional and personable.  Being property virgins, she was able to point us in the right direction as to the reality of where and what we could afford.  She kept a close eye on our wants vs. our needs and kept us in tune.  If an opportunity came about, she was quick to notify us and was always willing to speak to us after hours.  After the close of escrow, we found some issues with our new place.  Instead of washing her hands of it, Isi was on top of it and ready to battle the previous Realtor, Owner, and HOA. We are very happy with Isi’s efforts and would recommend her to anyone looking to sell or purchase a home.  She also lined us up with great Mortgage and Title companies too. 

Mike and Nicole

If you’d like to see more Client Comments… please go to “Testimonials Tab” … It would be my pleasure work to with you… Please call or email me anytime… we can discuss what you’d  like to do and decide the options available to you.

Please Consider Me for the Job!!

Thanks for checking in…

Isi

Isi Wu… the realtor for you

Serving Clients All Over the Eastbay!

Enhanced by Zemanta
]]> http://isiwu.com/2010/10/30/please-consider-me-for-the-job/feed/ 11 Foreclosures Halting… Now What??!!!@#$%^&* http://isiwu.com/2010/10/12/foreclosures-halting-now-what/ http://isiwu.com/2010/10/12/foreclosures-halting-now-what/#comments Wed, 13 Oct 2010 02:09:01 +0000 Isi Wu http://iwu.blogs.rwnetwork.com/?p=866
Half million dollar house in Salinas, Californ...

Image via Wikipedia

 

HELLLLLOOOO My Wonderful – Beautiful Bay Area… The news is out… A number of major banks have volunteered to temporarily suspend foreclosures in 23 states and Bank of America is temporarily suspending foreclosures nationwide…

This situation is changing daily… this is just part of what we know so far… so far only Bank of America has extended its foreclosure moratorium to California, where the vast majority of foreclosures are conducted without a court order… the other 22 states are processed through the court system.  However non-judicial foreclosures in California do have legal requirements that lenders must follow… Other lenders and servicers placing foreclosure moratoriums are… Goldman Sachs Group Inc’s Litton Loan Servicing, Ally Financial Inc‘s GMAC Mortgage unit, JPMorgan Chase and PNC Financial… please keep in mind they are only Temporarily halting the foreclosure process until they have reviewed whether some lenders/servicers were following correct procedures prior to foreclosing on properties.  This is all taking place voluntarily there has not been any mandates by either State or Federal entities. The bigger question is… just how long will it really take to straighten this mess up??!!!

The immediate impact of this moratorium on your transactions may cause delays and may even remove the listed foreclosures.

Lets all hope these latest events will be resolved swiftly to minimize the impact on our housing market in the Bay Area!

Stay tuned in and check back for updates as they become available…

Isi

Isi Wu… the realtor for you

Serving Clients All Over the Eastbay!

Enhanced by Zemanta
]]> http://isiwu.com/2010/10/12/foreclosures-halting-now-what/feed/ 0