May 13 2011:

Q: Are the foreclosures in Sonoma County becoming more affordable or are they at the bottom?

A: We think the home prices in the 250,000 and under range are at a stable point due to the ability of obtaining financing and interest rates being low. Many home buyers are waiting for just the right home to come to market and then making an offer to purchase. There is a lot of talk about the shadow inventory that may exist which may put pressure on the already low home prices, but only time will tell.

April 21 2011:

Q: Are any of the banks doing loan modifications and short sales or is this only through the government programs? Home Owner Help

A: The government programs are designed to work in conjunction with the banks to help home owners that are trying to avoid foreclosure be able to sell the home or do home loan modifications and salvage some of their credit. Many banks have been on hold due to some legal snafus at the administrative level. Hopefully they will be able to continue to help struggling home owners to list and sell their home without to much delay. Here is a great place to start researching avoiding home foreclosure. See Video Below

July 21 2011:

Q: How does a home buyer know if a foreclosure bank owned home needs repairs.

A: The best way to discover if a home needs repairs is to obtain a home inspection at the time of home purchase contract. Hiring a licensed and bonded home inspector will help you identify any possible problems before you buy a home.