by Blake Mashburn | Jun 16, 2023 | News
California law has changed regarding a lender’s ability to obtain a deficiency judgment after a short sale on a 1-4 unit residential dwelling. As a result of SB 458, any lender who agrees to a short sale, meaning not only the 1st lender, but also any junior lender(s), can no longer require a borrower to owe, or to pay, or take action against the borrower so as to collect a deficiency judgment.
Furthermore, lenders are no longer permitted to require the borrower to contribute any monies, other than the proceeds from the sale of the property, as a condition of the short sale negotiations and approval.
The legislation was passed as Urgency Legislation and went into effect the day it was signed by Govenor Jerry Brown, on July 15, 2011.
If you know anyone having a difficult time maintaining their house payments and close to losing their home in foreclosure, please have them give me a ring at 805-856-9350. I will be glad to discuss with them, at NO cost or obligation, their options.
by Blake Mashburn | Jan 30, 2020 | News
You found a home in Ventura that seems absolutely perfect! It ticks all of your boxes and is visually beautiful. Although the home might seem perfect in every way, it is important to remember that beauty is only skin deep. It is time to do your due diligence as a home buyer and ask an expert to look at the home. A Home Inspector is a professional who will check for any structural or mechanical issues with the home. They are there to protect your investment by disclosing unseen issues that in turn will help you decide whether it is a sound purchase or one you need to walk away from. Whether the home inspection reveals positives or negatives in the home, it is important to always remember that knowledge is power and is important when making as large of a financial decision as purchasing a home. Not sure what to expect during the process? Blake Mashburn is here to help!
Pre-Inspection
The very first step of the process is hiring a home inspector. It is important to do several interviews in order to find the best professional for the job. Ask us for a list of recommended inspectors in the area to make this part of the process easier for you. When you meet with the potential inspectors, find out information about their backgrounds and particular areas of expertise. It is very helpful to review some of their past inspection reports in order to see whose offers the most details and provides informed recommendations for improvements.
Home Inspection
The inspector will now do what he/she does best and walk through the home to check for any issues. This should take several hours. All physical structural elements will be examined as well as electrical and mechanical systems. It is always recommended that you come during the home inspection. Although you will get a report, being onsite allows you to ask questions as issues come up. Always keep in mind that while the home inspection is meant to uncover any major underlying issues of the home it is not a total x-ray. There is always still potential that there could be something wrong with the house that you are unaware of until after you move in. Most of these issues should be minimal, especially when you are working with a highly qualified inspector, but it is best to be prepared to have to spend some time and/or money fixing things within the home after your move in day.
Inspection Report
Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide you with the report. Review it thoroughly and discuss the findings with your realtor. This is the moment when you can decide whether the home was really as perfect as it seemed, if renegotiations need to occur, or if it is in your best interest to simply walk away.
Check out our other Home Buying Tips! Give us a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/ so that I can help you find your dream home in Ventura today!
by Blake Mashburn | Jan 30, 2020 | News
Help Sell your Ventura home for top dollar and quickly by hosting the best open houses around! Open houses are a great way for buyers to see the home in person and ask any questions that they might have. They play a major factor in whether or not a buyer wants to pursue a particular home. Have buyers scrambling to buy your home! Follow these tips for hosting a successful open house!
- Make it Welcoming – Although it might not seem like much, welcoming touches as simple as a nice doormat on your front porch can set a positive tone for the entire open house. By creating a welcoming atmosphere from the very start, you are showing buyers that you take pride in your home and it is well maintained.
- Clear off Counters – Make sure your home looks like it has ample counter space in the kitchen and bathrooms by clearing them off of clutter. Keep appliances to a minimum on the kitchen counters and put personal hygiene items in drawers or cabinets within the bathrooms.
- Keep it Generic – You want the buyer to envision themselves within the home so it is best to remove any personal items that can be distracting to potential buyers. Consider stowing away photos, children’s art work, and other familial items during the open house.
- Set the Table – Add some class to your home by adding nice place settings to your dining room table. This will also help the buyer envision hosting their own dinner parties within the space.
- Make it Homey – Offering a tasty homemade treat or refreshing drink as soon as a buyer comes to the open house can instantly create a feeling of home. Add some freshly picked flowers or light a mildly scented candle to add some homey elements.
- Don’t Hang Out – Buyers are more likely to feel awkward during an open house if the home owner is there. They might feel uncomfortable looking throughout the home or asking questions of their agent while you are there. Consider only being in the home for a brief moment or not at all when you have an open house scheduled.
A successful open house can be key to selling your Ventura home! If you are ready to sell, Blake Mashburn is here to help you every step of the way! Give us a call today or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
by Blake Mashburn | Jan 23, 2020 | News
Did you know that home buyers rank top rated schools at the top of their amenity wish list? This is because homes in neighborhoods with top-rated schools elevate the home values substantially! Now, if you have children you’re looking not only for the best home value but also the best educational experience for your child. With the start of the new year, we wanted to share with you the top-rated Ventura County schools and homes available in each of them:
Mound Elementary School– With a solid A rating across the board, this wonderful elementary school boasts a 26:1 student/teacher ratio with 569 students in grades K-5. Search all homes for sale in the Mound Elementary School area.
Loma Vista Elementary School– Again, an A rating for this terrific school featuring a 21:1 student/teacher ratio with 366 students in grades K-5. Search all homes for sale in Loma Vista Elementary School.
Poinsettia Elementary School– Another fantastic elementary school with a solid A rating. Poinsettia offers a 23:1 student/teacher ratio with 507 students in grades K-5. Search all homes for sale in Poinsettia Elementary School area.
Portola Elementary School– Last, but certainly not least for highly rated Ventura County Elementary Schools! Solid A rating for academics, teachers, and diversity. Offering a 26:1 student/teacher ratio with their 606 students in grades K-5. Search all homes for sale in Portola Elementary School area.
Foothill Technology High School– With an A+ rating, this public magnet school offers it’s 1,023 students a 28:1 student/teacher ratio for their students in grades 9-12. Search all homes for sale in the Foothill Technology High School area.
El Camino High School– Featuring a solid A rating, this public alternative high school has 290 students in grades 9-12 with a student/teacher ratio of 67:1. Search all homes for sale in the El Camino High School area.
Ventura High School– Rounding out the top-rated Ventura County high schools with an A-rating is Ventura High! With 2,162 students in grades 9-12, this school has a student/teacher ratio of 26:1. Search all homes for sale in the Ventura High School area.
Would you like more information about our local schools? Looking for a particular type of home in your desired school district? Give Blake a call!
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by Blake Mashburn | Jan 20, 2020 | News
It’s time to stop renting and start buying! Renting pays someone else’s mortgage. Why not investment that money in yourself! While Buying is a major step, it isn’t as far out of reach as you might expect.
In fact, it saves you money! According to Zillow Research, renters nationwide spend 27.7% of their income on median housing costs whereas home owners only spend 17.5% of their income on median housing costs.
Need more convincing to buy a home in Ventura this year? There are many financial benefits to owning a home.
- Home ownership is a form of Forced Savings, ensuring that you have more money at your disposal in the future.
- You start building Equity as soon as you purchase your new home.
- Home values appreciate making it a fantastic Practical Investment.
- It can make you eligible for Tax Savings every year.
- Your Monthly Housing Costs are Locked In making budgeting and saving easier for you and your family.
- It is Cheaper Than Renting and keeps money in your pocket.
- Finally, it increases your own Net Worth. In fact, past research has shown that homeowners have a higher net worth than renters.
So now truly is the time to BUY instead of rent! Work with Blake Mashburn to help get you into your first home today! We can help you find the perfect property to fit your needs. Check out the Homes for Sale throughout Western Ventura County to find your perfect property! Give our experienced team a call today at 805-856-9350 or visit our website at https://blakemashburn.com/.
