Rudy is enjoying the benefits of free home appraisal, free signage, and home warranty specials this month. With more than a decade of real estate experience, Rudy has the zeal and commitment to pursuing positive progressive results for his clients, a very rare passion for community welfare that is difficult to find in such a large industry.

With a smile on his face, this dynamic, resourceful and energetic family man is willing and able to put others best interests before his own. From Los Angeles to the Inland Empire, Rudy specializes in providing genuine, honest service to every client and affiliate he meets.  Seasoned knowledge of the local market alongside key referral contacts in the community allows award-winning realtor Rudy effortless success time and time again.

A real gem, Rudy is consistent in achieving target goals he sets and supporting the Windermere Family wholeheartedly. Rudy’s complete business thrives from past clients friends and family; evidence of the absolute trust and respect associates have for his professionalism. In real estate, it is imperative to have a relationship with someone you can trust with your biggest asset, your home. A man with truly unrivalled character, like that Rudy embodies, is nearly impossible to find. It is our pleasure to celebrate our top producer, Rudy Hernandez!

The 30-year, the most popular mortgage product, fell by 0.01 percentage points to 3.83%. Last year at this time, it stood at 4.63%. The new lows can save borrowers $46 a month for every $100,000 borrowed. Over a 30-year term that comes to more than $16,000.

The 15-year fixed dropped by 0.02 percentage points to 3.03%, lowering borrowing costs to $692 a month for every $100,000 borrowed, a $38 savings compared with a year earlier. Borrowers would pay out only $24,565 in interest over the life of the loan.

Rates are tracking the downward trend in Treasury yields, according to Frank Nothaft, Freddie’s chief economist, which have fallen in response to election results in Europe and a weaker than expected U.S. employment report.

“The economy added just 115,000 jobs, below the market consensus forecast and less than in March,” he said. “And although the unemployment rate declined, it reflected fewer people actively seeking jobs.

Mortgage rates will likely not fall much further, according to Bob Walters, the chief economist for Quicken Loans. The low rates have sparkedrefinancings, which have accounted for upwards of 70% of all mortgage applications lately.

That flood of refinancings strain the capacities of mortgage lenders, especially since many have exited the industry over the past few years. When the remaining banks have trouble handling all the applications, they raise rates to discourage any more.

Original article posted from money.cnn.com. To view entire article, click here.

88 Morning Glory, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Short Sale subject to Lender Approval
$219,000

AMENITIES

• Bedrooms: 2.00
• Bathrooms: 2.00
• Size: 1113 sq ft.
• Garage: 2
• Pool: Yes
• Jacuzzi: Yes

To view more information on this listing, click here.

Young Lee
Realtor
714-504-5293
Ylee@windermerepreferred.com

The Soroptimist International Club is a global volunteer organization for professional women who seek to improve the lives of women and girls around the world. The organization consists of approximately 95,000 members in more than 125 countries who contribute time and financial support to community-based and international projects.  Their Mission Statement is: Through international partnerships and a global network of members, Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls by: Advocating for equity and equality; Creating safe and healthy environments; Increasing access to education; Developing leadership and practical skills for a sustainable future.

The Mother of the Year Award was created to recognize outstanding mothers who make personal sacrifices in order to balance family and career while contributing unselfishly to society. Windermere is overjoyed to announce Andrea Marquez as this year’s Mother of the Year! To receive such an esteemed award from the Soroptimist Club, as recognized by the California State Senate and Governor is an extraordinary honor. As a business CEO, mother of four children, and sponsor of more than twenty associations, it is truly magnificent to see a woman so dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. Although her personal achievements are outstanding; her impact on local charities such as The Boys and Girls Club, the Eli Home, and the Hispanic Education Endowment Fund has truly warranted this acknowledgment. Andrea also consistently demonstrates a commitment to having a personal relationship not only with her family, but also with her business associates. She makes encouraging others a priority and she proudly shares the accomplishments of many of the wonderful people she supports through her company. Andrea Marquez is a true testament to all women that even with countless trials and tribulations; with the right mindset it is possible to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Our most sincere Congratulations are in order for Andrea Marquez! As a business professional and family woman, her nonstop energy and commitment to her children as well as the community make her a genuine role model. Andrea, you “Rock”!

“I worked very hard, was very determined, stayed in a close communication with the listing agent and focused to get my offer in.  I let the agent know that my client’s is the best one and proved to him how hard I would work, thus making his job easier.  In conclusion I got my offer accepted in under a week by dealing with the bank and working side by side with my client to make sure that he was still serious about the property once we got his offer accepted.”

Everyone in the Windermere Preferred office was proud of Regina’s hard work and dedication, including Sales Manager Christine Haynes.

“Regina’s clients obtained the dream of purchasing their new home due to Regina’s professional aggressive approach.  She was diligent in educating her buyers on the importance and value of being fully approved for their home loan prior to making an offer, as well as educating the clients on the challenges of multiple offers, Regina’s knowledge and experience motivated the buyers to make the strongest, best offer so they would give the seller “being a bank” the best opportunity.  Regina then took the offer to the agent, and informed the agent that she had very motivated clients to close the sale, and that Regina would make the Listing agent job easier as “SHE IS THE BEST AGENT TO WORK WITH”.  Regina called the listing agents and repeated all of the above for several day so her clients would not be overlooked in the multiple offer process.  I applauded Regina for her professional approach at knowing how to get a buyers offer accepted in such a challenging market when the resale housing inventory is so low, and multiple buyers are finding it difficult to obtain a resale home.” 

Way to go Regina! Keep up the good work!!

View! View! View!! Best views in N. Orange County! Highly upgraded and considered the best lot in the prestigious gated community of Pointe Premier, located on top of Anaheim Hills. Aprox. 700k in upgrades. Best of everything, custom maple cabinet, hardwood floors, Professional Wolf/Subzero appliances, silk draperies, 3 master bed. with jacuzzi tub. State of the art movie theater with 6 reclining chairs! ELEVATOR. Garage expandable up to 6 car garage with lift! Two laundry rooms!

AMENITIES

• Bedrooms: 6.00
• Bathrooms: 7.00
• Size: 7525 sq ft.
• Garage: 6
• Pool: Yes
• Jacuzzi: Yes

For more information on this listing, click here.

 
Tae Chang
Realtor
714-743-5153
tchang@windermerepreferred.com

Words fail to express how proud we are of his selection for the two year term as a Board Director for PWR in the State of California, in addition to his current one year term as Director for CAR. To be selected as a Board Director for the California Association of Realtors is one of the most highly esteemed honours a real estate professional can receive. Jeremy Lehman’s selection however, comes as little surprise because a man of his calibre and superior proficiency is bound to exceed that of the average associate. Being selected at such a young age only proves he will go on to achieve grander endeavours in the future!

Windermere knows that taking on new opportunities means more responsibilities, but our sincerest wishes are in supporting Jeremy completely in his new venture! In hopes of this new position becoming official, we look forward to the experience and knowledge that he will gain, and the positivity he continues to infuse in the Windermere Family.

Our heartiest congratulations are in order today for you, Jeremy! Your genuine interest in studies, various achievements, and outstanding professionalism in your business and with fellow associates earned you this honour. You are on your way to success and we wish you a brilliant and bright career.

Jeremy Lehman
Realtor
714-580-3274
Jeremy@yoursocalagent.com

Sellers who have had their homes on the market a long time are eager to move on, especially at this time of year, says Bill Golden, a real-estate agent with Re/Max in Atlanta. The closer it gets to the holidays, the more anxious unsuccessful sellers can become, he says.

Other sellers will choose to let their listings expire and try again next year. They, too, may be willing to make a deal in order to sell their properties, even if they’re no longer actively trying to sell, says Patrick Carlisle, chief market analyst for Paragon Real Estate Group in San Francisco.

The key to making an aggressive lowball offer on a home is to start by finding properties that have languished on the market for a long time. The softer the market, the more likely the strategy will work, Carlisle says.

But buyers can get tripped up. Here are six mistakes people commonly make when making a lowball offer.

1. Not understanding the market
Before submitting an offer, your real-estate agent should do a full comparative market analysis of the property to determine what its fair market value is, Carlisle says.

For instance, it’s still a buyers market in the Richmond, Va., area, where Susan Stynes works as a real-estate agent for Long & Foster. Stynes says she wouldn’t hesitate to encourage a client to make an aggressive offer, after considering the time the property has been on the market and neighborhood comparables.

But in other markets, a low offer won’t get you far, says Stephen G. Kliegerman, president of Halstead Property Development Marketing in New York. “In general, sellers today in Manhattan see that inventories are down, interest rates are historically low, and there is a pretty large appetite for purchase right now because of those factors. Sellers will hold closer to their asking prices,” he says.

“If it’s an appealing, well-priced property that has five or six offers on it, well, going in 10% or 20% under asking isn’t going to get you anywhere,” he says. But on a property that has been overlooked by the market and doesn’t have multiple bidders, it often doesn’t hurt to go in low.

2. Not picking the right real-estate agent
Some real-estate agents caution buyers against making an offer that is so low it could offend the seller and halt negotiations. But sometimes agents are too reluctant to make aggressive offers, Carlisle says. They may be more focused on completing a deal and collecting their commission, rather than making the best deal, or their negotiation skills might not be up to par.

3. Not backing up your price
There’s an art to presenting an offer that’s substantially less than the asking price. A low offer could start negotiations off on the wrong foot if you’re not careful, Golden says. The key is for you or your agent to explain the offer when presented.

“Sellers want to know why you’re coming in so low. Include recent (comparable sales in the area) or issues with the property that validate why your offer is so low,” he says. Don’t be too harsh with your criticism, however — that can also work against you.”

4. Not knowing what you’re willing to pay
Buyers these days have a strong motivation to get the best possible price on a property, especially if they believe that home values will fall even more, says Jay Butler, professor emeritus of real estate at the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. Their biggest worry is often that people will say they overpaid, he says.

But sellers have limits, too, most often dictated by the amount of home equity they have, Butler says.

Before negotiations begin, it’s important for a buyer to decide what his walk-away price is, Carlisle says. “At some price point, the deal is no longer worth doing, no matter how great the property.”

While a buyer should know how high she is willing to go, don’t put limits in the first offer, Kliegerman says. You lose integrity if you say it’s your “best and final” offer, but then are willing to come up with a few thousand dollars more in order to buy the property.

5. Not making a clean and easy offer
When you make a low bid, you want other elements of the offer to be attractive to the seller. And a deal that can close quickly will often have appeal.

Make sure there are as few contingencies as possible, Golden says. It’s best if buyers don’t have a home to sell in order to buy the one they’re bidding on, Stynes says.

Also, have your financials in order from the start. Loan qualification is more difficult these days, so it’s important to have a lender preapproval letter, Carlisle says.

6. Assuming cash will always get you the best deal
Cash is king, but in the end, a seller often wants the most money for his home — regardless of whether the buyer needs a mortgage or not. So don’t think making an all-cash bid will automatically mean an accepted offer.

That said, if the seller is a bank because the property is a foreclosure, the institution may accept a lower offer from a cash buyer, as opposed to someone who needs a mortgage, Golden says. Banks often don’t want to deal with mortgage-related delays.

Original article posted from MSN.com. To view entire article, click here.

The Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) provides community and financial support for students at all levels along the education continuum.  An unprecedented initiative for Orange County, HEEF has been established to support scholarships, programs and institutions that respond to the needs of Hispanic youth in order to inspire, enhance and improve educational opportunities.

HEEF’s goal is to enhance educational opportunities and resources at early ages to reduce school dropout rates and to improve students’ educational expectations and opportunities. The Fund is a resource to academically talented Hispanic youth that need to overcome barriers to a college degree.

Since 1996, HEEF has awarded over $1.6 million in scholarships to over 1,500 deserving individuals. Statistics for educational attainment among ethnic populations in the county illustrate the dramatic need to enhance opportunities within the Hispanic community:

• From 2000 through 2010, Hispanics consisted of 90 percent of the total population growth in California.
• Hispanics in 2010 represent nearly 40 percent of the population in California and 33 percent in Orange County.
• In 2010 over half of all Californians under age 18 are Hispanics.
• Hispanics in 2011 represent 47 percent of the Orange County K-12 public school student enrollment population.
• Nationally, bachelor’s degree attainment by race and ethnicity is 48 percent for
  Asian Americans; 29 percent for White, non-Hispanics; 17 percent for African Americans and 12 percent for Hispanics. In Orange County, bachelor’s degree attainment is 49 percent for Asian Americans; 37 percent for White, non-Hispanics; 36 percent for African Americans; and 11 percent for Hispanics according to 2010 US Census Data.

Windermere is honored to give back to the community and help those who are working towards the American dream. For more information on HEEF, please visit http://www.heef.org/

Thank you Cathy for all that you do – Windermere sure is lucky to have you!