California Department of Real Estate issues a new Consumer Alert - Don't fall victim to a loan modification scam!

Yesterday the California Department of Real Estate issued a new Consumer Alert to give homeowners tips to avoid Loan Modification and "Mortgage Relief" scams. I receive several calls per month from homeowners who feel that they are victims of these scams, and I can not offer much help except to direct them to report the scam to the Better Business Bureau, the California Department of Real Estate or their local law enforcement.

A few tips to make sure you do not fall victim to loan modification scam;

• Check the California Department of Real Estate website to see if a "Desist and Refrain Order" has been filed against a company you are considering working with.

• Don't believe promises that are too good to be true. No one can guarantee that a "mortgage relief" plan will be be successful.

• NEVER pay an upfront fee for loan modification services. Such fees are illegal in California. Advance fees for short sale services, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure and other residential mortgage foreclosure rescue services are also illegal under a new federal rule, with a very limited exception for fees paid to lawyers.

• Check with the Better Business Bureau, and verify the existence of appropriate licensing for anyone offering those services.

• Google the company name to see if you can find any red flags.

• A HUD approved counseling agency can provide loan modification or other mortgage negotiation services for free. There are many of them in Sacramento.
  

Sacramento HUD Approved Counseling Agencies

Sacramento-Area HUD Approved Counseling Agencies

Clearpoint Financial Solutions

4636 Watt Avenue, 2nd Floor

North Highlands, CA 95660

800-750-2227

Affordable Housing Centers of America / Sacramento

4433 Florin Road #830

Sacramento, CA 95823

916-451-9659

Human Rights / Fair Housing Commission

1112 I Street #250

Sacramento, CA 95814

916-444-6903

Sacramento Home Loan Counseling Center

1800 Tribute Road #150

Sacramento, CA 95815

916-646-2005

Information is deemed reliable as of 3/22/11. A complete list of HUD Approved Counseling Agencies in California can be found at

http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=CA

I did it! I finished the Shamrock'n Half Marathon!

If you have been following me on Facebook or Twitter you will already know that on Sunday I ran in the Shamrock'n Half Marathon! This was my very first half marathon (13.1 miles), and my goal was just to finish without walking or stopping -- and I did it!!

I started running with my friend Kellie over the summer. We had been working out at the gym together pretty frequently but since the weather was so nice and we wanted to be outside, we started running a couple miles around Land Park. When we first started running, I could only go a mile or so before having to stop...eventually we built up a little stamina and could run about 3 miles. We did this once or twice per week between my softball games and regular gym workouts.

Then I signed up to run a 10k (about 6.2 miles) with the Sacramento Association of Realtors team for the annual "Run to Feed the Hungry" on Thanksgiving day, and was able to finish that...so I figured I would challenge myself and attempt a half marathon. I created a training program for myself and started running 4-5 days per week. It was sometimes exhausting and really physically challenging - and not necessarily convenient. Some mornings it was freezing cold or raining, or I had to schedule runs around events or appointments, or I had to run while out of town...

So now I have the running bug! The registration for the California International Marathon (26.2 miles) on December 4, 2011 is opening up next week...hmm.

Yep, I'm the 2011 Sacramento Association of Realtors Masters Club President-Elect...

So yesterday the Sacramento Association of Realtors had its annual Masters Club awards luncheon, and all of the new officers and steering committee members were installed. I was honored as a Continuing Member of the Masters Club based on my production volume in 2010. I was also installed as the 2011 Masters Club President-Elect. Pretty neat. We do some great things as a group, including raising money for local charity. 2011 is off to a great start so far...

Download my Smartphone APP!

Yep, it's true - I have create a smartphone app for use by my clients (and, soon-to-be clients)! Click here to get my smartphone app. Not only can you search Sacramento home listings in real time, I've got tips for buyers, sellers, mortgage tools, daily mortgage rates, real estate news and videos. It also connects you directly to me if you request, so I can give you the level of service you are looking for in your Realtor. After you download it, input my cell phone number (916-342-1372) when it asks for the Agent Id. My app is currently available for the Droid™, Android, iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The BlackBerry® app is coming soon!

iTunes App Store Instructions

1) On your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, go to the App Store and search for AgentNTouch.

2) Click on the app, and you'll see information about it.

3) Click on the "Free" button, then on "Install". The App Store asks for your password, then downloads the app automatically.

4) When you open the app for the first time, it asks for an Agent Id. Input my cell phone number: 916-342-1372.

Droid™ / Android Market Instructions

1) On your Droid™ or Android, go to the Android Market and search for AgentNTouch.

2) Click on the app, and you'll see information about it.

3) Click on the "Install" button. Market tells you what sections of the phone the app has access to. Click OK. The app downloads automatically, and a message displays when it's finished downloading.

4) When you open the app for the first time, it asks for the Agent Id. Input my phone number: 916-342-1372

Sacramento Short Sale Resources & Tools

Over the last couple weeks I have been compiling a Sacramento Short Sale Directory of sorts from my experiences dealing with the different loan servicers, loan investors, and short sale programs...so, if you are looking for information dealing with Sacramento Short Sales, there is now a section on my website aptly named "Short Sale Tools." Check it out! I have tried to make sure all the short sale information is relevant and up-to-date...hopefully you find it to be of value. I have negotiated short sales with MANY entities, and I will continue to modify and add to this directory over time. Cheers!