Helen Rivard- Realtor Selling Homes in Placerville | El Dorado Hills | Pollock Pines | Call me (530) 409-2687

Los Angeles Times

A year ago, 1 out of 10 REALTORS® surveyed said houses were receiving low-ball offers.  In the latest survey, there were hardly any.  Instead, the focus ha shifted to declining inventory levels.

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http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-harney-20120422,0,7259627.story

The Sacramento Bee
Nearly five years after the housing bust began, government programs to help those who are underwater on their mortgages, unemployed, or unable to make their payments are kicking into gear.
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http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/22/4430747/aid-for-troubled-mortgages-has.html

San Diego Union Tribune
An estimated 35 percent of the U.S. home-loan defaults in late 2010 were considered strategic, increasing from 26 percent in March 2009, based on figures from the University of Chicago’s business school.
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http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/apr/14/why-people-walk-away-home-loans/

The California Dept. of Real Estate has issued a consumer alert about what to do if someone learns that a forged and/or fraudulent deed has been recorded against their real property.  According to the alert, those who have learned of the fraudulent deed must act immediately to protect their ownership interest in the home.  Homeowners should immediately gather and collect all of the information, documents, and other evidence and report the forged deed to:

• The local police and/or Sheriff’s department, and to such police agencies where the property is located (if different from where the owner resides.)

• The offices of the city and district attorneys where the home is located

• The office of the recorder in the county where the property is located

• The local city’s or county’s department of consumer affairs

• The California Secretary of State, Notary Public Section.

• The California Dept. of Real Estate

More info

San Diego Union-Tribune
State officials have noticed an emerging scam: Callers say they will help homeowners apply for Keep Your Home California benefits for fees of up to $900.  The calls are happening statewide.  Applying for the program is free.
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http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/mar/07/new-housing-scheme-emerges-california/