This is the first case that I’ve seen of a deed-in-lieu-of-foreclosure.
Hope we see more of them, maybe they are the answer to the robo-MERS-gate problems. The banks could do cash-for-deed-in-lieus, instead of spending big money on attorneys?
Jim Klinge
Klinge Realty Group
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Fast forward to 2025, we recently had the privilege of selling 2 homes in Carlsbad, CA and didn't hesitate to reach out to Jim and Donna Klinge of Klinge Realty Group to guide us through the sales. The transactions were very different, each with its own unique situation, opportunities and challenges. From start to finish, Donna and Jim helped navigate the pre-sale preparation, the listing, showing of the house, buyer negotiations, the final close and all of the paperwork and decisions in between. What stands out with both transactions is the professionalism of Jim and Donna (and their team), wonderful communication (timely, relevant, concise), their deep understanding of market dynamics (setting realistic expectations), their access to top-notch contractors, and last, their ability to guide us across the finish line successfully. We wouldn't hesitate to use Jim and Donna in the future and highly recommend them for anyone looking to buy or sell a property in North San Diego County. 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They immediately went to work to update our house built in 2004 to current-day standards and trends — in 2 short months they transformed it into a literal modern-day masterpiece. We trusted their judgement implicitly and followed 100% of their recommended changes. When our house finally came on the market, there was a blizzard of serious interest, we had multiple offers by the third day and it sold in just 5 days after a frenzied bidding war for 20% above our asking price! The investment we made in upgrades recommended by Jim and Donna yielded a 4-fold return, in the process setting a new high water mark for a house sold in our community. In our view, there are no better real estate professionals in all of San Diego than Jim and Donna Klinge. Buying or selling, you must run and beg Jim and Donna Klinge to represent you! Our family will never forget Jim, Donna, and their whole team at Compass — we are forever grateful to them. Lou FMarch 27, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. WeI had the pleasure of working with Klinge Realty Group to sell our home in Carmel Valley, and I cannot recommend them highly enough! Jim and Donna demonstrated exceptional professionalism, offering expert guidance on market conditions and pricing strategy, which resulted in a quick and successful sale. Communication was prompt and we were well-informed throughout the entire process. For anyone looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable real estate team, look no further! --- William SamsMarch 25, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Donna and Jim Klinge of Klinge Realty Group have our highest possible recommendation. From Donna and Jim’s first visit to our house through closing their advice and counsel was candid and honest in all dealings. They kept us fully informed throughout the process. The house sold less than three days after listing with a two-week closing. My wife and I have sold several houses during our lives. This was by far the best experience. Klinge Reality is a premium service realtor. You can’t make a better choice for someone to sell your home fast and for top dollar. Emily HernandezDecember 29, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Donna and Jim provided exceptional support and professionalism throughout the entire process. We couldn't have been happier with their efforts. They made our house shine, and thanks to their expertise, it sold above the listing price in the very first weekend! Truly a fantastic experience from start to finish. Jesus Adrian SahagunNovember 11, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This year has been difficult on our family, mainly due to having to sell our home. Thankfully we knew God had a plan for us and working with the Klinge team was a key part of it. It was an obvious decision to work with them again after such an amazing experience when purchasing the same home we needed to sell. The challenge was, how will we do this in so little time with so much going on? Jim and Donna held our hand every step of the way. Whenever an unexpected issue arose they found and provided a solution. Never once did we feel pressured to make a decision and the Klinges were always reassuring after providing the information that the decision was ours to make. Despite the curve balls, they never panicked and exemplified the “can do” attitude, making us feel optimistic and taken care of. Their expertise and professionalism was superb. But of all the reasons to work with the Klinges, the most impactful and valuable is their compassion and genuine care for their clients. We pray that we can one day purchase our forever home and you better believe that Jim and Donna will be representing us - as long as they will have us of course. Thank you again Klinge team! Your execution, experience, and care are unmatched. SABIHA PASHAJuly 23, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jim and Donna were fantastic! Jim understanding my needs, recommending potential places, pointing out the pros and cons of each property was invaluable. Then when the offer was accepted Donna’s organized guidance through the inspections, paperwork etc made the whole process seem effortless. So grateful that I had them on my side!Load more
The way the bottom of the door to the elevator is up off the floor looks a bit strange. Guess you’d need to alter the slab to get the floor of the elevator even with the rest of the house. Still, I think I would prefer the have the door go all the way to the floor, even if the elevator floor is a step up.
Jim,
Just out of curiosity, what would the replacement cost be per foot on this place? I am sure it is way North of $182.00…
Jim, I think that the servicers preferred foreclosures to a deed in lieu because a foreclosure was more profitable for them, it also meant the lenders did not have to recognize the loss as soon. I suspect this is changing partially due to recent publicity.
There isn’t a “sales price” recorded at the county, just the D-I-L, so the gain/loss is probably still unrecognized?
If I were them I’d fire all my guns at once, and do loan mods, short sales, trustee sales, deed-in-lieu, bulk sales, auctions, REO listings, everything, due to recent publicity.
There has been a steady flow of REO listings this week, but could be window dressing for year-end.
We need an insurance salesman or contractor to pipe up, they have the books. But you can say this is under replacement value.
Someone said $180/sf could build above-average homes today, but I would think you’d need to be building in bulk – twenty or thirty homes at a time. But let’s use it.
Let’s say the house burned down, and you replaced it with 3,500sf x the approx cost to build $180/sf = $630,000 total cost to re-build.
The tax assessor recently re-assessed the property:
Lot = $383,000
Improvements: $469,000
Total assessment: $852,000.
If you paid $780,000 for this house today, and the lot is only worth $300,000, then the improvements are worth $480,000 or $150,000 under replacement cost.
It’s icing on the cake. Most buyers will be comparing to what else they can buy this moment to make the final decision to purchase.
I hope that elevator comes with a backup generator. I would hate to be in that thing when the lights go out.
Would be great to get 25-50k discount to have the elevator removed!
Same price as the one in PB on Missouri. This is much nicer.
Great information on the elevator. I can think of a dozen different instances where friends and family would have used this convenience for their older relatives/guests. Not to mention, if you’ve got a McMansion and really don’t want to move into a single-story as you age, this retrofit would be ideal. Maybe one of the few construction bright spots out there?
In our home under construction, we have an elevator shaft that will be used as closets. If we ever want/need one, we’ll have the space. It’s a sq ft eater, but hopefully worth it!
I remember when this house was a short sale @ 750k The owners, an elderly couple didn’t have one single offer despite having an approval at the price from a President at BofA. Something about that house turned buyers off even though the same floorplan 2 doors down sold at the same time. I think the elavator was a detractor for most people. That is why they made a deal for a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure. And also because they didn’t want BofA coming after them for a deficiency judgement after the fact if they did do a short sale (BofA always reserves this option to come after homeowners in their Short sale approval letters) Additionally, the banks can come after you for a deficiency despite what everyone out their thinks even after foreclosure. Although the security interest is extinguished with the foreclosure the debt is not.