<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Rancho Santa Margarita California Real Estate News &amp; Listings Presented By RE/MAX Champions</title><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com</link><description></description><lastBuildDate>Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:24:42 GMT</lastBuildDate><item><title>107 Pasto Rico, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/107-Pasto-Rico-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California/i/252414/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p><span class="d3721m35 "><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">BANK OWNED! Charming condo.  Attached clean 2 Bed/2.5 Baths.   Inside laundry hookup in garage, attached 1 Car Garage, large patio,  granite counter tops in kitchen, cozy fireplace in living room. Very  clean condition condo ready to go. A must see.</span><span style="font-size: 8pt;">courtesy of century 21 superstars</span></span><br /></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/107-Pasto-Rico-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/107-Pasto-Rico-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:27:30 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>5 El Canto, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/5-El-Canto-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California-2/i/252412/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><span class="d3721m35 ">BANK OWNED! Don't let this opportunity pass YOU by! Great  single story El Caserio plan, located on a Cul De Sac and overlooking  Monte Vista Park! Walk to the community pool and tennis courts and  nearby ONeill Regional Park! 3 Bedrooms and two baths (3rd Bedroom is  currently a den, accessed from the master bedroom). Good functional  floor plan. Just needs a little TLC. This property is being sold 'as  is', there are no warranties, expressed or implied. Buyer to verify all  information in the MLS.<span style="font-size: 8pt;">courtesy of </span></span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span class="d3721m35 ">DSN Valuation Services</span></span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/5-El-Canto-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California-2</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/5-El-Canto-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California-2</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:23:38 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>66 Lobelia, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/66-Lobelia-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California/i/252411/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="d3721m35 ">One Level, Upstairs Corner Unit - 2 Bedrooms,  1.75 Bathrooms. Fireplace in Living Room. Tile Flooring in Kitchen and  Bathrooms. Inside Launsry area for Stacked Unit. 1 Car Detached Garage.<span style="font-size: 8pt;">courtesy of </span></span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span class="d3721m35 ">Desiree Patno, Broker</span></span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/66-Lobelia-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/66-Lobelia-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:19:54 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>45 Glen Echo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/45-Glen-Echo-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California-2/i/252410/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p><span class="d3721m35 "><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Price reduced! Awesome deal! BANK OWNED!  INCREDIBLE FIVE BEDROOM WITH A LOFT HOME LOCATED IN THE PRESTIGIOUS 24HR  GURD GATED COMMUNITY OF DOVE CANYON. GREAT FLOORPLAN PERFECT FOR  ENTERTAINING. VIEWS &amp; SOME UPGRADES. CORNER LOT, HARDSCAPED BACKYARD  WITH BUILT IN BBQ &amp; FIRE PIT<span style="font-size: 8pt;">.courtesy of first team ln</span></span><br /></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/45-Glen-Echo-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California-2</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/45-Glen-Echo-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California-2</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:15:11 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>33 Wakonda, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/33-Wakonda-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California/i/252382/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p><span class="d3721m35 ">Bank owned property. Wonderful island kitchen  with granite counter tops, upgraded cabinets, kitchen hardwood floors,  flows to family room with granite fireplace. Granite entry with elegant  wrap around staircase with dark wood Bannister, built in custom arches,  recessed lighting in spacious vaulted ceiling living room with granite  firelpace. Spacious master, vaulted ceilings with retreat and open  fireplace finished in granite fireplace, ceiling fans, shutters  throughout home, Outside BBQ island, Wonderful location in gate  guarded community, community pool, spa and tennis.<span style="font-size: 8pt;">courtesy of salt creek realty</span><br /></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/33-Wakonda-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/33-Wakonda-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:49:01 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>21761 Via Del Lago, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/21761-Via-Del-Lago-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California-2/i/252381/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p><span class="d3721m35 ">Set high on a hill with spectacular city lights  and hills views on a single loaded part of the street! Offering an open  floorplan with plantation shutters and New carpet throughout! Dramatic  entrance with double doors, raised entry, soaring celings and spiral  staircase! Main floor bedroom with a full bath, plus an office, half  bath and wet bar! 4 Bedrooms upstairs, 2 baths and library loft! Large  master suite with dual sided fireplace into the spacious master bath, a  private master view balcony, built-in media niche, his and her closets  and panoramic views! Spacious backyard with panoramic views and patio  cover! Gated community of Rancho Cielo with pool, spa, tennis,  vollyball, basketball court, playground &amp; SELLER OFFERS BUYER $2500  TOWARDS CLOSING COSTS!<span style="font-size: 8pt;">courtesy of </span></span><span style="font-size: 8pt;">vernazza realty inc.</span></p>
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</table>]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/21761-Via-Del-Lago-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California-2</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/21761-Via-Del-Lago-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California-2</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:44:07 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>26 Via Bandada, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/26-Via-Bandada-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California/i/251449/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />BEAUTIFUL MELINDA HEIGHTS HOME WITH A LARGE LOT.  THIS HOME FEATURES 4 SPACIOUS BEDROOMS AND 3 FULL BATHS. ROOM &amp; FULL BATHROOM DOWNSTAIRS. UPGRADED KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTER TOPS. PLANTATION SHUTTERS, 3 CAR GARAGE, LOTS OF NATURAL LIGHTING, PRICED TO SELL.  ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF LIVING IN RSM WHICH INCLUDE, OLYMPIC SIZED POOLS, HEATED YEAR ROUND, MANY PARKS, LIGHTED TENNIS COURTS, BASKET BALL COURTS, AND THE BEAUTIFUL LAKE OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA.]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/26-Via-Bandada-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/26-Via-Bandada-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</guid><pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:23:21 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>21 Anglesite, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/21-Anglesite-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California/i/251013/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />SHORT SALE BEING HANDLED BY A PROFESSIONAL NEGOTIATING FIRM. BEAUTIFUL MELINDA HEIGHTS DETACHED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE. TRAVERTINE FLOOR THROUGHOUT DOWNSTAIRS. CHERRY WOOD ON STAIRS AND LOFT. LARGE MASTER BEDROOM WITH A SPACIOUS RETREAT, HUGE WALK IN CLOSET AND SEPARATE SHOWER AND TUB IN  MASTER BATHROOM. 3 BEDROOMS PLUS A LOFT AND 2.5 BATHS.    PLANTATION SHUTTERS BEAUTIFUL PARKS AND AWARD WINNING SCHOOLS.  ENJOY THE BENIFITS OF LIVING IN RSM WHICH INCLUDE  OLYMPIC SIZED SWIMMING POOS, HEATED YEAR ROUND, MANY PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS,  LIGHTED TENNIS COURTS, BASKETBALL COURTS AND THE BEAUTIFUL LAKE ALL OF WHICH MAKE THIS HOME A MUST SEE AT THIS INCREDIBLE PRICE.]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/21-Anglesite-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/21-Anglesite-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:21:31 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>The Fundamentals Behind A Short Sale</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.leticiahixson.com/agent_files/fundamentials%20of%20a%20short%20sale.jpg" alt="" width="110" height="122" />The fundamentals behind a short sale are pretty easy. For example, let's say that you have a property that is worth about $150k and just for fun let's say that it has two mortgages. The first mortgage is $100k and the second one is a mere $40k. So, the entire sum of the real estate property would be $140,000. Now, if you are a real estate investor, you obviously would not want to buy a $150,000 home for $140,000 it really just doesn't make any sense at all and is NOT in your best interest. The short sale is incorporated when you try and get the bank you are dealing with to less than the "debt" on the home, say $100,000 instead of $140,000. Why would a bank do such a thing? Well, there are several reasons behind this!</p>
<p>First off, there are, as always, going to be a lot of money paid out for the foreclosure and the various costs for repairs around the house. Second off, you have to consider wage growth. This means taking a look at something and realizing that the price of it will fluctuate over time. Think of something as simple as a carton of eggs. A few years ago you could buy a dozen for $0.50. Now you are looking at close to $2 for a dozen. The reason? People make more, it costs more to live, etc. The cost of living is always on the rise and real estate is no different. Banks look at this fluctuation and know that in the end it will benefit them. The one reason a lot of people don't like to do short sales is because they think it doesn't really benefit the owner of the home.&nbsp; However there are many advantages of doing a short sale.&nbsp; Your credit will only be affected for 2 years vs the 10 years that a foreclosure stays on your credit report.&nbsp; In addition homeowners are now recieveing $3,000 to help with moving expenses, not to mention they are not evicted, no one is showing up harrassing them to get out.&nbsp; A short sale is treated as a regular sale and the homeowner stays in the home until the close of escrow allowing them to save money during the short sale approval process. And in only two years you can buy another home instead of renting for 10.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/Blog/The-Fundamentals-Behind-A-Short-Sale</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/Blog/The-Fundamentals-Behind-A-Short-Sale</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Short Sale -Documents Needed For a Short Sale.</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Now that you have decided a short sale is an option there will be some requirements from you in order to move forward.&nbsp; One thing to remember while gathering this information - Your privacy is repsepected and <a href="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/About">your real estate agent</a> as well as your mortgage lender will help you through this process.&nbsp; <br /></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Authorization to Release Information. This authorization letter is your written permission for your <a href="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/About">real estate agent </a>to talk with the lender.&nbsp; <br /></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">2. Handwritten hardship letter - This is a personal letter to the lender explaining why you are not able to continue making your mortage payments.&nbsp; You will need to include your current situation.&nbsp; Make sure you are to the point, had written and not more than one page.</span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> <br /></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">3. The Listing Agreement.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">4. Last two years tax returns. If you did not keep copies of your tax returns you can contact the IRS and they will send it to you, but this can take several weeks.<br /></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">5. Last two months bank statements.&nbsp; You can also print your banks statements online or call your bank to have them resend these to you.&nbsp; Be prepared there may be a small fee associated with mailing them.&nbsp; Ask your bank about any fees.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">6. Last two pay stubs for on all borrowers.&nbsp; If you are self employed you will need to furnish your last years tax return.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">7. </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Mortgage Statement for all lenders on property</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">8. Homeowner's financial statement. This is a list of all your expenses and income.&nbsp; This includes all savings, other real estate owned, credit cards, child support, disability, etc.<br /></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">If you situation is unique there may be additional documents required such as:</span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Death Certificate<br />Divorce Decree<br />Incarceraton Decree<br />Bankruptcy Letter</span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Proof of Disability</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Insurance Claims</span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Court Approvals</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">HOA Statement<br /></span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Everyone's situation is unique and the more prepared you are the smoother the process will be.&nbsp; Every bank works with different guidelines and your real estate agent will help you understand what to be prepared for through the process.&nbsp; </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">It is an emotional process, so the better prepared you are - the transaction will go smoother, but the key is to have a certified short sale specialist to know and understand your situation.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/About">Alberto Sotomayor of RE/MAX Champions </a>has received his certification from the Five Star Institute and has completed all the reuirements to achieve his short sale certification.&nbsp; He also specializes in help those facing short sales and will be happy to answer any questions you may have and he will respect your privacy.&nbsp; </span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/agent_files/ShortSaleCertified.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="191" /></p>]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/Blog/Short-Sale-Documents-Needed-For-a-Short-Sale</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/Blog/Short-Sale-Documents-Needed-For-a-Short-Sale</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>26 Mohave Way, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/26-Mohave-Way-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California/i/250021/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p><span class="d3721m35 ">Bank owned! Floorplan includes living room,  dining room, and family room. All bedrooms are upstairs. Next to  elementary school and close to intermediate school. Property is sold 'AS  IS' with no warranties. Buyer to verify all information.<span style="font-size: 8pt;">courtesy of c-21 superstars</span><br /></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/26-Mohave-Way-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/26-Mohave-Way-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</guid><pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:07:35 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>109 Calle De Felicidad, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/109-Calle-De-Felicidad-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California/images/noimage.jpg?size=ListingThumbnail" title="" alt="No image available" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>Bank Owned! Bank Owned! Bank Owned!<span class="d3721m35 ">Beautiful detached condominium located in the  wonderful community of Rancho Santa Margarita. This convenient location  is within walking distance to shopping and dining.  This home shows very  well. Updated throughout, with crown moulding, granite countertops,  porcelein tile flooring, and much more.courtesy of prudential ca realty<br /></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/109-Calle-De-Felicidad-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/property/109-Calle-De-Felicidad-Rancho-Santa-Margarita-California</guid><pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:03:17 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Five Star Short Sale Certification</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.leticiahixson.com/agent_files/images.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="32" /><a href="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/About">Alberto Sotomayor</a> is proud and excited to announce that </span></span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">he </span></span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">recently&nbsp;attended the 5 Star Institute seminar and has obtained the short sale certification. I am 1 out of about 600 Realtors nationwide who is the 1st to get </span></span><a href="http://www.fsishortsalesummit.com/certifications.php" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">certified through the 5 STAR INSTITUTE</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> as <a href="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/Short-Sale-FAQ">short sale specialist</a>. This certification through 5 Star is the #1 certification a realtor can get.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Homeowners are looking for </span></span><a href="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/Short-Sale-FAQ"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">alternatives to foreclosure</span></span></a><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, and <a href="http://www.albertosotomayor.com/">short sales</a> are becoming increasingly popular.&nbsp;As a short sale specialist, I am qualified and prepared to get the job done! Below are some of the qualifications offer to those facing foreclosure and looking for alternatives.&nbsp; <br /></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">&bull;I understand when a short sale is the best option<br />&bull;I can recognize the steps in the process and develop a short sale package<br />&bull;Discern what is and is not a hardship<br />&bull;Negotiate with lenders<br />&bull;Comply with <a href="http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/short_sales_hafa" target="_blank">Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA)</a> rules<br />&bull;Limit your risk</span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/Blog/Five-Star-Short-Sale-Certification</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/Blog/Five-Star-Short-Sale-Certification</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Should I Buy a Home Now?</title><description><![CDATA[<p>I'm often asked if this is a good time to buy a home.  Some clients are concerned that home prices may fall further than they have already.  They are assuming that the best course of action is to wait for the bottom in the market and then buy.  The problem with this approach is that you don't know where the bottom is until you see it in the rear view mirror, meaning until you've missed it!</p>
<p>Home prices are one factor in determining your cost of ownership, but so are interest rates and financing availability.  Even though interest rates have gone up in the last six months, they are still near historic lows.  Since your monthly mortgage payment is a combination of paying down your principal and paying the interest owed, if home prices come down a little further but interest rates   up, it could cost you even more to service a mortgage on an identical home!</p>
<p>While a home is a major investment, it is also the center of your personal life.  It's important to live in a home that reflects your taste and values, yet is within your financial "comfort zone."  To that end, it may be more important to lock in today's relatively low interest rates and low home prices, rather than to hope for a further break in prices in the future.</p>
<p>Please give me a call if I can be of any assistance in determining how much home you can afford in today's market.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/Blog/Should-I-Buy-a-Home-Now</link><guid>http://www.albertosotomayor.com/Blog/Should-I-Buy-a-Home-Now</guid><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item></channel></rss>