A St. Joseph Burial: Calling in a miracle to sell a home

I dug a hold and placed a man inside today.

Now, don't be shocked. It isn't what you think, but certainly, it wasn't what I woke up expecting to do.

Today, in admittedly, a very Catholic spiritual faithful sort of way, I buried a statue of St. Joseph near a For Sale sign in front of a home that I have been trying to help sell for a co-agent.

For four weeks, this beautiful, well-kept 4 bedroom, 2 bath home has been on the market in South Escondido. Every week, I have hosted an Open House no less than three times ... each week. At least one to two times at lunchtime on weekdays and every weekend. The price is right, not necessarily competitive, but it is below the home's appraisal and still it hasn't sold. The home is on all the major sites, Zillow, Trulia, the MLS, Realtor.com and the like. It is well-staged and everyone who walks in has nothing but glowing, positive things to say about this home. Yet, not even one single offer has been made.

During today's Open House, my broker and the home's listing agent dropped off a St. Joseph statue. I think for fun, but my Catholic faith made me sit and stare at this statue and wonder. I searched Google and read up on St. Joseph, the patron saint of family, home sellers and realtors, among others. 

Apparently, the petition to Jesus' earthly carpenter father is supposed to bring a sale when you bury him in the property's yard and of course, say a prayer. I even might throw in a novena to St. Joseph, just in case that might speed the offers along.

There were a variety of suggestions concerning how to bury St. Joseph, where to bury the little statuette and even what prayers to say, but I chose the most commonly known traditions.

For his burial site, I picked the front yard near the For Sale sign. I buried him about six inches from the surface and placed him upside down. I said two prayers. The first I said before the burial got underway. It was of my own wording in which I requested his divine intercession. After I was done well ... begging, we started the digging. I found a trowel and went to work in their front flower bed near the For Sale sign. He went in headfirst. It felt, honestly, quite disrespectful to this very revered man who helped make Jesus well, priestly, but I was going on faith. Like George Michael and my priest say, "You got to have faith."

Afterward, we read the standard prayer to St. Joseph. I'll put it below just in case any realtors or home sellers want to give a St. Joseph burial a shot.

I went inside and washed my hands and got the dirt out from under my fingers. Less than five minutes later, a couple walked in and although they didn't leave saying their offer would be in tonight, it gave me hope.

Maybe, just maybe, St. Joseph heard my prayers and he would bring this home's next family to the doorstep.

God willing, my next post will be an update to this one declaring St. Joseph burials to be the sure way to get a home sold.

The Top 10 Hottest Markets

Fascinating news this week out of Realtor.com.

Where are homeowners celebrating? Where are prospective buyers driving up prices? To answer these burning questions, we looked at markets with the largest year-over-year median home price increases.
According to Realtor.com data, Stockton, Calif., topped the list with a whopping 38.9 percent increase in median price in the last 12 months. The other nine metropolitan areas in our top 10 all notched gains above 20 percent, making them the hottest places to buy. Understandably out of the 10 hot hot hottest places to buy, six of them are in California with three being in our own backyard of So Cal. That's right, everyone seems to know to Come Home to So Cal.

10. Denver

• Square feet: 2,794
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 2
• Price: $520,000
• City's median home price: $329,000 (+19.6 percent since 2013)

Spanish style in the Mile High city? Why not? This charming casa is listed at $520,000 and offers details aplenty for any Denverite looking for something different.

9. Los Angeles

• Square feet: 3,200
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 3
• Price: $1.895 million
• City's median home price: $449,999 (+20 percent)

This modern stunner in the Hollywood Hills is listed well above the median at $1.895 million, but you’ll be comforted by the fact that you’re buying into a booming market in Southern California.

8. Bakersfield, Calif.

• Square feet: 2,036
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 2
• Price: $183,990
• City's median home price: $179,999 (+20.1 percent)

What can you get on the streets of Bakersfield for the median price? How about a brand-new home?

7. Fresno, Calif.

• Square feet: 1,860
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2
• Price: $369,500
• City's median home price: $229,000 (+21.2 percent)

Fresno saw a healthy jump in home prices in the past year. You’ll jump when you see the price on this newer home in a gated community. Listed for $369,500, the house offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

6. Orange County, Calif.

• Square feet: 7,350
• Bedrooms: 7
• Bathrooms: 5.5
• Price: $3.398 million
• City's median home price: $599,900 (+23.7 percent)

In Orange County, we picked a mansion that would make any "real housewife" happy. This huge home in Anaheim Hills, Calif., is listed at $3.398 million, and for that price tag you will have three acres to play on.

5. Riverside, Calif.

• Square feet: 1,536
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 3
• Price: $294,900
• City's median home price: $292,800 (+24.6 percent)

Coming in right near Riverside’s median price, this cute triplex built in 1920 allows you to play landlord.

4. Detroit

• Square feet: 3,093
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 2 full, 2 half
• Price: $129,000
• City's median home price: $119,900 (+26.3 percent)

Detroit’s problems have been well-documented, but the median home price made a stunning leap in the past year. Even with the big gains, this colonial charmer has been listed for only $129,000.

3. Reno, Nev.

• Square feet: 2,088
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2.5
• Price: $484,000
• City's median home price: $259,900 (+26.8 percent)

At $484,000, this home at 3850 Royer Court is above Reno's median price. But the contemporary style and brilliant city views might be worth the splurge.

2. Las Vegas

• Square feet: 1,889
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 2.5
• Price: $179,000
• City's median home price: $177,500 (+26.9 percent)

We found a Vegas home right around the median price. What will $179,000 in Sin City get you? You will find a home far from the bright lights of the strip at 5128 Blossom Ave. The two-story home offers about 1,900 square feet of living space with four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.

1. Stockton, Calif.

• Square feet: 5,183
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 6
• Price: $599,000
• City's median home price: $248,600 (+38.9 percent)

This home on 415 W. Park Lane is roughly double the median price of a Stockton home, but its size and pedigree merit a look from anyone hoping to capitalize on the red-hot Central Valley real estate market.

Up or Down? Real Estate Market Forecast for 2014

Whether you are a prospective buyer or seller, the question is the same - Should I wait to... buy/sell?

Buyers typically are hoping prices will inch downward again, while sellers are trying to get the most money out of their home sale. Both absolutely valid concerns.

Recently during a real estate seminar at the San Diego Association of Realtors in Kearney Mesa, four seasoned real estate professionals set out to answer these concerns.

Overwhelmingly, they predict home prices will rise in 2014 by four to six percent, while in 2015 they will rise at an even greater rate.

"Buy now before the rocket takes off," said SDAR Board of Directors President Leslie Kilpatrick who works with Willis Allen Real Estate.

Very little inventory and a large amount of buyers make it a seller's market right now, at least in San Diego County, and although it seems like bad news for buyers, there is a silver lining.

Interest rates are still at low rates. It might not be the average 3.34 percent seen in 2013 for the average 30-year-fixed mortgage, but at the current 4.53 average, it is still low in comparison to the historical average for a 30-year fixed is about 7.5 percent.

Not to mention, rents are expected to rise by a drastic 20 to 30 percent by the end of 2014, according to Charles Hoffman President with ACI Apartments and speaker at the SDAR seminar.  

All in all, the time to act is now. These real estate magnates all agreed we, real estate agents, must encourage buyers and sellers alike to get off the fence before prices go up even further because regret isn't a feeling agents want you to have after our work together is complete. We want you to enjoy the buyer and/or selling experience and be happy with your choices and with the guidance we provided.

Good luck in your real estate path wherever they lead.

Choosing YOUR home: Steps toward homeownership

This is Part Three in the series - Steps to Homeownership

The fun part of home buying is beginning... time to shop.

By now, you've gone through the anxiety-ridden decision to buy and the tedious pre-approval and pre-qualification process. Armed with your price range, it's now time to determine your wish list and not just the if price were no limit wish list. You need to consider what your needs are versus what your wants are. Here are a few of the homebuying parameters you should narrow down before you begin the search.

Settle on neighborhoods

Decide where you want to live. A great place you can get started is on my website, www.ComeHomeSoCal.com, where you can research market stats, crime reports and feeder schools by zip code. Another great site to determine school rankings is www.GreatSchools.org. Determine a few neighborhoods where you would like to live and let your real estate know the verdict. He or she can set you up on the MLS database to receive daily listings of all the homes in your price range and areas with the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you desire.

Narrow the wish list

Your wish list can help to remind you which features are absolute requirements and which amenities you'd like to have. Some things to consider types of homes and home purchase considerations.

Types of homes: Single-family homes, multifamily homes, town homes or condos, etc.

• Single-family homes, being the most common, is a freestanding dwelling and can also be referred to as a detached home.
• Multifamily homes can provide rental income that can help in the cost. They can also be called duplexes, triplex and quadraplex. Many mortgage plans, including VA and FHA loans, can be used for buildings with up to four units, if you, the buyer, intends to occupy one of them.
• Condominiums are another choice and with a condo, you own "from the plaster in" just as you would a single house. You also own a certain percentage of the "common elements" - staircases, sidewalks, roofs and the like. Monthly charges pay your share of taxes and insurance on those elements, as well as repairs and maintenance. A homeowners association administers the development.

Home purchase considerations

• You should definitely weigh your needs, budget and personal tastes in deciding whether you want a home that’s a newly constructed home, an older home or a home that requires some work -- a "fixer-upper."
• How many bedrooms do you need versus want? Square footage? Amenities, such as a pool, fireplace, garage, etc. Decide what are your must-haves versus your wants. 

Bottom line is you and your family. It is currently a seller's market. There isn't much inventory out there and there are many, many buyers searching. During this process, it's important not to lose hope. The right house will come but with this market, it might take time and sometimes it will take no time at all. 

When you've found the right home, you must act quickly. In a seller's market houses go quickly and many times same day, so when you see your dream home, don't let it get away. Work with your real estate agent to make sure that house will become your future home.

Happy hunting.

This is Part Three in the series - Steps to Homeownership

Part One: The Big Decision - Are you ready for homeownership? and Part Two: Discovering your price range: Steps to Homeownership can be seen below or https://katyschusterrealtor.blogspot.com

Discovering your price range: Steps to Homeownership

This post is the Part Two in a series - Steps to Homeownership

You've made the decision to become a homeowner and now, it's time to take the next step - qualifying for a mortgage.

Here are some key pointers to keep in mind as you undertake the process of qualifying for a loan and shopping for your first home.

760 is the key for credit that is.

Once you reach a credit score of 760 that is when the magic happens. It opens up the most loan options and those low, low interest rates. 760 is where you want to be.

Now, I'm not saying that if your credit score is below 760 you won't qualify for a loan. Even if you have a poor credit score, you can still qualify but you might pay more for it in terms of higher interest rates and only one or two loan options.

But if you start working on your credit now, you can fix it all and erase the past.

Start by visiting myFICO.com. This site will help you obtain your true credit score. If you're buying with your partner or spouse, you might want to consider qualifying for a mortgage using whoever has the lower credit score. If you try to go in together, many banks, mortgage companies and lenders will base the rate on whoever has the lower, less attractive score.

Also, you should pull a free copy of your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Make sure there are no surprise delinquencies lowering your credit worthiness. If there are, many times they'll be small bills of a medical nature. Get those paid off pronto before you apply for a mortgage.


Save, save and save some more. 

Buying a home is costlier than you might imagine. Traditionally, to get your foot in the door, you'll need a down payment worth 20 percent of the home price, however if you are a First Time Home Buyer, you can get away with a 3.5 percent down payment through the FHA Loan Program, all of which can be gifted money. This route offers the ability to bring the least amount of money to the closing table possible.

There are other ways to get around that steep 20 percent requirement with zero- or low-down loans, but those options can cost and you might have to pay extra for private mortgage insurance or take out a piggyback loan with a much higher interest rate.

Not to mention, closing costs. You'll need money to put at least 3 percent, but sometimes as much as 6 percent toward closing costs, although you can absolutely negotiate who pays closing costs (buyer or seller or between the two.)  

Pre-qualify or better yet - Get pre-approved.

It's very important to pre-qualify or get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start the formal shopping process. By doing this, you can get an idea the home you can afford and what the monthly payment will look like.

If you choose to become pre-qualified, the lender will determine how much you can borrow based on financial information you provide to the lender. Pre-qualification is useful for making preliminary decisions about price ranges, but does not assess your creditworthiness. You will need to fill out a loan application and go through the lender's loan approval process at a later date.

You could also become pre-approved for a loan. When you are pre-approved, the lender conducts a thorough credit check and verifies your employment and deposit. The lender's pre-approval is a commitment to loan up to a certain pre-determined amount. The only thing missing is the lender's appraisal of the home to confirm its value.

Why is pre-approval important at the beginning of the home buying process?

Pre-approval strengthens your offer and negotiating position. A home seller will often choose an offer that is pre-approved for a mortgage over someone whose financial picture is still in question. And yes, it is still somewhat in question when you are choose to go the pre-qualified route.

I and the team at J&M Real Estate do have a recommended lender who we know and trust. I would be more than happy to share that information with you. Just shoot me an email, give a call or leave a comment.

Plan to stay put for years.

Real estate is an investment, but only if you buy and hold. Plan to stay in your new home a minimum of five years, but more like seven before you up and sell. Generally, that is the least amount of time it takes for real estate value to recover and for you to have a good amount of equity.

And most of all.... enjoy hunting.

Buying a home doesn't have to be stressful if you choose a real estate agent and lender who you trust and like. So, find the right person for you and shop your heart away. Go out and find your perfect place.


This post is the Part Two in a series - Steps to Homeownership
Part One - The Big Decision: Are you ready for homeownership? was the first post in the series and can be viewed below.

The Big Decision: Are you ready for home ownership?

This blog post is Part One in a series - Steps to Home Ownership.


Buying a home can be intimidating, lengthy and riddled with anxiety, but if you take the right steps it can be a smooth-sailing and even pleasant process.

 Is the time right? Am I ready for home ownership? What can I afford?

These are just a few of the many questions that might be floating in your mind as you begin what can be the most difficult and overwhelming step in the process toward home ownership - The Decision.

As you begin to consider buying, here are some of the questions you should ask yourself to determine if the time is right for you.

1. Do you budget your finances?
This is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make, so approach it like you're making a business decision.

If you're the type that you already have a budget in place, then you're off to a running start. Good money management skills are key to owning a home. When the faucet leaks or the yard needs tending, it's on the homeowner. No longer is there a landlord with an emergency hotline. Not to mention you have to factor in taxes and possibly HOA fees and Mello-Roos. There's no way around it. Owning comes with it expenses.

If you don't have a household budget right now, start one. You need to know where you are financially — where your money is coming from and where it goes every month — to know exactly how much you can afford to spend on a new home.

2. Can you afford the down payment?
Traditionally, to get your foot in the door, you'll need a down payment worth 20 percent of the home price, however if you are a First Time Home Buyer, you can get away with a 3 percent down payment through an FHA loan, all of which can be gifted money.

There are ways to get around that steep 20 percent requirement with zero- or low-down loans, but those options can cost and you might have to pay extra for private mortgage insurance or take out a piggyback loan with a much higher interest rate.

Also, don't forget to consider moving expenses and closing costs, which are typically about 3 percent of the purchase price.

3. Is your income reliable?
Buying a home is a long-term financial commitment, so you'll need consistent cash flow to cover those monthly payments — not to mention the little extra expenses that come with homeownership. If you're in school, plan to go back to school, have a less-than-reliable job or plan to start a family, you need to take a good look at your future cash-flow abilities. Will you be able to make your mortgage payment six months from now? Let's try six years? If you're married and planning on kids, will one of you want to stop working when you have children? If so, make sure you will be able to afford the home on one income.

4. Do you have the resources and time to maintain a home?
Homes require upkeep. You'll have a lawn to mow, windows to wash, furnace filters to replace, and you may need to tend to minor repairs from time to time and possibly even major ones, as well. Make sure you are prepared for all the responsibilities that come with owning.

If after examining your life plan and your financial scenario, you're still ready to start a home search, then go at it. Just make sure you are honest in your answers that way you know the time is right and that you're ready for the next step: Discovering your Price Range.


This blog post is Part One in a series - Steps to Home Ownership.

Give your home a Wow Factor from the curb. Five tips that won't break the bank

Improving your home's curb appeal is an instant way to boost its wow factor. Plus, it gives you that great first impression to enchant a home buyer and make them fell in love ... at first sight.

I know what you're thinking though - How much will it cost me? When selling your home, expenses can mount up - professional home and carpet cleaning, moving expenses, commissions, taxes, buying your next house, among others. Giving your house curb appeal doesn't have to be one of them though. There are a few things you can do that will go far to giving it instant appeal for very little money.

1. Glam the front door.
A fresh coat of paint and some new, larger numbers to highlight your home address is one of the easiest and most affordable home improvements you can do that goes a long way to making your home stand out from the street. Consider painting the front door with a pop of color. Seeing a deep red or dark green door really makes a home stand out. Make sure the paint color you choose goes with your home's exterior color palette. Deep red looks great with creams, whites and blacks while green looks good with greys and whites. For a fun read on front door paint colors, click here.

You can also add style and interest by updating your house's address hardware. Again make sure that the numbers you choose for the address keep in line with your house style. Oiled-bronze finishes work well with traditional homes. Brushed nickel looks great with more contemporary styles.

2. Tend your beds ... your flower beds.
Trim the shrubs and hedges, weed the flower beds and put in some color with some beautiful vibrant annuals or perennials. A beautiful flower bed will help to draw buyers in. Start with weeding your flower bed and cleaning up any debris. Grab some mulch from your local home improvement store. Mulch goes a long way to give it a fresh look without requiring much upkeep. Finally add some color to your existing plants with some flowers. Pansies, impatiens and petunias are all low-cost flowers that have long-lasting blooms.

3.  Manicure your lawn.
A beautiful, well-manicured lawn sets the mood. Grab the lawn mower and edger and with just a little bit of sweat and absolutely no dinero, you've got a beautiful yard that invites buyers to look inside. Tip though, make sure and edge after you mow, it goes a long way to making a look that compliments the house and improves its appearance without spending.

4. Make the windows sparkle; Clean up the exterior.
Get rid of the dirt that can make your home look dingy. Giving the windows a good clean will make them sparkle and giving the entire house a high-powered wash with your water hose will remove any dirt and give it that sparkle that will really resonate. Your garden hose should be able to do the job by turning it to its strongest, most powerful setting. Of course, renting a high-powered hose is an option but not necessary.

5. Tidy up your driveway and the entire front.
Weeds can sometimes find a way to peek out from cracks in the driveway. Some weed killer will help take care of unwanted greenery in the driveway and allow you to get them out of there for good. Plus, consider concealing your trash and recycling containers behind the fence or on the side of the house where they won't be seen from the street. Don't park your car in the driveway while your home is on the market. It might give potential buyers the wrong impression about the storage space in the garage. Park in the garage or down the street for that added zing. Also, if there are any toys, bikes or other items in your front lawn or patio, stow them in the garage. Tidying and getting rid of any clutter in the front makes a big impact.

Improving your curb appeal doesn't have to break the bank and first impressions are everything when it comes to buyers. Good luck selling! I would love to hear from you. Post a comment or shoot me an email.