All Blog Entries by Veronica Hicks 
Veronica Hicks is the expert in Orange Countys condominium market. By focusing her business exclusively on these unique communities, she has a thorough understanding of the appeal and benefits of this modern, metropolitan lifestyle.
There are currently 62 blog entries published by Veronica Hicks.
Quick Tip for Getting Rid of Smells in Your Condo!
Tuesday, January 15th, 2013 at 8:04pm. 52 Views, 0 Comments.
We come across alot of smells in our orange county condos ... mostly smells from different kinds of ethnic foods .. maybe smells of smoke .. but one thing that we found that will take out that smell for almost free - is Vinegar!
Vinegar will neutralize odors and cutt back on dust too by the way .. to get rid of smells .. really simple tip .. boil a cup of vinegar in 2 gups of water and in 15 minutes, voila .. smell will be gone ..
Do you have a tip to share? email us at veronica@condosetc.com! we would love to hear and share!
2012 Market Report for Orange County Highrise Condos
Thursday, January 10th, 2013 at 2:23pm. 81 Views, 0 Comments.
Open publication - Free publishing - More 3000 the plaza
How to get a high FICO Score
Friday, October 19th, 2012 at 1:41pm. 101 Views, 0 Comments.
Although we have heard it several times - in order to acheive a high credit score, the key seems to be a couple things - first one third of the people with high scores have multiple credit lines or credit cards open - and with credit cards, pay on time and keep a lower balance (but keep a balance) - make your payments on time. 2/3 of the high achievers or high FICOs have an average balance on their credt lines of $8500 or less. More for Achieving a High FICO Score http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2012/10/19/study-releases-traits-behind-high-credit-scorers-0?om_rid=AABW2c&om_mid=_BQgbFaB8ustP$k&om_ntype=RMODaily
Source - REALTOR MAGAZINE ONLINE
Sales Inventory is at a RIDICULOUS low!
Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 at 8:38am. 112 Views, 0 Comments.
Reading through Jon Lansners' article about where homes are selling is very eye opening! Even if we have buyers - there isn't enough inventory. One of the biggest challenges as an agent that we have - is getting buyers ready to go .. the sense of urgency isn't there .. when good inventory at a reasonable price comes on the market .. it is gone. For sellers who are reasonable in their pricing .. they should not expect a long sales process. If overpriced, a condo will still sit .. buyers still want a deal! When a condo looks good and it is priced well it will surely go fast .. http://lansner.ocregister.com/2012/08/27/where-in-o-c-do-homes-sell-in-a-month/165829/
Condo Prices Near 4 - Year High
Thursday, August 23rd, 2012 at 7:35pm. 90 Views, 0 Comments.
As reported by Jon Lansner, OC real estate news from the OC Register - The California Association of REALTORS has reported a 4 year high on OC Real Estate prices. This matches what we are seeing in the market .. The trends that we are seeing in the market for OC Condos are as follows:
1) 2/3 of the OC Condo Listings are under contract!
2) Much of the condos under contract are distressed sales
3) Active OC Condo inventory is mostly higher end and more on the luxury side ..
For more details - read in more detail in Jon's column! http://lansner.ocregister.com/2012/08/20/california-home-sales-near-4-year-high/165628/
Becoming a Landlord or Tenant in a Private Owner Situation Can be Confusing
Tuesday, August 14th, 2012 at 8:03pm. 164 Views, 0 Comments.
The renting of a condo between private parties can be nerve racking experience for both the tenant and the landlord. For the Landlord, the home is probably one of their biggest assets and most likey they have lived in the property at one time, so the experience is personal. So the owner may be more particular for the care of the home the first time that the unit is rented. Over time and with experience, the process becomes a little more rewarding and can produce a good source of retirement if the property is held long enough.
Tenants of private ownership rentals have the opportunity to "test out" living in what might seem like their own home. Typically home that are rented by private owners are in communities that are well…
Short Sale Deficiency Judgments or SB931 To Expire 12/31/2012
Tuesday, August 14th, 2012 at 1:13pm. 235 Views, 0 Comments.
If you are faced with Short Selling your property, you must act quick! The state bill that protects the seller from a deficiency judgment expires on 12/31/2012.
What that means to you? Since the short sale process can be quite lengthy, you will want to get your home on the market immediately so you can start the short sale process. In order to be protected under SB 931 you will need to compete this process by the end of the year.
Orange County Sales by Zip up i 42 Zip Codes
Sunday, August 5th, 2012 at 10:25pm. 94 Views, 0 Comments.
The OC Register has published the sales by zip code and prices are up in 42 Zip Codes!!
Read more from Orange County Register's Jon Lansner!
Affordable Housing Programs for First Time Homebuyers
Sunday, August 5th, 2012 at 9:47pm. 162 Views, 0 Comments.
We have been so focused on interest rates and loan programs that we have forgotten about some of the best programs for first time homebuyers! In fact, there are several cities that are offering great programs for first time home buyers. And they are great one in a lifetime programs that when combined with low interest loans make it a GREAT time to buy!!
Here are some of Condos etc's favorite programs!
Anaheim Condos and Lofts - Anaheim First Time Homebuyer and Downpayment Assistance Up to $125,000
Costa Mesa Condos for Sale - Costa Mesa First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program up to $240,000
Huntington Beach Condos for Sale - City of Huntington Beach Inclusionary Housing Program
Santa Ana Condos - Santa Ana Homeownership and…
Down Payments for Your Condo
Wednesday, June 6th, 2012 at 7:18pm. 99 Views, 0 Comments.
Most down payment programs were phased out in '08, so be careful if you come across a website offering a deal that itoo good to be true (it probably is). HOWEVER, other grant money is still available. Go to DownPaymentSolutions.com ad click o "Grants" to find out if you qualify for any free money that will help you purchase a house, co-op or OC Condo!
Be sure to come back and let us know if you have any luck!
