The California Franchise Tax Board is accepting requests from taxpayers who have short sold their home and do not have enough funds in escrow accounts to pay the recorded state tax lien in full.

Taxpayers in this situation may apply for a Partial Release of Lien, which releases a specific piece of property from a recorded state tax lien. However, it does not release the lien in its entirety. The lien remains in effect against the taxpayer and continues to encumber other property the taxpayer owns or acquires in the future.

To learn more about a Partial Release of Lien, please visit http://www.ftb.ca.gov/professionals/taxnews/2011/July/Article_1.shtml

Fannie Mae sponsors Knowyouroptions.com, a web site designed to assist homeowners who need help to avoid foreclosure. Resources offered include step-by-step instructions to prepare for a discussion with your mortgage company, and an interactive video in which you play the part of a homeowner -- in real-life, everyday situations -- who is struggling to make payments and avoid foreclosure. Make decisions about what you should do, and experience the positive outcomes or negative consequences of the choices you make. For more information, visit www.knowyouroptions.com.

10/12/11 Mercury News: "Five strategies for pricing a home to sell"

"Is a $499 iPad a bargain compared to one that costs $500? Not exactly. But retailers have long priced products just below a round number because, psychologically, $499 feels more like a deal than $500, even if the difference is only $1.

...

1. Appeal to the "herd mentality" Given the high stakes of real estate, a buyer doesn't want to be the only one interested in a house. By pricing your property on the lower end of the value range, you could stimulate interest among more than one buyer and create a herd mentality. Also, if you're under the gun to sell quickly, this would be a good option."

6/10/11 SF Chronicle article: "Upcoming Drop in Loan Limit Could Adversely Affect Bay Area Borrowers"

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the private mortgage lending entities under government conservatorship, are set to reduce their maximum conforming loan limit from the current $729,750 to $625,500 on October 1st. Bay Area mortgage broker Eric Leithliter of California Mortgage Advisors says this may adversely affect the Bay Area real estate market, making it harder for homebuyers to get loans and lowering home values. He recommends that people who have been waiting to buy act soon, before the loan ceiling is lowered..."

5/11/11: US News: "10 Cities Where Rents Are Spiking"

"Research firm REIS estimates that rents will rise an average of 3.6 percent in 2011. In a few hot areas, like parts of Washington D.C., and New York City, rent hikes could exceed 10 percent..."

San Jose rent is forecasted to rise 6.8% in 2011