SOUTH BAY 2015 STATE OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Happy New Year! 

After "zipping" into 2015, I listened to the President give the “State of the Nation” address and was thinking…what’s the state of my neighborhood? Have you thought about what actually happened in your little world last year and what you’ll be doing about it in 2015? Personally my little world is limited to the South Bay. It’s hard to process all the facts and figures of what’s happening across the nation when my family is more concerned with missing the chicken breast sale at Albertsons this week, but I digress…Here are a few thoughts to ponder…

 The Satellite/Cable bills keep getting larger even though the level of service continues to decline. Since we need them just to watch regular TV stations, they think they have us cornered. 2015 is going to begin a new era for us and for them in terms of digital programming. We’ll see who laughs last.

 According to the well-sourced rumors, Los Angeles may be getting its own football team (or maybe two) soon but it's still totally uncertain where that team would play. There are three potential stadium sites—in Downtown, Inglewood and the City of Industry. Then there's a fourth in Carson. Two unnamed teams have shown interest in a 172-acre property near the 405/110 interchange that today hosts Victoria Park and a golf course. The site is owned by LA County and sits on a former landfill. I wonder if they will have to pipe in an evacuation system like we have in Rolling Hills Estates and Torrance for people living on that landfill in Country Hills and in those condos off Rolling Hills Road. Hmmm!

 2014 was definitely the year for Neighborhood Watch roll outs and the beginning of people getting involved in onsite venues like “Nextdoor” to catch up on neighborhood news. Of course they also got to snitch (water wasters) and bicker (parking issues) and sell their wares (anyone interested in two very cute baby goats?) Eventually we’ll figure out how to serve the original purpose which was to help us keep our neighborhoods safe and sane. Looking forward …

 Interest rates are in the 3’s so if you’re interested in refinancing, now would be a great time. First time buyers should be jumping up and down. remember when rates were double digit? Take advantage before the government decides to do something about its multi trillion dollar deficit.


Blessings for a safe, healthy, happy
and prosperous 2015!




Charlie Hoffmann
TeamSouthBayRealty
Broker/OwnerBRE Lic # 0769985
310-378-4440

CharliesNeighborhood.com

TEAM SOUTH BAY ADDS A NEW FAMILY MEMBER!

September 2012 News

After decades of home delivery of our Newsletter to thousands of homes, starting October 2012, Team South Bay News is going GREEN!  We've been encouraging everyone to update their email addresses so we can send our Newsletter directly to their box each month.  You can send your updates to Charlie, Team South Bay Realty (dot com)

Another News Item...

Charlie Hoffmann & Rod Russell  "Tied the Knot" on the bow of the Lady Hornblower in Marina Del Rey last month.  Marilyn North, the bride's sister, performed the Nautical Nuptials and Anne Antletz was the Maid of Honor.  A small family affair, everyone played a part and some guests said it was the best "party of the year."  Here are a few pics... 




Marilyn Marries Her Sister



And, If You EVER Do Anything To Hurt My Sister....



Sis and Little Bro

To Dah Boat To Dah Boat...



All Over But The Shouting



The KISS

Best Man Holds Court

First Dance






















My Fabulous Florist and Maid of Honor (and Dan too)



Thank You to My Wonderful Friends and Family for all your help and support.  And Thank You to my Amazing Husband who is "steady as she goes" through all manner of weather 

Love You all ...mean it!  :)

They're Always Waiting For An Opportunity!

An Old Mortgage Scam Aims To Hijack A Payment Or Two!

A mortgage scam in which con artists send letters telling borrowers they should begin sending their mortgage payments to a fictitious company that has begun servicing their loan, is making the rounds again. Unfortunately, by the time borrowers figure out their loan has not changed servicers, they’ve already sent one or two mortgage payments to the fictitious company.

According to those familiar with the scam, it typically works because most borrowers are unaware of the rules when it comes to the transfer of mortgage-servicing rights. Under the law, the current servicer is required to send a “goodbye” letter notifying the borrower that payments should be sent to a new company as of a certain date.

A week or two later, the law says the borrower should receive a second letter, which, by law, should include a welcome missive from the new servicer with the details of the mortgage payment – a breakdown among principal, interest, and escrow. The package also is likely to include a few payment coupons, if not a brand-new coupon book, and self-addressed printed envelopes for borrowers to make payments.

Both the goodbye and welcome letter should include the mortgage loan number. If either letter does not, or if the information included in one doesn’t match what’s in the other, borrowers should call their original servicers to inquire.

Borrowers only receiving one letter should be extra cautious. Even if everything appears to be standard procedure, borrowers are still advised to call the first company’s toll-free number just to be sure.

(Los Angeles Times Reprint)

When in doubt, call me!  I'll find out for you.  For all your real estate needs, count on Team South Bay Realty.  We're here to help...we're your neighborhood real estate consultants FOR LIFE! 

RED FLAGS

Today, buyers are looking for a Great Deal.   Sometimes we forget that a great deal is about a lot more than just the price.  So many of our distressed properties today (those in foreclosure or involving short sales) have not been maintained for quite a while.  Think about the homeowner who can't afford to pay the mortgage payment.  Do you think this homeowner is being diligent about the maintenance?   So, here are just a few RED FLAGS to look for when choosing a "smoking buy" in today's market ...

RED FLAGS

 Steep slopes (especially of concern in areas of periodic heavy rains and in areas sloped to create subdivisions, which have resulted in many landslides.)

Floors that appear unlevel

Cracks in the foundation, walls, or ceilings

Doors and door casings which are not square to each other

Water stains on walls or ceilings

Smell of dampness in structure

Apparent additions or structure modifications

(were additions or modifications done under a valid building permit?)

 Presence of an oil heating system or evidence of a prior oil heating system

Soft floors in an area such as a bathroom or kitchen

Evidence of poor caulking in tub/shower surround areas

Use of manufactured siding

Gas or oil furnaces that show yellow flames

Evidence of water stains on crawl space piers, footings, or walls

Evidence of crumbling concrete foundation walls (often, older homes in California were built with sand that contained a great deal of organic material. This material over time breaks down and simply leaves the foundation concrete in a deteriorated state)

Evidence of standing water on a property

 

When I am showing a home to one of my buyers, while they are looking at the floorplan and the backyard and the upgraded kitchen, I'm looking for signs on my "Red Flag" list.  Better to find these problems before we close the escrow than having to deal with the headache and expense of curing or repairing after close.  I have several very good Home Inspection Companies that I highly recommend.  If you are thinking about buying a home in this market with over 50% distressed home inventory, call me first.  Even if you are using another Realtor (which I certainly hope you are not) you will still need a very good home inspector.  It doesn't hurt to have more than one set of eyes examining the home before you pay for the inspection either!  (That would be mine and yours first of all.)  It pays to know what you're buying or know exactly what you are paying before you commit.  Call Your Real Estate Consultant For Life!

You'll be glad you did...

Charlie & Dyna