A Short Sale Is Not The Only Option – There Are Alternatives

Many people today are facing some very tough choices regarding their financial well being. Trying to keep a job, keeping food on the table, and in many cases trying to keep a roof over their heads. The past two years have been very troubling for many of us. As a Realtor I come in contact with many people who are in extremely stressful financial situations. Many are facing the real possibility of losing their home. Whether it’s from loss of income or declines in property values, or many who have adjustable mortgages that will soon adjust resulting in much higher monthly payments. Today many homeowners are seriously delinquent on their home loans and not sure what to do or where to turn.

Well I’m here to tell you that we have options. A Short Sale or Foreclosure is not the only option available. I get really upset when I see real estate ads from agents claiming that “a short sale is the answer”, or I do short sales with no tax consequences. Really no tax consequences huh? Most real estate agents are not CPA’s so knowledge of the latest tax laws can be minimal at best. Get the facts first and make an educated decision on what you need to do if you are in a home and are behind or in danger of becoming behind on your payments.

Here is what we recommend. This is not rocket science just common sense.

First and foremost, stay in touch with your lender. If you’re delinquent don’t ignore letters or telephone calls. If you’re in danger of getting behind on your payments contact your lender immediately. Ignoring lender’s communications will solve nothing.

In California the foreclosure process starts with the Notice of Default (NOD). If you receive a Notice of Default, the clock is running. The borrower has up to 90 days to correct the situation. After the 90 day period, the lender can file a Notice of Trustee Sale. This notice must be published in the local newspaper or like media for 21 days. After 21 days a foreclosure sale can take place. You have less than 4 months to correct a default on your home.

 We’ve all heard of Loan Modifications. That’s where you attempt to work out a payment solution with your lender. Some people have received loan modifications many or most have not. Check with your lender on their loan modification program if they have one. Be prepared to provide the lender a Hardship Letter explaining the circumstances of your financial situation. Paystubs or P&L if you’re self employed and bank statements too. Many want copies of previous year’s taxes as well.

Through recent legislation Programs like HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program) or HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives) were created. Both programs were created by the US Treasury Department. The success of the programs is debatable but they are there and should be explored. Speak with your lender about these programs.

So now you’ve contacted your lender and they have either denied you a Loan Modification or they have not responded, what can you do? If you need legal advice on your situation when your lender will not work with you or you have been served a Notice of Default or a pre notice of default demand letter we have partnered with the. Knowing the tax laws involved with any short sale or foreclosure is also extremely important.

Southern California Realty Associates has partnered with the best of the best in the Tax and Legal professions. While we here at SoCal Realty can handle any real estate service you need we are not qualified to provide Tax or Legal advice. Any Realtor you work with should advise you to seek the appropriate legal or tax advice from qualified experts in these fields. You should remember that you should never pay any upfront fees for loan modification services regardless of who you’re working with. It is against the law for anyone who does this type of work to be paid in advance of services rendered. 

In closing, I hope this brief outline has helped to clear up some common misconceptions about the Short Sale and Foreclosure processes. The bottom line is you do have choices on how you proceed. Please feel free call me on 909-636-2759 or email me at

Jritoli@verizon.net. If I can answer any questions or to refer you to the appropriate experts in their fields.

Jack Ritoli

Jack Ritoli Broker Southern California Realty Associates DRE License: 01701260

A Short Sale is Not The Only Option !!!!


SoCal Realty – Real Estate Services For The 21st Century

A Short Sale Is Not The Only Option
There Are Alternatives

Many people today are facing some very tough choices regarding their financial well being. Trying to keep a job, keeping food on the table, and in many cases trying to keep a roof over their heads. The past two years have been very troubling for many of us.

As a Realtor I come in contact with many people who are in extremely stressful financial situations. Many are facing the real possibility of losing their home. Whether it’s from loss of income or declines in property values, or many who have adjustable mortgages that will soon adjust resulting in much higher monthly payments. Today many homeowners are seriously delinquent on their home loans and not sure what to do or where to turn.

Well I’m here to tell you that we have options. A Short Sale or Foreclosure is not the only option available. I get really upset when I see real estate ads from agents claiming that “a short sale is the answer”, or I do short sales with no tax consequences. Really no tax consequences huh? Most real estate agents are not CPA’s so knowledge of the latest tax laws can be minimal at best. Get the facts first and make an educated decision on what you need to do if you are in a home and are behind or in danger of becoming behind on your payments.

Here is what we recommend. This is not rocket science just common sense.

  • First and foremost, stay in touch with your lender. If you’re delinquent don’t ignore letters or telephone calls. If you’re in danger of getting behind on your payments contact your lender immediately. Ignoring lender’s communications will solve nothing.
  • In California the foreclosure process starts with the Notice of Default (NOD). If you receive a Notice of Default, the clock is running. The borrower has up to 90 days to correct the situation. After the 90 day period, the lender can file a Notice of Trustee Sale. This notice must be published in the local newspaper or like media for 21 days. After 21 days a foreclosure sale can take place. You have less than 4 months to correct a default on your home.
  • We’ve all heard of Loan Modifications. That’s where you attempt to work out a payment solution with your lender. Some people have received loan modifications many or most have not. Check with your lender on their loan modification program if they have one. Be prepared to provide the lender a Hardship Letter explaining the circumstances of your financial situation. Paystubs or P&L if you’re self employed and bank statements too. Many want copies of previous year’s taxes as well.
  • Through recent legislation Programs like HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program) or HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives) were created. Both programs were created by the US Treasury Department. The success of the programs is debatable but they are there and should be explored. Speak with your lender about these programs.

So now you’ve contacted your lender and they have either denied you a Loan Modification or they have not responded, what can you do? Here’s what:

What we have done here at Southern California Realty Associates is partner with the best of the best in the Tax and Legal professions. While we here at SoCal Realty can handle any real estate service you need we are not qualified to provide Tax or Legal advice. Any Realtor you work with should advise you to seek the appropriate legal or tax advice from qualified experts in these fields.

If you need legal advice on your situation when your lender will not work with you or you have been served a Notice of Default or a pre notice of default demand letter please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to assist you. Remember, you should never pay any upfront fees for loan modification services regardless of who you’re working with. It is against the law for anyone who does this type of work to be paid in advance of services rendered.

Knowing the tax laws involved with any short sale or foreclosure is extremely important. We recommend always contacting a reputable CPA firm to get the information you need.

In closing, I hope this brief outline has helped to clear up some common misconceptions about the Short Sale and Foreclosure processes.  The bottom line is you do have choices on how you proceed. Please feel free call me on 909-636-2759 or email me at jritoli@verizon.net. If I can answer any questions or to refer you to the appropriate experts in their fields.

Jack Ritoli

Jack Ritoli
Broker
Southern California Realty Associates
DRE License: 01701260

Choosing The Right Realtor

Choosing the right Realtor is essential to your success in buying or selling real estate. If you are looking for a Realtor with extensive experience, who specializes in Chino Hills, Chino, Ontario, Diamond Bar and other surrounding cities, please feel free to call or email me seven days a week.
As your listing agent, my extensive marketing plan will enable you to receive the maximum value for your property.  If you are a buyer, we will search together until we find the perfect property to fit your needs, and then I will negotiate the best possible deal. Nothing satisfies me more that seeing the smiles that come with a successful sale or purchase of a lifetime.
Thanks for choosing Jack Ritoli at Southern California Realty Associates as your on-line Southern California real estate source.

List With Jack & Start To Pack!

Jack Ritoli
Broker – Owner
Southern California Realty Associates Inc.
Tel:     909-636-2759

Hard Choices

Many people today are facing some very tough choices regarding their financial well being. Trying to keep a job, keeping food on the table, and in many cases trying to keep a roof over their heads. The past two years have been very troubling for many of us. As a Realtor I come in contact with many people who are in extremely stressful financial situations. Many are facing the real possibility of losing their home. Whether it’s from loss of income or declines in property values, or many who have adjustable mortgages that will soon adjust resulting in much higher monthly payments. Today many homeowners are seriously delinquent on their home loans and not sure what to do or where to turn.

Well I’m here to tell you that we have options. A Short Sale or Foreclosure is not the only option available. I get really upset when I see real estate ads from agents claiming that “a short sale is the answer”, or I do short sales with no tax consequences. Really no tax consequences huh? Most real estate agents are not CPA’s so knowledge of the latest tax laws can be minimal at best. Get the facts first and make an educated decision on what you need to do if you are in a home and are behind or in danger of becoming behind on your payments.

Here is what we recommend. This is not rocket science just common sense.

First and foremost, stay in touch with your lender. If you’re delinquent don’t ignore letters or telephone calls. If you’re in danger of getting behind on your payments contact your lender immediately. Ignoring lender’s communications will solve nothing.

In California the foreclosure process starts with the Notice of Default (NOD). If you receive a Notice of Default, the clock is running. The borrower has up to 90 days to correct the situation. After the 90 day period, the lender can file a Notice of Trustee Sale. This notice must be published in the local newspaper or like media for 21 days. After 21 days a foreclosure sale can take place. You have less than 4 months to correct a default on your home.

 We’ve all heard of Loan Modifications. That’s where you attempt to work out a payment solution with your lender. Some people have received loan modifications many or most have not. Check with your lender on their loan modification program if they have one. Be prepared to provide the lender a Hardship Letter explaining the circumstances of your financial situation. Paystubs or P&L if you’re self employed and bank statements too. Many want copies of previous year’s taxes as well.

Through recent legislation Programs like HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program) or HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives) were created. Both programs were created by the US Treasury Department. The success of the programs is debatable but they are there and should be explored. Speak with your lender about these programs.

So now you’ve contacted your lender and they have either denied you a Loan Modification or they have not responded, what can you do? Here’s what.If you need legal advice on your situation when your lender will not work with you or you have been served a Notice of Default or a pre notice of default demand letter we have partnered with the. Knowing the tax laws involved with any short sale or foreclosure is extremely important.

Southern California Realty Associates has partnered with the best of the best in the Tax and Legal professions. While we here at SoCal Realty can handle any real estate service you need we are not qualified to provide Tax or Legal advice. Any Realtor you work with should advise you to seek the appropriate legal or tax advice from qualified experts in these fields. Law Offices of Christopher J. Van Son. This law firm is very experienced in real estate law and is working on many cases for their clients dealing with loan modification and more. They DO NOT take any upfront fees from their clients. You should remember that you should never pay any upfront fees for loan modification services regardless of who you’re working with. It is against the law for anyone who does this type of work to be paid in advance of services rendered. Kalter Financial Group to assist our clients with their tax questions and for any financial questions. Kalter Financial Group works with many clients throughout the United States for CPA services and Financial Services or all kinds. They provide comprehensive tax services and consultation as well as complete financial planning services.

In closing, I hope this brief outline has helped to clear up some common misconceptions about the Short Sale and Foreclosure processes. The bottom line is you do have choices on how you proceed. Please feel free call me on 909-636-2759 or email me at

Jritoli@verizon.net. If I can answer any questions or to refer you to the appropriate experts in their fields.

Jack Ritoli

Jack Ritoli Broker Southern California Realty Associates DRE License: 01701260

OPEN HOUSE WEDNESDAY 12P to 3P

Open House Today/Wednesday January 5th 12P to 3P -

One Of the  Best Homes In Eastvale – Bank very Motivated

Gorgeous 4 Bedroom 3 Bath 2700 Sq. Ft.  Masterpiece With Salt Water Pool & Too Many Upgrades To Mention

 Short Sale – Great Investment  - See Attached Flyer

MLS# K10114966

13505 Pheasant Way Eastvale, CA

Click the following URL to see the Listing:
http://www.mrmlsmatrix.com/DE.asp?k=101471XBOF0&p=DE-74097867-592 

Contact Jack Ritoli 909-636-2759 or jritoli@verizon.net

Bank says “Get It Sold Today” & They Mean It

Gorgeous 4 Bedroom 3 Bath 2700 Sq. Ft Masterpiece With Salt Water Pool & Too Many Upgrades To Mention Here.

 Short Sale – Great Investment  - See Attached Flyer

MLS# K10114966

13505 Pheasant Way Eastvale, CA 92880

Click the following URL to see the Listing:
http://www.mrmlsmatrix.com/DE.asp?k=101471XBOF0&p=DE-74097867-592

Contact Jack Ritoli 909-636-2759 or jritoli@verizon.net

See Why So Many Agents Are Looking At SoCal Realty

Check Out This Short Movie..

Buying a Home in Today’s Market

Buying a Home in Today’s Market.

Jack Ritoli             Real Estate Broker – Chino Hills

There is a great buyers market out there today. With inventory as good as it is and mortgage rates incredibly low this could be a great time to buy. With large inventories there are a many opportunities to find just what you’re looking for. Of course, you should have in mind what is a “Must Have” vs. what is a “Nice to Have”. Every home is a compromise.

Buyers who find they’ve been looking for the right house for more than six months should pause to consider whether their expectations are in line with reality. For instance, if you want an in-ground pool and 4 car garage, you may find that you’ll wait forever. 4 car garages tend to be available only in homes that are very high end. Home buying involves making compromises if you’re serious about buying.

In order to decide how you will compromise, you need to research the local housing inventory to discover what is realistically possible. In other words, you need to do your homework A perfect house won’t just magically appear. To save time, use the Internet to whittle down the list of homes for sale until you find the ones that suit your needs. Then make a point of visiting these in person, either with a real estate agent or at an open house.

Buyers with pressing needs usually have less of a problem finding the right home to buy. For example, if you live in an area with a school district you don’t like and you have children who are about to enter school, you need to move if you can’t afford private-school tuition. You have an urgent reason to move that preempts the desire for a perfect house. You’ll settle for the right number of bedrooms and baths, a yard and a good school district. You may be willing to give up on the Old World charm or character that you were hoping to find.

You may be getting out and seeing the listings that might work for you and still aren’t having success. In this case, you could be suffering from approach-avoidance. This syndrome can keep you from making a decision, even when you see the right house to buy. You come close to making an offer but never carry through.

Buying a home can be frightening and stressful, particularly if you are doing it on your own. It’s a big commitment, perhaps to a lifestyle that you’re not used to. It’s helpful to consult with advisors when you find that you’re getting nowhere. Talk to a trusted financial advisor to see if you’re looking in the right price range. If you’re over your head financially, scale back to a level that feels comfortable. By all means use a Realtor. That alone can save many hours of frustration by a letting a professional search for that special home for you using all of the tools available to a real estate professional.

It can be useful to reconsider your wish list in terms of what you’ve learned about your local market and what to expect. By realigning your expectations and readjusting to a comfortable price range, you may feel more comfortable moving ahead. Consult a Realtor who is familiar with the neighborhoods you would like to live in. They are experts in their fields and will make buying a home a much easier proposition.

Jack Ritoli

Real Estate Broker

Chino Hills, California

Chino Relay For Life

This Saturday another great Relay for Life Event was held at Ayala Park in Chino. Hundreds and hundreds of people were in attendance and it was fantastic. The goal of stamping out cancer once and for all is in sight.

13407 Robin Lane – Chino Hills Real Estate

Short Sale Beauty

4 Bedroom 2 Bath Pool Home

View Property Photos: