Matt Malouf, Founder of Matt Malouf Realty is an experienced real estate investor and author. His latest book, ˜Matt's Foreclosure Home Buying Secrets' is the basis for the topic of Silver Stream Advisors' latest affiliate webinar.  Malouf joins Silver Stream Advisors' President Gregg Wood and his team of real estate experts to bring you a brief education on doing your due diligence and to share in an exciting real estate investment opportunity that is generating double digit returns.   This free webinar will give you a better understanding on the things to look out for when buying real estate and how Silver Stream Advisors' trademarked Real Estate Money Machine^TM investment model will grow your retirement and take advantage of the incredible opportunity in real estate.

Both Malouf and Wood are committed to providing investors the highest levels of experience, expertise and security of funds in the industry.

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This webinar will teach you:

• How to evaluate neighborhoods for possible investments
• The most important reports investors need look out for when buying investment property
• How to maximize their resources when doing their homework
• How to regain control of your retirement using Silver
  Stream Advisors investment opportunities
• Tax strategies of the wealthy

For those prepared with the right tools, there has never been a better time to invest in real estate. Learn the secrets of the rich to control their financial future. We look forward to seeing you there.

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California Foreclosure Laws
California Foreclosure is Non-Judicial.
California Foreclosure Timeline
Redemption Period
Once the Notice of Default records the foreclosure time frame begins. California foreclosure law states that within 10 business days a copy of the recorded Notice of Default is sent by certified and regular mail to the borrowers at all addresses provided and any recorded special requests. Within 30 days a copy of the Notice of Default is sent by certified and regular mail to new owners and all junior lien holders to the Deed of Trust being foreclosed. A Trustee’s Sale Guarantee Report is ordered from the title company providing all title information. The foreclosure remains dormant for the next 60 days unless the borrower makes contact to cure.
Publication Period
California foreclosure law states that the publication period begins once the redemption period has expired. A Notice of Trustee’s Sale is prepared and published in an adjudicated paper of general circulation in the city in which the property is located. The Notice of Trustee’s Sale is published one time per week for three weeks. The actual Sale is established by adding at least 20 days to the date that the Notice of Trustee’s Sale was first published in the newspaper. The Notice of Trustee’s Sale is posted on the property and in a public place. At least 14 days period to Sale date the Notice of Trustee’s Sale must be recorded in the county in which the property is located.
Trustee’s Sale
California foreclosure law states that on the day that was established for sale of the property, and only after all publication period requirements have been met, the property is sold to the highest bidder for cash for the full amount of the debt plus foreclosure fee and expenses. If no one bids at the Trustee’s Sale, the property automatically reverts back to the beneficiary for the debt. A Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale is recorded in the county in which the property is located transferring title to the foreclosing beneficiary allowing the marketing of the property to recover their debt.
All sales under a power of sale in a deed of trust will be made between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on any business day, Monday through Friday, at the time specified in the notice of trustee sale. The sale must be made a public auction to the highest bidder. The trustee has the right to require every bidder to show evidence of ability to pay the full bid in cash, cashiers check or certain bank checks. Each bid is by law an irrevocable offer to purchase. However, a higher bid cancels an earlier bid. It is unlawful and a criminal offense (a fine of $10,000 or up to one year in jail) to offer anyone consideration not to bid, or to fix or restrain the bidding process in any manner. Debtors may reinstate up to five days before non-judicial foreclosure sale.
Junior lien holders may no longer redeem, so they may try to protect themselves by (1) advancing funds to bring the senior loan payments current, then foreclosing for the sums advanced; (2) bidding at the foreclosure sale so the price will be sufficient to pay off the senior and the junior liens; or (3) acquire the property by bidding at the foreclosure. If the debtor has a right to redeem and does so, the junior who purchased the home must be reimbursed. Junior liens do not reattach the property if a borrower redeems a senior lien whose foreclosure extinguished the junior. This helps borrowers by encouraging the junior to bid up to the property to fair market value at the foreclosure sale, or else lose out, giving borrowers closer to fair value at sale.
Lenders may not seek a deficiency judgment if (1) the foreclosure is non-judicial or if (2) foreclosure is on a purchase money obligation. The same rules do not apply to guarantee or later lien holders. The lenders may seize alternative collateral. If the lender forecloses by filing a lawsuit, then the lender can obtain both a foreclosure sale order and a judgment against the borrower for a deficiency after the court-ordered sale, but only for the difference between the judgment and the fair value of the security.
VA Loans
An appraisal should be ordered through an authorized VA appraiser 60 days from the recording of the Notice of Default. A completed VA567 from should be sent to the local VA office with a copy of the Notice of Trustee’s Sale and Trustee’s Sale Guarantee once publication of the Notice of Trustee’s Sale has begun. A Corporation Grant Deed should be prepared conveying title from the foreclosing beneficiary to the proper governmental agency.
FHA Loans
A Notice to Occupant of Pending Acquisition should be mailed to mortgagee with a copy of the cover letter to the local FHA office. A Corporation Grant Deed should be prepared conveying title from the foreclosing beneficiary to the proper governmental agency. If the property is occupied, an eviction process must be started to convey the title to FHA unoccupied. Once eviction complete, record Corporation Grant Deed and issue title package to FHA for Title Approval Record Corporation Grant Deed and issue FHA 27011 Part A.

Call or write to us today to see how we can be of service to you.

A few days ago, one of my business partners told me to
watch a video that scared the hell out of him. He recommended
the video to me because he knows I’m concerned about the
economy and the real estate market.   I’ve shared my concerns
many times with my friends and family. Things are going to
get worse in the months to come.

Before I go further, here’s the link to the video he recommended:

http://www.investwithdantoday.com

The video is 90-minutes long, so I put it on my “To Do” list.
Well, last night after attending a holiday play at my daughter’s
school, I sat down and finally watched the video.

To be completely honest, it IS scary.

Here’s what’s covered…

*   The video highlights what’s going to happen in the next 6 to
36 months that will bankrupt 95% of the population.

*   Why gold & silver will skyrocket in value. In last week’s
email newsletter, I strongly recommended you read a book
titled “Invest in Gold & Silver” by Michael Maloney. Well,
this video covers the same information and you absolutely
must watch it.

*   Why you would be crazy to put your money in the stock
market right now.

And a lot more.

If you only watch ONE video I recommend, please make
it this one. It will be the most valuable 90-minutes of your
life and it WILL change your view of the world.

Go to:http://www.investwithdantoday.com

FYI – this video is going to be removed on Sunday night,
so don’t put it off to next week.

Summer is typically the time families make the ˜big’ move
Whether across town, across state, or across the country; it can be a stressful time for all.
Help reduce stress by knowing these tips to make their move GEL
¢ Get a head start
¢ Expect kids
¢ Leverage resources
Get a Head Start.
Before the family comes to town for a house hunting trip, provide them resources on activities and schools to start narrowing down potential neighborhoods.And, don’t forget the kids. Help them get excited too. Ask their parents what the kids like to do and send a list of entertainment centers and parks that might be relevant. Send local treats or an age appropriate book on the area as well… these small, inexpensive gestures will make a world of difference to the kids who may feel overlooked during these hectic times.

Expect Kids.
House hunting trips in the summer can often mean kids in tow. Confirm beforehand whether they will be along for the ride and if so, involve them in the hunt!

Chances are they are a little nervous about the move and may not have been house hunting before. Some tips to make house hunting with kids a fun experience for all!

1. A Planned Day is a (relatively) Peaceful Day.
Map out the route, the time in the car, and the number of houses you plan to see that day and ask the parents to review the schedule. They know their kids the best. If they know the kids need a snack around 10 a.m. you can schedule accordingly. Remember, GPS is your friend. Have it handy so you can quickly find convenience stores and potential potty stops.

2. Keep Kids in the Know.
Let them know how many houses will be seen and what to expect from the day. It can be frustrating being a kid and not knowing what’s ahead. Give them a tick sheet so they can see what’s coming up. Older kids can rate the houses as they visit them.

3. Entertain & Excite.
Keep kids busy and excited about the move. Have the kids draw or color pictures of the house after they look at it. Keep some paper and some colored pencils and crayons available. And be prepared. Accidents can happen. Keep a copy of these quick and easy car care tips in your glove box.

4. Take a Break.
Not only for the kids, but it’s definitely helpful for the parents too. Looking at several houses in a row can get overwhelming. Stop at a park or a family friendly snack shop. Let the kids’ burn off some energy and regroup with the parents. What are their feelings so far? Have they refined their wish list based on what they’ve seen? How are the kids holding up? Reassess the remaining schedule and see if a few houses can be crossed off the list or, if there’s time for just one or two more visits, prioritize and plan for tomorrow.

Leverage Resources.
Once the house has been found, the offer has been accepted, and it’s a done deal, this is when the real work starts for most families. They need to notify friends, determine job transitions, arrange for school enrollment, familiarize themselves with the new neighborhood, etc.

This is another point in the relocation process where I can provide additional value.

Refer your clients to resources that can help them save time and money. Matt’s Home Buying System, for example, offers a free program that reduces the time, expense and uncertainty when planning and executing a long distance move of household goods.

Matt’s Home Buying System does the homework for your clients to find the best, most reputable van lines to meet their needs; arranges multiple estimates; and ensures the process goes smoothly.

In addition, because of the volume of moves managed by Matt’s Home Buying System, they have the clout to ensure aggressive pricing and attentive customer service from the van lines.

Last but definitely not least, don’t forget the kids. Help them accept their new home and the adventure that awaits them. Give them a closing gift of their own to keep them excited about the move. A toy truck and miniature furniture is a unique idea, or even an activity book about the move is sure to be appreciated.

With a little advanced planning, a family relocation can be a fun adventure for the parents, kids, and their realtor. For more tips and checklists on moving, visit www.buysellwithmatt.com and ask how you can benefit.
Know someone who may be moving in the next few months? Refer them to me, I am a National Relocation Specialist with access to resources and 45,000 agents across the country.

Marjory Lokahi Gentsch, broker for Hill Country Green Team in Austin, Texas, is something of an accidental real estate practitioner. She entered the business in 2004 specifically to educate people about the importance of green building and sustainable development and construction.Gentsch, a Green Instructor, has become deeply involved with green real estate and sustainability, providing LEED workshops through the local chapter of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), negotiating green sales contracts on behalf of clients, and presenting seminars on an array of topics that include indoor air quality, green marketing, life cycle performance and energy tax credits.

She’s one of four winners of the Green REsource Council’s 2010 EverGreen Award, an honor that recognizes GRC members for their commitment to the advancement of the green building industry and its practice.

Here is some of Gentsch’s insight.

Backdoor entry: Gentsch got involved in real estate after investigating and using green building techniques for her own Austin custom house that she completed in 2000. She was especially concerned with indoor air quality and found the design and building experience an eye-opener when she learned about toxins that lurk in houses. “My profession was health and wellness and I realized that the most important product affecting people’s health was their house,” she comments. She wanted others to understand the importance of a clean, green house and reasoned that she could make the greatest impact through real estate. “The best way to promote green real estate is by informing the public before they pick a house,” she comments.

One non-toxic home at a time: Gentsch negotiated with a home builder to incorporate unique products, such as non-toxic paints, stained concrete floors, and other materials that didn’t off-gas, for a house that a client with chemical sensitivities was purchasing. She’s a tough negotiator on deals that she works with builders on behalf of her clients. She also “babysits” homebuilding projects to be certain that contractors adhere to green standards. For one, she insists on third-party construction inspections to ensure that proper materials and construction methods are being incorporated. Why? Her argument is that you may have a great energy-efficient window, but if the contractor doesn’t do the flashing correctly, its effectiveness can be profoundly diminished.

Green MLS: Gentsch was instrumental in greening her local MLS. “I started lobbying for it in 2006 and pushed for two years,” she recalls. In 2008, the fields appeared. Her next MLS effort entails pushing for third-party verification of a house’s greenness, both to protect practitioners and to avoid greenwashing. “If you’re going to say it’s green, prove it,” she comments. According to Gentsch, not enough practitioners have taken NAR’s Green Designation Core Course, and many selling agents–even those marketing green homes–aren’t well-schooled in the features of green homes that are covered in the course. “That has to change,” she comments. Moreover, she points out that clients truly interested in sustainability can sniff out impostors. “Green clients know if your heart is in the right place. You can’t fake it.”

Expanding knowledge: Green education is an ongoing quest, which is why Gentsch participates in an array of national and community green groups, including the GRC, Sierra Club, and USGBC. The participation not only gives her credibility (“People know I’m the real deal,” she comments), but it also gives her access to people with expertise. “If I have questions about a building system or materials or if there’s some anomaly, I have 10 or 12 experts I can call. They’re an incredible resource, and that’s one benefit of networking with other green professionals,” she comments.

Big picture: Gentsch keeps an eye on energy price trends and anticipates a cost hike in coming years. “Once energy prices rise dramatically, people will seriously ‘get it.’ Energy-guzzling houses just won’t sell in that condition,” she comments. It’s another reason she’s such a strong advocate for green housing and why she urges real estate practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of sustainability. She expects that buyers will start scrutinizing energy bills carefully and factoring such costs into buying decisions. “Eventually, it’s not going to just be PITI, but PITI plus ‘E’ for energy. Green will be mainstream when energy prices skyrocket,” Gentsch comments.

Non-MLS Wholesale Deal “ Not a Short Sale “ Make Offer!

St. Louis, MO 63135 (Calverton Park).   3 beds/2 bath.   Will rent for $750-$800.   Sale price is $56K.
Very nice 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. Full basement, hardwood floors, large kitchen with built-in stove top and range, nice neighborhood. 936 square feet, Ferguson-Florissant school district.   Ready for occupancy inspection.

Please contact me for details and let me know what you are looking for and let’s get you some cashflow!

No doubt you’ve heard the news recently that a number of major banks have volunteered to temporarily suspend foreclosures in 23 states and Bank of America is temporarily suspending foreclosures nationwide.While this situation is changing daily, I want to tell you what we currently know to answer any questions you may have.

* In late September and early October some lenders and servicers began voluntarily halting foreclosures in select states while they reviewed their foreclosure processes.

* So far, only Bank of America has extended its foreclosure moratorium to California, where the vast majority of foreclosures are conducted without a court order. Foreclosures in the other 23 states are processed through the court system.

* Non-judicial foreclosures in California, however, do have legal requirements that lenders must follow. For example, California law requires that lenders for certain mortgage loans made between Jan. 1, 2003, and Dec. 31, 2007, attempt to make contact with borrowers to discuss options for avoiding foreclosure at least 30 days before filing a notice of default. Lenders also must sign a declaration in the notice of default stating that they tried to contact the borrower, made contact with the borrower, or fall within an exception (such as a bankruptcy filing).

* The lenders and servicers that have placed their foreclosure moratorium on properties in the 23 states where courts are involved in the foreclosure process include: Goldman Sachs Group Inc’s Litton Loan Servicing, Ally Financial Inc.’s GMAC Mortgage unit, JPMorgan Chase, and PNC Financial.

* These lenders/servicers have only temporarily halted their foreclosures while they review their foreclosure process. This is in response to findings that questioned whether some lenders/servicers were following the correct procedures to foreclose on a property.

* This halting of foreclosures is a voluntary action taken on the part of these lenders/servicers and has not been mandated by either the states or the federal government.

* Some members have begun to report the immediate impact of this moratorium on transactions that involve foreclosed properties. Delays in escrow and the removal of listed foreclosures are temporary results of this moratorium.

* The immediate impact on the market will be the slowing of home sales, which could put upward pressure on home prices in the short term. The long-term effect on the market is uncertain at this point as it depends how long the moratorium remains in place.

* Assuming the moratorium is lifted in the next month, the flow of REOs to the market should resume, but the uncertainty created by the moratorium may cause hesitation on the part of buyers.

* Federal agencies, including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Housing Administration, and the conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have asked lenders and servicers to review their foreclosure processes. This review would apply to all states including those like California where the vast majority of foreclosures are non-judicial.

* The participating lenders and servicers believe their internal review processes should take anywhere from a few weeks to 30 days to complete.

An Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust or ILIT is one of the last remaining and best tax planning tools still available under the Internal Revenue Code. Have you ever considered how your family would pay the estate taxes on non-liquid assets, such as real estate or a family business? Many have the mistaken opinion that life insurance proceeds are exempt from taxation, which is only partially true. Life insurance proceeds are generally exempt from income tax, but not estate tax. This could mean a large tax burden, not only from your estate, but also from the insurance proceeds. Keep in mind that estate taxes can be as high as 55% depending upon the year of death and the size of the estate.By having a properly formed and funded ILIT, an individual can potentially avoid both income and estate tax on the death benefit of the insurance policy. A good estate attorney can assist you in creating an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust that can provide the following advantages:

* Money used to pay the life insurance premiums is generally transferred out of the grantor’s estate gift tax free, thereby saving the estate tax on every dollar transferred into the ILIT.
* The “leveraged” return from the life insurance can be tremendous. Your life insurance agent can explain the potential value of this aspect of life insurance.
* Remember, the death benefit of the life insurance policy is completely exempt from income and estate tax in a properly drafted trust.
* The proceeds from the life insurance would be available to the estate to provide for the payment of estate and other taxes and to provide support, maintenance, education, health and other important needs of family members.
* The money provided by the insurance in the trust could be very usefull if the estate has a large retirement account because it could be used to pay taxes in the value of the retirement account and the money in the account could remain in the retirement account longer and continue the grow tax free or tax deferred.
* The trust can provide leverage with the Generation Skipping Tax exemption for the benefit of grandchildren. Your tax professional, attorney or insurance agent can explain this more thoroughly.

Home sellers face a new reality as they look to move up, down, in or out of their American dream in today™s market. Consumers, particularly those who purchased their homes within the last five years, often find their options limited by a lack of equity. Those who can sell are sometimes numbed by deflated home prices and find it difficult to justify yesterday™s valuations with today™s reality.
Many home sellers have dug in on price hoping to lose no additional ground. Others seem to have taken this market personally, letting emotions override analysis when setting price. Buyer sentiment has shifted as well, centered on maximum value with abundant amenities “ resulting in stalemates and homes languishing on the market.   Both sides should be realistic as comparable sales and local-market dynamics still determine fair-market value.
And there are compelling reasons to be realistic and make a move now. Sellers, assuming their objective is to buy another home, can capitalize on some of the lowest mortgage interest rates on record and an inventory of homes at attractive prices. So while they will sell for less, they will also buy for less and with significantly cheaper borrowing costs.
Of course, professional sales representation is essential this transitioning market or any other. The Prudential Real Estate Network, recently recognized for œHighest Overall Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms in J.D. Power and Associates™ 2010 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM, is composed of true, local-market experts whose experience, analysis and consultation generate results in all market conditions.
As the local experts, they™ll help set fair-market prices using factual reference points, such as an appraisal, comparables sales and personal knowledge to help estimate market value. Today, a house priced at or slightly below market value will attract the interest of real estate professionals and buyers, while overpricing chases them away. Even if the sellers adjust their prices later, it™s difficult to recapture buyer interest.
Sales professionals develop comprehensive marketing strategies to sell a home. They generally use open houses, yard signs, Internet exposure, MLS, newspaper ads, brochures and other means to market properties.
Beyond that, they counsel sellers on other conditions that may keep sellers™ homes on the market, including:
·       Condition and appearance. Sellers shouldn™t rely on buyers to use their imagination; they need to capture it. Remember that buyers may see seven or eight homes in a single day. The most memorable home will be the one that seemed the brightest, the most spacious, and the most cheerful. This invariably means rearranging and eliminating furniture, removing excess knickknacks and so on, to create an open, uncluttered look. Outside, do a visual check of the front of the house from across the street. Does it have curb appeal? It should look inviting, with a trimmed lawn and a freshly painted front door. A real estate professional can offer some guidance in this area.
·       Terms/conditions. Even if the home is accurately priced, and the buyer is delighted with what he or she sees, if the buyer can™t live with the terms of the sale, he or she may walk away. Keep an open mind on terms and conditions and evaluate how they may affect a potential sale.
·       Incentives. Offering incentives can be just the impetus a potential buyer needs a buyer needs to choose your property over others. Consider offering a carpet or paint allowance. If the buyer knows up front there is allowance for the worn carpet or paint, then may overlook those cosmetic flaws. You could pay for a professional home inspection or a home warranty, or pay closing costs.
Indeed, real estate opportunities abound for sellers and buyers who can come to terms with today™s market conditions. A qualified real estate professional will help you navigate the market, protect your interests and keep you moving toward your housing dreams.

Well it’s official after many weeks of wrnagling and office hours in excess of 18 hours a day to get escrows closed, the House passed an extension of the Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act of 2010. The vote came overwhelmingly by 409-5.The Bill will extend the closing date for transactions from June 30, 2010 until Septermber 30, 2010 to allow everyone involved to complete their transactions.