10 Steps To Cut Your Real Estate Taxes

Ten steps to help you slash you real estate taxes next year!

Newsweek's Final Print Cover

After a 79 year run the Newsweek will shut down their print operations, but they will continue online.

http://bit.ly/TvDnQi

The 20 Most Expensive Homes Sold In America This Year

The 20 most expensive homes sold this year in America! Ranging from beach homes to ranch homes.

http://bit.ly/TLxNgf

6 tips for renting your first apartment

Getting ready to rent your first apartment? Well here are six great tips for renting your first apartment!

http://bit.ly/12GWPyp

Housing starts hovering near 4-year high

Housing upswings at a level that has not been seen since 2008!

http://bit.ly/12GVAzf

Tips for Self-Employed Homebuyers Navigating the Mortgage Process

Helpful tips for self-employed homebuyers!

http://bit.ly/ZtMeIp

Make your old house look new again

Helpful tips to making you'r old house feel and look like new!

http://bit.ly/VoBp1N

3 Ways To Purchase Foreclosed Properties

Three helpful tips to purchasing a foreclosed property.

http://bit.ly/ZtLVgW

8 Home Remedies That Actually Work

What would we do without modern medicine? Well here are some helpful tips!

http://bit.ly/Voxcv2

Real Estate Snooping App HomeSnap Arrives On iPad, Now Connects Agents With Clients

For all you app lovers and are looking for a home, here is a great new app to help you look for the right place!

http://bit.ly/ZtJyuw

Wall Street is betting on a housing recovery. Here's why that's great news.

Wall Street is betting on housing, and that could bode well for the economy in 2013!

http://bit.ly/T8Nn3e

Interest rates jump, mortgage application volume falls 12.3%

Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey ended on December 14, 2012, mortgage application volume fell 12.3% from the previous week.

http://bit.ly/VR9B6Q

Fannie Mae: Housing market 'has turned the corner'

Despite the low home prices, sales, and mortgage rates contunue to grow!

http://bit.ly/VR8ST3

Top markets for buyers and sellers

If you're considering buying a home, you might want to know whether its in a buyers or sellers market.

http://bit.ly/UBJNMR

4 Reasons to List or Buy a Home in December

Tax season is right around the corner, and buying a house in December allows you to deduct property taxes and mortgage interest.

30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Rises Slightly

The 30 year fixed mortgage rates have rose slightly this week from 3.16 to 3.17.

http://bit.ly/ZrRzyD

Investors fuel U.S. housing recovery

U.S. economic growth stutters, the housing market is showing real signs of a rebound!

http://bit.ly/UtdoHE

Home prices on firm footing throughout U.S.

After 6 years of deflating home prices, the housing marked is on the road to recovery!

http://bit.ly/ZrPQcI

Housing prediction for 2013: Prices will rise

Housing is predicted to rise 5-7% in 2013.

http://bit.ly/SW8hSV

Long-treasured mortgage interest deduction may face changes

The home mortgage interest deduction is one of the most cherished in the U.S. tax code.

http://bit.ly/UlnUk9

Energy-Saving Tips For The Holiday Season

There are many good tips in saving money and energy this holiday season!

http://bit.ly/XLWzh4

Why Buying at the End of 2012 May Be Your Best Investment Yet

There are many benefits in buying a home at the end of the year!

http://bit.ly/X2MTKf

Large Percentage of U.S. Housing Markets Now Enjoying Improving Conditions in December

The number of housing markets considered improved from 76 to a total of 201 metros in December.

http://bit.ly/X2LeUU

Has The US Housing Market Really Bottomed?

Here are some fundamental forces currently affecting real estate valuations to see if the houseing market has really bottomed.

http://bit.ly/YWLNoz

How to Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree

Here are a few times to make sure you find the right tree for Christmas! One example is to make sure you know just what size tree you can fit in your house. Measure the height of your ceiling.

http://bit.ly/YWLo5w

December Is the Best Month to ...

December Is the Best Month to ?



http://bit.ly/12avrrF

Buying a Home During the Holiday Season

Should you buy a home during the holiday season?  Well it may be the perfect time as the market slows down and other homebuyers are awaiting Spring to jump in!  If you are prepared to close quick & ready to buy, now may be a great opportunity.

Read a great article on this here:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/dec/01/does-it-make-sense-buy-home-during-winter/

How to Prepare Your Credit for a Mortgage Loan in 2013

How to Prepare Your Credit for a Mortgage Loan in 2013

20 Great Gifts Under $50

Great stocking stuffers under $50!

Mortgage Rates Remain Near Record Lows

The averaged percent of a 30 year fixed rate rised .01 percent this week from last weeks 3.31 to 3.32 this week.

The 15 Best Housing Markets For The Next Five Years

In the next 5 years homes are expected to rise 3.3%!

A Recovering Housing Economy Can Help Pull Us Out of the Economic Doldrums!

Keeping our chin up and looking forward with Hope!

Housing And Autos Driving U.S. Economy Higher

 http://bit.ly/119RVt4

Great Holiday Card Apps!

Now you can use an app to create you're own holiday cards. For the same price as store bought cards.

Holiday Decorating Ideas & Tips

Give your home a cheerful and festive holiday update with inspirational ideas for easy-to-create decorations this holiday season!

See the lovely holiday decorating ideas and tips at:

http://www.hgtv.com/topics/holiday/index.html

Housing And Autos Driving U.S. Economy Higher

The U.S. economy is back on track with the housing market coming up and also the auto industry.

http://bit.ly/11gsR2S

Home Staging Tips

Proper Home Staging can help you sell your home much quicker.  Read about the changes that can help you sell your home faster!

http://www.hgtv.com/real-estate/30-cant-miss-staging-tips/index.html

Why Housing Can Still Pull the United States Out of Economic Doldrums

Housing began to assume its leading role in providing outsized contributions of economic growth during a recovery

http://bit.ly/11gont1

Fannie Mae Releases Forecast on Housing, Economy

Existing-home sales should also rise and see a 9 percent increase in 2012 and a 4 percent gain in 2013.

http://bit.ly/XPVxBA

What You Need to Know About Mortgage Rate Locks

Whether byuing a home or refinancing a morgage, you should no be afraid to let you're morgage lender know you are shopping around.

http://bit.ly/U4MM0t

Sending Holiday Cards This Year, Read This First

Now you can use an app to create you're own holiday cards. For the same price as store bought cards.

http://bit.ly/Qw0ZXm

Five Mortgage Misunderstandings

Five most understood morgage terms people make when discussing mortgages for the first time. Don't make those mistakes.

http://bit.ly/UU7Kha

Thanksgiving Home Improvements You Can Make in Minutes

Quick home improvements that take just a couple of minutes! Such as cleaning the windows and stain proof you're house!

http://bit.ly/QvZTLg

Existing-Home Sales Rise in October with Ongoing Price and Equity Gains

Existing homes sales have rised 2.1%. First time buyers are accountable for 31% of purchases in October!

Scene-Stealing Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Having difficultly figuring out what side dishes to serve for thanksgiving? Look no more, here are 12 easy recipies!

http://bit.ly/UBvAxM

Goodbye to Daily Deals? Groupon Emphasizes Always-On Deals.

Groupon is having a new structure and home page to better fit your needs! Now you can search and find coupons that better fit you're needs!

http://bit.ly/UBvdU0

Wishing You & Yours Thanksgiving Blessings

Wishing You & Yours Thanksgiving Blessings! 
Cranberry Sauce Recipe:
12oz Cranberries
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Orange Juice

In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, dissolve the sugar in the orange juice. Stir in the cranberries and cook until the cranberries start to pop (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and place sauce in a bowl. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools. Makes 8-12 servings

Butterball Turkey Talk-Line

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Have a question about Thanksging? Butterball is answering any question you may have!

http://bit.ly/UBuYIu

US Real Estate: Mortgage Rates Move Lower

Mortgage rates lower to 3.54 percent this week.

http://bit.ly/Xj6knM

Best Ways To Save During The Holiday Sales Rush

Black Friday is almost here! It could be a big help when shopping for early Christmas gifts!

http://bit.ly/SSweY4

Benefits of an Energy Efficient Home

Energy efficient homes have proven to help value and sustainability in a disaster such as Hurricane Sandy.

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2012/11/15/energy-efficient-homes-winter-cost-savings/

10 High Impact Home Improvements You Can Do for $10K or Less

Home improvements less than $10k could be as simple as power washing the outside of you're house, or even adding a couple of plants in the front yard.

http://bit.ly/XHv1sT

Five Ways a Smart Phone Can Save You Money

Five Ways a Smart Phone Can Save You Money



http://bit.ly/W8EAMs

Housing to Rebound Through 2014

Housing market should rising through the next couple of years!

http://bit.ly/W8EowE

Foreclosures Registry Passed in San Diego

Banks will now have to register San Diego city homes in the foreclosure process into a tracking database starting early next year.  Banks will have to pay a $76 fee for each property within 10 days of the notice of default filing. If lenders fail to do this, they will face a fine of $100 a day, capped at $5,000 a year.  San Diego County has suffered through more than 65,000 foreclosures since 2007, mainly the result of reckless lending practices.  Read More... http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/nov/13/foreclosure-registry-headline-goes-here/

Septembers Home Prices Rise Show Biggest Gain in 6 Years

Home prices jumped 5% in September compared with last year.

http://bit.ly/QzjzxD

10 Most Innovative Products For DIYers

10 most innovative products for DIYers



http://bit.ly/Rv8xpX

Housing Is Finally Giving the Economy Some Love

Housing has contributed to the nations gross since 2006!

http://bit.ly/VWoqFQ

3 Reasons to keep going to open houses after you purchase

3 reasons to keep going to open housesmay help you stay current with the latest home trends, get great referrals for contractors, and always remember that your house is an investment!

http://bit.ly/VWnK3a

5 tips for staying healthy on thanksgiving!

5 Tips To Staying Healthy on Thanksgiving



http://bit.ly/VWmTPU

Don't Miss Several New Listings to Site

It is a busy time of year and there are several fantastic listings popping up all over North San Diego County.  Don't Miss them at www.ranchosantahomes4sale.com.

unpluging appliances could save you hundreds

Pulling The Plug On Appliances Could Save You Hundreds Per Year



http://bit.ly/Q0IvOq

Home Buying: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you're buying your first home or you're an experienced buyer looking to re-enter the market after a few years, home buying can be a tricky business. Read more...

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/guides/buy/

September's Home Price Rise Shows Biggest Gain in 6 Years

September's Home Price Rise Shows Biggest Gain in 6 Years



http://bit.ly/RSxOZb

Single-family homes are hot investments

Time to start investing!

http://bit.ly/R6fjT1

If mortgage debt relief ends, what would it mean for short sellers?

A sense of panic is racing through the local housing market over the possible expiration of a law that lets certain home sellers get tax relief on mortgage debt forgiven by lenders. That panic, however, is unfounded in some cases. Read more...

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/nov/02/if-mortgage-debt-relief-goes-away-what-will-mean-s/

10 Happy Kitchens

They say it is the heart of the home. :)

http://bit.ly/T9VutS

How to Buy a Home Below Current Real Estate Value

Do your homework and you could have a good buy!

http://bit.ly/TZwSs3

Is a Personal Residence an Investment?

Is it a good investment or not?

http://bit.ly/TZwFVN

Report: Housing market continues to strengthen

Signs that the housing market is on the right track have become more pronounced as local home prices continue to rise, say analysts of a widely watched real estate report released Tuesday.
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/30/report-housing-market-continues-recover/

A bountiful early fall harvest of business events

There’s an array of environmental, real estate and human resource events sure to shake the cobwebs from your mind and light you up like a jack-o-lantern.

http://www.sddt.com/RealEstate/article.cfm?SourceCode=20121019cze&_t=On+the+Agenda+A+bountiful+early+fall+harvest+of+business+events

Headlines that got people talking this past week

Real Estate Rewind (Oct. 8-12) Here's a roundup of headlines that got people talking during the past week in San Diego and beyond: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/14/real-estate-rewind-oct-8-12/

Mortgage Rates Still Near All Time Low

The average rate for a 30-year mortgage was 3.39 percent & 15-year fixed rate was 2.7 percent this week!
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/11/mortgage-rates-update/

Marketing To the Super Rich

Working with super wealthy requires some detective work.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/russprince/2012/10/08/marketing-luxury-to-the-super-rich/

San Diego Real Estate is Strong

Volume and prices remained strong in North San Diego County real estate as short sales surged, traditional sales were strong and foreclosures diminshed.
http://www.prlog.org/11994098-september-real-estate-activity-in-north-san-diego-county-remains-strong.html

Are Homesellers becoming more confident?

Sellers are raising their asking prices nationwide.

http://bit.ly/QVj8Kp

The 10 hippest neighborhoods in America

Very hip in California!

http://bit.ly/Rbxu8r

6 Properties That Will Earn You The Most

What to do to become a property mogul!

http://bit.ly/VTW0iw

Searching For Your New Home

Finding just the right fit!

http://bit.ly/NzuhmA

Becoming a Landlord? Choose Tenants Wisely

Good insights for landlords- to-be.

http://bit.ly/UeqERS

5 Favorite Features Spotted at House Beautiful?s Kitchen of the Year

White is back!

Home Builder Confidence Improves as Mortgage Rates Stay Low

The market is certainly moving in the right direction!

http://bit.ly/SyXjTN

How to Sell Your House Fast

Is it all about the price?

5 Favorite Features Spotted at House Beautiful's Kitchen Of The Year

White is back!

http://bit.ly/NJMkSh

10 Ways to Beat the Heat

It has been HOT in San Diego!  The weather as well as the real estate market!

http://bit.ly/NGj7rj

Price your house to sell quickly

Is it all about the price?

http://bit.ly/NGiGNL

Confident Home Buying: Is This The House For Me?

Is your home perfect for you?

http://bit.ly/NXARkN

10 Pet-Friendly Home Projects

Something special for our furry friends.

http://bit.ly/NXzVNe

A Real Light At The End Of The Tunnel?

Is the stall over?

Sellers: Small Improvements All Add Up

It's typically the little things that count.

http://bit.ly/ProXNQ

Ask the Experts: Weighing pros, cons of paying off mortgage early

Does it make sense to pay your mortgage off early?

http://bit.ly/MVWwLN

Housing recovery could lift jobs, spending

Is the stall over?

http://bit.ly/MVWovK

15 Ways To Keep Cool When it's Hot

It has been warm in San Diego!

http://bit.ly/MVWi7A

Biometric Locks: Even the Jetsons Would be In Awe

Something George and Judy Jetson didn't have!

http://bit.ly/Ny4oNh

Mortgage rates rise, ending record streak

Just a smidge higher...but still amazingly low!

http://bit.ly/OCi7Ew

Here's What To Expect From The Housing Market For The Rest of 2012

2012 has been good to the US Housing Market.

In most places home prices are up, demand is up, money is super cheap, and transaction volume is up. Banks are unloading their backlog at steady but not disruptive pace. Not surprising with the improving market conditions, new delinquencies are declining rapidly. The press and traditional housing market data folks have caught on.
The biggest negative one can say about today’s housing market is that inventory is super low. Our Market Action Index, which measures demand indicators relative to active inventory (supply) to an at-a-glance answer to “How’s the market?” has turned into “Seller’s Market” territory for the first time in years in many markets.
On the downside, credit is still tight for people with bad credit. That limits the buyer pool, but I can’t say that’s a bad thing – for the long term health of the housing market. There’s a reason for lending standards – ignore them at your own peril.
So with that as a backdrop, what should we expect for the rest of 2012? Do we dare call it a “recovery”? Here’s what you need to know:

1. Home prices across the US are already up 10% year-to-date. You’re going to see five more months of “Up” headlines before the next cycle of home price declines make their way into the news.
2. Note that our earliest leading indicators – the data that leads 6 or so month out, have plateaued and are showing the end-of-year declines. Nothing scary in this data yet. Most of the rest of the year is dominated by bullish headlines.
3. In tandem with home prices, rents are climbing. I’ve described this virtuous cycle previously. Year to date rents (apartments and single family homes) and home prices (for just single family homes in this line) in 2012. Y axes are not zero scaled.
4. As I mentioned last week, the banks will sell into market strength, but not so much as to weaken prices in the face of these other dynamics.
5. Operation Twist continues and rates stay low. It’s difficult to tease from the data precisely how much impact the stoopid-low interest rates have on home purchases. But you can guess it’s big. The Fed is aggressively supporting housing with low-rate policy. Doesn’t look like this policy changes any time soon.
6. All of these factors combine to make real estate investing a hot market for the rest of the year. Lots of cash that has been sitting on the sidelines is now chasing a few properties with cheap financing and strong and improving yield. These are the makings of a bull market.

So there you have it. That’s the second half of 2012. Amaze your friends with your prescience.

Home Values Increase for the First Time in 5 Years

http://money.cnn.com/2012/07/24/real_estate/home-values/index.htm?source=linkedin

First Impressions Count: 4 Easy, Inexpensive Ways to Attract Prospective Buyers

If you’re in the process of getting your home ready to be put on the market—or you’ve recently listed your home for sale—you know just how crucial a positive first impression can be when it comes to attracting prospective buyers. While first impressions are everything in this day and age, creating a positive one doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.



Here are four easy and inexpensive ways to create an inviting home environment for potential buyers.



1. Trim it right. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for your home’s interior. While $100 won’t allow you to repaint every room in your home, it will get you enough to freshen up the trim, and any spots on the walls that need a touch up. Be sure to stick with clean, warm colors.



2. Focus on the front. The first thing a prospective buyer sees when they arrive for a showing is the front of your home. For $100 or less, you can repaint the door, plant a fresh flowerbed, and make sure your lawn is neat and tidy. Don’t forget to shine up details like your house number and mailbox, and repaint or replace anything that looks tired or old.



3. Squeaky clean. Your home should be clean and clutter free for a showing. While you can tackle the process yourself, hiring a cleaning service is a great way to get things gleaming before a showing.



4. Appeal to the senses. You don’t want to turn off potential buyers with a musty smell or dim lighting. Take the time to air out your home before a showing and, if necessary, light a lightly scented candle—or bake a batch of cookies. Make sure rooms—especially the first room a buyer will enter—are well lit and bright by opening curtains and blinds. Bring in an extra floor lamp if necessary.

Coldwell Banker Previes International and 1stdibs.com Announce Exclusive Partnership

www.1stdibs.com
Coldwell Banker Previews International and 1stdibs.com have announced an exclusive partnership that taps a unique, global audience to showcase Previews listings.
Michael Bruno is 1stdibs’ founder. They are the world’s premier online marketplace, presenting a curated selection of coveted items from the most prestigious dealers across the globe in high-end antiques, fine art, jewelry, couture fashion, and now, luxury real estate.
1stdibs counts high-net-worth individuals, connoisseurs, collectors and many influential design professionals, arts & entertainment figures and business leaders among its loyal customers.
Other 1stdibs highlights
-Over 2.2 million visits and 55 million page views a month
-22 million monthly print ad impressions via campaigns in vehicles such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Financial Times
-Nearly 500,00 registered users, who receive weekly emails linking to Introspective, 1stdibs’ magazine profiling style-setters and key items of note in the worlds of art, design, fashion, jewelry and real estate
The topic was the subject of this week’s “President’s Message” in the Coldwell Banker View magazine:

Coldwell Banker View “President’s Message” Coldwell Banker Previews® International Partners With 1stDibs.com “Our partnership with 1stdibs is a natural progression for Previews. 1stdibs not only boasts a monthly audience of 2 million affluent visitors and more than 55 million page views a month—but is dedicated to cultivating homes with remarkable style.” Betty Graham, President of Coldwell Banker Previews International® division for NRT A fter serving more than 30 years in the epicenter of the national luxury market, I still marvel at its immense growth and maturity. Today’s a ffluent consumers are very much digital consumers, accessing the Web in record numbers to purchase luxury items ranging from rare vintage watches to antique furniture. In fact, 98 percent of all a ffluent consumers use the Internet today, spending an average of 26 hours online! As a global leader in the luxury real estate space, Coldwell Banker Previews® International has paid careful attention to the desires of this savvy group of consumers over the last few years. That is why I am proud to announce that Coldwell Banker Previews and the Corcoran Group have entered into an exclusive partnership with 1stdibs.com, the de finitive online resource for antiques, 20th-century design, vintage and estate jewelry, fashion and fine art for collectors. Earlier last week, 1stdibs debuted its “FINE HOMES” search on the site, featuring estate properties listed by Previews—the nation’s premier luxury real estate firm—and Corcoran—the premier residential real estate firm in New York City and the Hamptons. Tapping its authority in the design world, 1stdibs will, on a weekly basis, engage leading interior designers and architects to select their preferred “property picks,” which will be listed under “Hot Properties” in the site’s Style Compass section. Th e real estate partnership with 1stdibs represents the next evolution of the curated search site, expanding from the rare treasures with which collectors grace their homes to the actual homes themselves. “1stdibs has a big following among the world’s most a ffluent consumers–who buy big-ticket items on a regular basis–and among designers and architects, who are all secretly real estate junkies like me,” said the site’s founder, Michael Bruno, who began his career as a real estate broker and whose idea to apply a multiple listing serving model to the high-end antiques category was the impetus for 1stdibs a decade ago. “ This search brings those elements together, giving designers a pipeline to hot new properties on the market and enticing 1stdibs visitors to buy a house they didn’t even know they were looking for!” Our partnership with 1stdibs is a natural progression for Previews. 1stdibs not only boasts a monthly audience of 2 million a ffluent visitors and more than 55 million page views a month—but is dedicated to cultivating homes with remarkable style. I have long admired Michael Bruno, and I believe our presence on 1stdibs further elevates Previews as a true luxury lifestyle brand. I invite you to visit realestate.1stdibs.com today for an exclusive look at the most beautiful things on earth.

Real Estate Outlook: Will Recovery Continue?

Will we continue to see upward movement?

http://bit.ly/Qj684g

Homebuilder confidence experiences largest one-month gain in a decade

Good news for home sales overall!

http://bit.ly/NrC04U

Real Estate Outlook: Will Recovery Continue?

Are we moving forward?

http://bit.ly/NP44Ly

Opening Day at Del Mar!

 DEL MAR (CNS) - The 75th season of horse racing at the Del Mar Racetrack is scheduled to begin Wednesday, highlighted by the annual hat contest and the $100,000 Oceanside Stakes for 3-year-olds.

The "One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest" is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. in the Plaza de Mexico, with a panel of celebrity judges rating lids on style and creativity. Categories include Best Racing Theme, Funniest or Most Outrageous, Most Glamorous, Best Flowers and Best Fascinator, which is a type of headpiece or hair accessory.
The grand prize is two American Airlines round-trip ticket vouchers to anywhere in the United States.
Category winners will receive $300, with $200 for second place and $100 for third place. The Best Fascinator category offers a $100 first place prize.

All entrants will receive two free admission passes for a future visit to the track.

The highlight of the 37-day meet is the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic on Aug. 26. Overall, nearly $7.8 million is available in stakes races.

The Friday concert series will continue this year, beginning with the San Diego-based Wavves this week.

For the most part, racing will take place Wednesday through Sunday, with first post at 2 p.m.
The exceptions are:

• Fridays, when first post is 4 p.m.;
• Pacific Classic day, when first post is 1 p.m.; and
• Labor Day, in which races will take place on a Monday.

The season closes on Sept 5.

Housing Passes a Milestone

The numbers are in, the housing market has officially turned!

http://bit.ly/MtrWJ4

Sunny Forecast For The Real Estate Market, Optimism Growing Among Some

Optimism is Up!

http://bit.ly/Ns2pO2

Purchase Applications Increase as Mortgage Rates Remain Low

Rates are down again and mortgage apps. are increasing.

http://bit.ly/NqZb9Q

Committing to color again

Bringing a little color into our lives!

http://bit.ly/NqYzki

Inventory is low, Prices are climbing

It is the normal cycle of real estate, when interest rates drop housing prices will rise.  We are beginning to see just that in North County San Diego. 

Multiple offers, overbids and short market times are not only on the horizon but in the NOW!

Sellers are receptive to realistic price recommendations and open to price reductions if necessary.  Buyers are understanding that the "deals" are done and we are settled into a normal market if not inching toward becoming a bit of a sellers market again.

All in all, it is good.  Good to see a more fluid market and good to be in a time when home prices are stable.  New construction is popping up around us and I believe we will begin to see the $1.1M+ new construction begin again.

Are the bad times behind us?  Wish I had a crystal ball to offer that insight. 

What I do know is that it IS a good time to buy and sell real esatate in San Diego.

Housing to Play Key Role in Election

How will the housing market be affected by the election?

http://bit.ly/N2Gy11

Rents keep rising, while home prices inch higher

Multiple offers, prices stable in San Diego.

http://bit.ly/Oke92t

30-year mortgage rates dip to 3.62%; 15-year at 2.89%

Down, down, down they go!

http://bit.ly/OkdU7u

Mortgage Financing Tips for Today's Market

 

From starter homes to vacation escapes, many of my clients have taken advantage of recent market conditions to make the real estate purchase they’ve always dreamed of. The combination of affordable prices and low interest rates has made home buying accessible to many who had deemed it beyond their financial reach.



The one stumbling block for some prospective homebuyers, however, has been today’s dicey lending environment. Even though positive economic and housing market indicators continue to pick up, strict lending criteria and confusing terms and processes stop many would-be homebuyers in their tracks.



But have heart. By knowing how to navigate the lending landscape, a manageable mortgage—and your dream home—are within reach. Talk to your real estate professional about the steps you need to take to secure financing. In the meantime, here are some great tips from the American Homeowners Foundation:

• 
  Don’t stretch your loan qualification limits. A home should be a source of satisfaction and an investment, not a financial albatross. Borrowing heavily from family members, selling assets, and living poor just to own a bigger or better home makes for larger mortgage payments and risks difficulties in the future.


• 
  Shop for competitive rates, points and fees. Get at least three bids. The most competitive lender one week may not be next week, so get (or reconfirm) quotes the same week you are ready to make the commitment.


• 
  Get an immediate written confirmation of your locked-in interest rate and interest rate terms. You might find some discrepancies with the figures used on the final loan documents.


• 
  Don’t agree to prepayment penalties. You may want to refinance or partially prepay part of the mortgage. If there is no mention of prepayment penalties, make sure you have an addendum attached to the mortgage specifying that no fees will be imposed.


• 
  Understanding all the conditions of your loan. You or a professional that you trust should thoroughly scrutinize each document. Ask questions if you aren’t sure what something means.


• 
  Pick the right kind of loan. Rates are higher on 30-year loans than on comparable 15-year loans. That's because there is a greater risk that rates will go up the longer the lender commits to a fixed rate. While there is an advantage to the predictability of fixed rates, if you expect to be transferred in five years, you’ll be paying more than you need for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan. If you want both the security of predictable payments and the lowest monthly payment, consider "hybrid" loans - those with a fixed rate for the first five or seven years of their 30-year duration. If you are going to be there for a shorter period, or have confidence that rates will be dropping further, consider an adjustable rate mortgage. Be sure to discuss your particular circumstances with your real estate professional and/or lender to make the best loan choice.


• 
  Save everything. Lenders require and provide numerous documents. Some get misplaced, usually at the most critical time. Keep copies of everything you send the lender and everything the lender sends you.


• 
  Take advantage of the deduction. The mortgage interest deduction is one of the few remaining tax deductible interest payments, and it’s also the cheapest form of long-term financing. Consider financing/refinancing as an alternative source of funds for home improvements or other constructive long-term investments like education. Don’t get in over your head, and never use it to finance your summer vacation or other short-term pleasures.

Housing Prices On The Rise?

Is Boston a forecast of what is to come for Rancho Santa Fe and San Diego?

http://bit.ly/MifafI

Thinking of a Vacation Home?

The vacation home market is picking up across the country.  San Diego is a perfect place for a second home!

http://bit.ly/OdEXWn

Childhood Celebrity Homes

I like Kate Hudson's humble abode!

3 reasons to update home before selling

Thinking of selling?  Take a few moments to see what is important to update.

http://bit.ly/NqEJXh

Volatility Keeping Low Mortgage Rates on Track

Europe is affecting our mortage rates.

http://bit.ly/KH3puw

Oh, The Things Front Door Colors Convey

Is your front door red, black, white or ?

http://bit.ly/KzpJuN

Best Yard Before and Afters 2012

Some very creative ideas!

http://bit.ly/Lw2UGg

10 Ways to Save on Moving Costs

Taking a little of the sting out of moving.

http://bit.ly/KAAAjx

Hot Trends for Bathroom Remodeling

3 Hot Trends for Bathroom Remodeling in 2012

http://bit.ly/LGQeK6

null

Let's go to the Beach!

http://bit.ly/NgtuET

null

Useful ideas for home design.

http://bit.ly/Ngtt3M

null

Let's go to the Beach!

http://bit.ly/JOItEY

20 Ways to Use Color Psychology in Your Home

Useful ideas for home design.

http://bit.ly/KXGDiZ

5 Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation

With the end of the school year right around the corner, families across the country are preparing for a fun-filled summer season. Whether you’re planning a road trip or taking to the skies, the following tips will put you in vacation mode while taking the stress out of the equation.



1. Plan ahead. There are some things that can be done way ahead of your trip, like making reservations, taking the car for a tune up, and letting neighbors know you will be away. Even packing can be done earlier than most people think. For instance, getting your bag ready on Tuesday for your weekend at the lake will be less stressful than packing it on Friday, with your family in the car honking the horn.



2. Delegate. Scrambling around to get everything ready for your trip? Dole out tasks to lighten your load. Tell your kids to clean out the car before piling in for that road trip. Ask your teenager to look up good restaurants in the area you’re staying. Have your husband or wife contact the kennel to make reservations for your four-legged friend.



3. Unplug—everything! Leave your laptop at home, turn off your BlackBerry and stow away your iPod. Designate 20 minutes a day for catching up with work related emails only if necessary. We are so focused on technology today we forget what it’s like to be away from it. After a few hours of connecting with your family, friends, or just nature, you will feel liberated and care-free.



4. Do nothing. Pencil in time to do nothing. Whether this is two days on your weeklong vacation, or an afternoon during a long weekend, section off a block of time where you have nothing planned. This will allow you to plan your activities based on how you feel at that moment—a true luxury in this fast paced world.



5. Smile. This may seem like a given, but often we get hung up on the small stuff - even while on vacation. Don’t get upset if a friend bails last minute, or your hotel room is smaller than it seemed in the picture, or you forgot to pack your kid’s bathing suit. When you look back on your trip, these inconveniences will be forgotten, so don’t let them ruin your time in the moment, either.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Summer is Around the Corner

Let's go to the Beach!

http://bit.ly/LiAFYS

10 Things to Remember About Memorial Day

A day to pay tribute to the Veterans.

http://bit.ly/JOXH7C

n the Eve of Memorial Day, Five Still-Vacant Summer Rentals

Summer rentals in San Diego!

http://bit.ly/KlPTyA

Some People Need More Room to Roam

10 super-huge homes for sale!.  Sometimes you just need more elbow room!

null

Neat ideass to highlight outdoor dining!

http://bit.ly/JaHt9h

Is A Bigger House Better?

10 super-huge homes for sale!.  Sometimes you just need more elbow room!

http://bit.ly/JaHo5m

In San Diego we Live Indoors/Oudoors

Neat ideass to highlight outdoor dining!

http://bit.ly/J0xiE3

Supermodel is coming to San Diego

The multitalented supermodel Christie Brinkley is San Diego-bound as the...

Spring Is the Time to Plant Your Garden!

Follow Martha's Stewart's suggestions.

http://bit.ly/KmoQ79

Vacation Home Market is Heating Up!

If you're thinking of buying a second home in the next five years, this might be your best opportunity.

After being battered during the housing bust, the vacation-home market is showing signs of life. Reports of bidding wars are trickling out of some of the locales that bore the brunt of the housing bust, and brokers in other markets, while not sounding the "all clear," at least say conditions aren't getting much worse.

Near-record-low mortgage rates, bargain prices and dwindling home inventories are bringing some once-untouchable markets within reach for the first time in a decade, say housing-market experts.

Those factors are "creating a sense of urgency," says Pam O'Connor, president of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a broker network. "People feel like they might miss this window."

Salt Lake City resident Donna Peeters says that is one of the reasons she wants to step up her search for a second home in Santa Barbara, Calif. She and her husband started thinking about buying a vacation home a couple of years ago, she says, and have seen prices fall as they waited. They are looking for a place close to the beach, and expect to spend about $2 million cash.

"It definitely feels like a good time to jump in," she says.

Signs of a Bottom

Sales of vacation properties fell 56% between 2006 and 2010, but climbed 7% in 2011 to 502,000, according to the most recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, a trade association. Yet prices remain soft; according to the NAR, the median price on vacation homes dropped more than 19% in 2011 to $121,300.

Realtors say some buyers—those who plan to keep a home in the family for generations—are snapping up homes now, even though prices might have further to drop, to take advantage of low mortgage rates. The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate loan stood at 3.97% for the week ending May 1, according to Keith Gumbinger, vice president at mortgage tracker HSH.com. Buyers with strong credit who can put down more than 25% should be able to find rates near 4%, he says.

The bottom for vacation-home prices will be clear only in retrospect, but there are signs one might be forming, says Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics. Some markets in California already are seeing price increases, while hard-hit markets like Phoenix and Scottsdale, Ariz., have seen slowing declines, he says.

"From a long-term investment horizon, vacation homes will do very well," Mr. Zandi says, citing low interest rates and expected price appreciation in many markets.

The shorter-term outlook for vacation homes is murkier. Moody's Analytics forecasts overall U.S. home prices will drop next year—by a scant 0.8%—but the nationwide figures mask sharp geographical divides in popular second-home markets.

Miami, for example, which already has seen prices of all homes drop 54% since 2007, according to Moody's, is expected to lose about 0.1% annually over the next five years. Meanwhile, Napa, Calif., whose prices have also been slashed in half, could see prices rise nearly 10% a year.

Realtors say they are even seeing such dichotomies within markets, with sales in more-desirable locations starting to perk up. In New York's Hamptons, for example, homes positioned north of the Montauk Highway are languishing on the market for months, while well-maintained homes south of the highway, which are closer to the ocean, are sometimes getting multiple offers within days, says Nicholas J. Planamento, president of the Hamptons and North Fork Realtors Association.

Factors to Consider

There are a number of factors to consider when deciding whether or not to buy a vacation home. The first: momentum.

If you considered an investment in the stock market, looking at how prices moved over the past year would be a poor way to estimate future performance. On the other hand, research by Yale University Professor Robert Shiller, widely credited with predicting both the stock market crash of 2000 and the housing bust, has shown that momentum in home prices has staying power.

Then again, prices have been dropping in many markets for five years already, and most experts believe the steepest drops already have taken place. And some stronger vacation-home markets, such as Burlington, Vt. (up 1.3% in the past year), have momentum on their side.

A second point to consider: financing. Even though rates are low, lenders' standards for making loans are tight. And real-estate agents say deals are falling apart even after buyers obtain initial mortgage commitments.

That means buyers who can offer all cash have a leg up over those who make offers contingent on financing. Buyers who don't want to tie up that cash forever might consider purchasing the house with cash and then taking out a mortgage later.

All-cash sales dominate in some of the most beaten-down markets. One member of the broker network Leading Real Estate Companies of the World in Sarasota, Fla.—where overall home prices have dropped 43% in the past five years, to a median $174,900—reported that 70% of her home sales were cash-only, says Ms. O'Connor.

Here are some vacation-home spots that look primed for a breakout, according to five-year price forecasts by Moody's Analytics, along with some that are still bouncing along the bottom.

Home Prices Rise in Half of the U.S. Cities as Markets Stabilize

We are seeing good market activity in North County San Diego!

http://bit.ly/Kid51N

As Prices Stabilize and Inventory Shrinks, This Could be the Time to Sell

According to the latest quarterly report from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), median existing single-family home prices are firming in many metropolitan areas, while improving sales and declining inventory are creating more balanced conditions.



The median existing single-family home price rose in 74 out of 146 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) based on closings in the first quarter from the same quarter in 2011. Additionally, a new breakout of income requirements on a metro basis shows most buyers have the necessary income to buy a home in their area, assuming a favorable credit rating.



Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, expects home prices to continue to improve. “Given the steadily dwindling supply of inventory and notably higher listing prices that are being negotiated today, prices are expected to show further improvements in the near future,” he explains.



This slowly dwindling housing inventory is good news for homeowners who had wanted to sell their home over the past few years, but who held off until prices began improving. According to the NAR report, at the end of the first quarter of this year, there were 2.37 million existing homes available for sale, which is 21.8 percent below the close of the first quarter of 2011 when there were 3.03 million homes on the market. There has been a sustained downtrend since inventories set a record of 4.04 million in the summer of 2007.



What’s more, total existing-home sales, including single-family homes and condos, increased 4.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.57 million in the first quarter - 5.3 percent above the 4.34 million level during the first quarter of 2011 when sales spiked.



“This is the highest first quarter sales pace since 2007,” says Yun. “With strong market fundamentals, total home sales this year should rise 7 to 10 percent.”



Among the groups currently driving home sales and prices are first-time buyers, many of whom have been renting until the market – and their financial situations – showed signs of improvement. First-time buyers purchased 33 percent of homes in the first quarter.



More good news for prospective home sellers - the share of all-cash home purchases in the first quarter was 32 percent, up from 29 percent in the fourth quarter. Investors, drawn by bargain prices and who make up the bulk of cash purchasers, accounted for 22 percent of all transactions in the first quarter, up from 19 percent in the fourth quarter; they were 21 percent a year ago.



If you’re considering putting your home on the market as favorable conditions continue to tick upward, contact a real estate professional who is knowledgeable on the nuances of your particular neighborhood. Remember, no matter what the national data shows, real estate is ultimately a local business.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

As Prices Stabilize and Inventory Shrinks, This COuld be the Time to Sell

According to the latest quarterly report from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), median existing single-family home prices are firming in many metropolitan areas, while improving sales and declining inventory are creating more balanced conditions.



The median existing single-family home price rose in 74 out of 146 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) based on closings in the first quarter from the same quarter in 2011. Additionally, a new breakout of income requirements on a metro basis shows most buyers have the necessary income to buy a home in their area, assuming a favorable credit rating.



Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, expects home prices to continue to improve. “Given the steadily dwindling supply of inventory and notably higher listing prices that are being negotiated today, prices are expected to show further improvements in the near future,” he explains.



This slowly dwindling housing inventory is good news for homeowners who had wanted to sell their home over the past few years, but who held off until prices began improving. According to the NAR report, at the end of the first quarter of this year, there were 2.37 million existing homes available for sale, which is 21.8 percent below the close of the first quarter of 2011 when there were 3.03 million homes on the market. There has been a sustained downtrend since inventories set a record of 4.04 million in the summer of 2007.



What’s more, total existing-home sales, including single-family homes and condos, increased 4.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.57 million in the first quarter - 5.3 percent above the 4.34 million level during the first quarter of 2011 when sales spiked.



“This is the highest first quarter sales pace since 2007,” says Yun. “With strong market fundamentals, total home sales this year should rise 7 to 10 percent.”



Among the groups currently driving home sales and prices are first-time buyers, many of whom have been renting until the market – and their financial situations – showed signs of improvement. First-time buyers purchased 33 percent of homes in the first quarter.



More good news for prospective home sellers - the share of all-cash home purchases in the first quarter was 32 percent, up from 29 percent in the fourth quarter. Investors, drawn by bargain prices and who make up the bulk of cash purchasers, accounted for 22 percent of all transactions in the first quarter, up from 19 percent in the fourth quarter; they were 21 percent a year ago.



If you’re considering putting your home on the market as favorable conditions continue to tick upward, contact a real estate professional who is knowledgeable on the nuances of your particular neighborhood. Remember, no matter what the national data shows, real estate is ultimately a local business.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Spring Has Arrived!

Spring is here and it is time to start planting our gardens. 

http://bit.ly/J80b6W

Is This Year The Last Chance For Bargains?

The market in San Diego is certainly on the move!

http://bit.ly/J7Z1s9

It is Time to be Green!

Thinking about our environment is paramount to many homeowners.  Here are the latest stats on "Green Homes".

http://bit.ly/J7Y3wd

What to Buy your Mother for Mother's Day

Since when has technology overpowered flowers and chocolate?!

http://bit.ly/JtIyru

A Secret Hideaway for JFK?

Some properties have very interesting histories!

http://bit.ly/IC3qgH

5 Low-Cost Kitchen Redos Buyers Will Love

Kitchen remodeling sales were up 36 percent in the third quarter of 2011 compared with the same time a year earlier, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association.  It's no wonder: The kitchen is the focal point in many homes.  And it's one of the features buyers compare most closely when they're shopping for a home. Here are cost estimates for some of the low-cost kitchen upgrades to recommend to sellers:

1. Hardware.

Replacing cabinet hardware, such as handles, knobs and hinges is a quick way to enhance kitchen space. Averaging between $2 and $20 per knob or pull, a home owner can expect to spend from $80 to $800 for this enhancement.

2. Faucet.

There are myriad options today in terms of height, spouts, pullout hoses and folding necks, with quality faucets starting at around $200.

3. Lighting.

Adding a LED under cabinet light can have a dramatic effect for about $40.

4. Organization.

Buyers today choose functionality over elaborate decoration says Jamie Goldberg, a National Kitchen & Bath Association- certified designer.  Practical storage in the kitchen will go a long way. Over the door hooks, baskets in the  pantry, drawer organizers, wall hooks for pots & pans and stackable shelves for cabinets will add appeal, typically for less than $100.

5. Countertops.

Laminate can mimic the contemporary look of granite at a significant discount. The cost for an average kitchen with 30 linear feet of laminate countertop is roughly $1, 575: the same space in granite would be about $2400.

 

Where are the Most Expensive Homes in America?

Would you prefer a penthouse in New York, oceanfront in Hawaii or acreage in California?

http://bit.ly/JxVl1y

Not From San Diego? Think About Investing In San Diego.

Maybe it's time to look into investing in America's Finest City.

http://bit.ly/HYpxTH

Nothing But Blue Skys These Day!

The Real Estate Market is improving in 35 states.

http://bit.ly/HVYsiJ

Time to Buy or Time to Rent?

The time is NOW!

30 Year Rates At Record Lows AGAIN!

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2012/04/13/30-year-mortgage-again-nears-record-low/

It is Cheaper to Buy a Home than to Rent

The time is NOW!

Considering a High-End Home? The Time is Now

While you’ve probably heard many negative stories about the real estate market over the past few years, there are many buyers who have actually taken advantage of the current market to great success. For savvy homebuyers, the current marketplace has yielded tremendous opportunity—most notably in the area of high-end or luxury homes.



If you’ve always dreamed about buying a luxury property but considered it just out of reach, the market may paint an entirely different picture today. Many homeowners, unable to sustain the costs associated with a luxury home, have been forced to sell. The general decline in home values in recent years has also put downward pressure on the prices of higher-end homes.



Buying a luxury home requires a specific strategy, however, so before you embark on the process, consider the following:

1. 
   Select the right agent. Working with an agent who is experienced and successful in the luxury home market is essential. A luxury-property specialist has the right knowledge and the right connections to help you locate and negotiate an offer on a high-end home.


2. 
   Know where to look. While traditional house hunts begin online these days, finding the right high-end home will require the right networking. Many of these properties are discovered through word of mouth or referrals. This is where your real estate agent comes in. The right agent will know about luxury finds before they’re even officially on the market.


3. 
   Consider cash. Many luxury buyers are also cash buyers and cash is king in today’s market. In fact, according to the May 2011 REALTORS® Confidence Index from the National Association of REALTORS®, 30 percent of all purchases between mid-April and mid-May of last year were financed with cash. The number was even higher for luxury properties. Investors and luxury buyers with cash are a welcome sight in today’s credit-crunched market where jumbo loans, in particular, are hard to come by. If you’re fortunate enough to be a cash buyer, your chances of getting a great deal on a luxury property will increase exponentially.


4. 
   Invest the time. As with any major investment, spending the proper amount of time on evaluating a high-end home is essential. Be prepared for this to take much longer than the walk-through of a typical home. Investigating a luxury property means taking careful note of a variety of details, such as how the home was constructed, security systems that may have been put in place, architectural and design highlights, outdoor areas and special features.


5. 
   Devising the offer. Making the right offer on a luxury property is tricky—lean heavily on the guidance of your agent. In market’s better day, luxury sellers were known to be very particular about who was buying their property as well as the final selling price, usually having the financial wherewithal to stay in the home until the right offer came along. While these tendencies still exist, many of today’s luxury sellers are in a distressed property situation. Be sure to carefully weigh these factors with your agent prior to making an offer.

As a Member of the Top 1% in the Coldwell Banker International Network, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you.

Feel free to Contact Me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

San Diego Spring is Bright for Home Purchases

According to the National Association of Realtors economist Lawrence Yun, Spring 2012 is Bright!

Home Prices Standing Firm

Prices appear to be stabilized, even in the wake of the next wave of foreclosures.

The Market Is On The Move!

From Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, their analust concur that prices are at the bottom in the real estate market.

Spring 2012....the Best Time to Buy?

According to the National Association of Realtors economist Lawrence Yun, Spring 2012 is Bright!

Del Sur Spring Circus April 14 from 12pm to 4pm

You are exclusively invited to the Del Sur Spring Circus April 14, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Spreckels Park Come one, come all and see amazing acrobats perform extraordinary feats. Flexible contortionists will put all your years of yoga to shame and unicyclists will be juggling their way past hilarious clowns. Check Out the Exotic Petting Zoo Featuring Ten Exotic Animals Chinchilla • Wallaby • Armadillo • Alligator • Tarantula • Hedgehog • Tegu Monitor Lizard Python • 15 different kinds of reptiles • Plus, a Monkey and Talking Parrot Show While you’re here, be sure to check out some of our 14 beautiful model homes. It promises to be an amazing day! Visit any Del Sur model home by April 13 to pick up your ticket » Email info@delsurliving.com with any questions. New homes from the $400,000s to over $1 million Mandolin by Shea Homes • Carleton by Standard Pacific Homes • Valencia by California West Communities Presidio by Standard Pacific Homes • Sentinels by Davidson Communities • Gables Crossing by McCullough Development

 

Sensational Hacienda Granada in Santaluz- New On The Market!

Enjoy this video tour of my new listing in Santaluz.   A gorgeous Hacienda style estate home with panoramic mountain and valley views.

Offered at $3,395,000

http://www.warmfocus.com/video/1203-14926encendido/video.php

More Good News for Real Estate In 2012

From Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, their analust concur that prices are at the bottom in the real estate market.

For You Music Lovers- George Harrison's Mansion is For Sale

The price is kept "mum", but the grandeur is evident.

 

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2012/03/20/beatle-george-harrisons-swiss-manor-hits-market/

Hacienda Granada in Santaluz

Enjoy this video tour of my new listing in Santaluz.   A gorgeous Hacienda style estate home with panoramic mountain and valley views.

Offered at $3,395,000

http://www.warmfocus.com/video/1203-14926encendido/video.php

The Positives Outweigh the Negatives

The housing market is surely showing signs of a positive turnaround in North County San Diego.  I have my running shoes on!

http://bit.ly/A73Dqt

Teaser Rates in 2012

Puchase? Refinance?  Which makes more sense for you?

http://bit.ly/xDoShv

It Is Time To Buy A Home

The once wild market has calmed down.  Now is the time to buy!

http://bit.ly/wzWAc3

Walmart is opening a store in Encinitas

Walmart Corp. expects to open its first Encinitas store this summer.

http://bit.ly/ySTzMm

Changing Down Payments in the Horizon?

With the housing market showing signs of recovery, more help please, Mr. Federal Regulator!

http://bit.ly/zGvvi5

Let's keep the Momentum!

2012 outlook is positve with more growth expected.

http://bit.ly/yusRA1

Real Estate Sale Are Up!

The National Association of Realtors shows a good trend for real estate!

http://bit.ly/AsRFPF

It is a great time to Refinance

With rates lower than ever, is this the best time to consider refinancing?

http://bit.ly/zRphGy

What the Mega Wealthy Enjoy in Their Homes

I've seen racquet ball courts, bowling alleys, indoor pools, spas, gaming rooms and even an entire 7500sf basement as a car museum in Rancho Santa Fe!

http://bit.ly/xhhn00

Just for Fun! Some of the World's Weirdest Houses.

From all over the world, a collection of strange and unique homes.  I don't think there are any homes in Rancho Santa Fe or San Diego in this group!

http://bit.ly/zJkWgB

California To Recieve $18 Billion in Mortage Settlement

On February 9, Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced that California secured up to $18 billion for its distressed homeowners as part of a $25 billion national multistate settlement with the country's five largest loan servicers. More than $12 billion will be used to offer short sales or write down loans over the next three years for about 250,000 underwater homeowners in California, according to the attorney general. Relief will go to areas hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis within the first year of the settlement.

Although the actual settlement has not yet been released, the attorney general has stated that other financial benefits for California include $849 million for refinancing 28,000 borrowers who are underwater but current on their payments; $279 million restitution for 140,000 homeowners who were foreclosed upon between 2008 and 2011; $1.1 billion for unemployed homeowners, transitional assistance, and repairing blight; $3.5 billion to extinguish unpaid loans that remain after foreclosure for 32,000 homeowners; and $430 million to the state attorney general's office for costs and fees. As part of a California guarantee, if the lenders fail to reduce principal balances by a minimum of $12 billion, they will be required to pay fines up to $800 million to the state.

The loans involved in this settlement are those owned or serviced by Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, and Ally Financial Inc. The settlement releases the five named lenders from certain federal and state claims pertaining to robo-signing and other foreclosure misconduct by the lenders. It does not affect any individual's rights to bring legal action against a lender. It also does not apply to the majority of mortgage loans, which are those owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

This mortgage settlement does not change any homeowner's existing financial relationship with a settling lender. It does not relieve homeowners from any obligation. It does not require a settling lender to stop any foreclosure.

Homeowners seeking relief under the settlement agreement should contact their loan servicer or a HUD-approved housing counselor. More information including detailed FAQs is also available from the California Attorney General's website, or visit the National Mortgage Settlement website.

30 Year Fixed Rate At All Time Low

It is the best time to buy real estate!

http://bit.ly/zOVVlA

Come On California!

Some states are stil in negotiations to sign a deal to help struggling homeowners.

http://bit.ly/xCRXKe

Once Again....Good News for 2012!

The American Economy is not fully healthy yet, but it's healing!

http://bit.ly/z2o1Lg

Mortgage Rates Remain Low

Local inventory is increasing and home sales are moving!  It is a great time to buy or sell.

http://bit.ly/xkjqbP

How did the Real Estate Market perform in 2011 for Rancho Santa Fe?

Specific statistics showing an overview of plus and minus growth from 2010 to 2011.

Rancho Santa Fe

Average Price-$2,354,110

-5% from 2010

Santaluz

Average Price- $1,520,000

+10% from 2010

Solana Beach

Average Price-$1,141,000

-13% from 2010

Del Mar

Average Price- $1,533,000

-7% from 2010

Carmel Valley-92130

Average Price-$1,025,000

+10% from 2010

According to the San Diego County Clerk Ernest Dronenburg, San Diego will experience a 2-4% drop in home prices in 2012.  Starting in 2013, home prices will rise for the next 5-7 years.

Good News!

Unemployment is San Diego was lower than the state of California overall.  San Diego at 9.2% and California at 10.2% for 2011.

 

 

(The stats for Del Sur will for forthcoming.)

 

 

 

Housing Crisis to End in 2012

According to Capital Economics, the housing crisis will end in 2012. 

http://bit.ly/wsO9qn

2011 Sales Stats for Rancho Santa Fe and Vicinity

Specific statistics showing an overview of plus and minus growth from 2010 to 2011.

Rancho Santa Fe

Average Price-$2,354,110

-5% from 2010

Santaluz

Average Price- $1,520,000

+10% from 2010

Solana Beach

Average Price-$1,141,000

-13% from 2010

Del Mar

Average Price- $1,533,000

-7% from 2010

Carmel Valley-92130

Average Price-$1,025,000

+10% from 2010

According to the San Diego County Clerk Ernest Dronenburg, San Diego will experience a 2-4% drop in home prices in 2012.  Starting in 2013, home prices will rise for the next 5-7 years.

Good News!

Unemployment is San Diego was lower than the state of California overall.  San Diego at 9.2% and California at 10.2% for 2011.

 

 

(The stats for Del Sur will for forthcoming.)

 

 

 

2/1/2 more years of low interest rates equals Good News on the Housing Front

Shall we say thank you to Mr. Bernacke? 

http://bit.ly/yiHvrb

U.S Homeowners Have Housing At The Forefront

As the 2012 Presidential Election is moving, what are homeowner's most important concersn?

http://bit.ly/yZtDbB

Chinese New Year 2012

Luck Is On Our Side In the Year Of The Dragon!

http://bit.ly/y0Cls3

A Taxing Time of Year

 

The new year means it's time to start gathering all of that dreaded documentation to send to good old Uncle Sam! Taking just a few simple steps right now will make your tax filing far easier and more accurate. Keep it together. Make a quick list of all the documents or statements that were needed to complete your return last year—or call your tax planning professional for a checklist. As you receive tax documents in the mail, grab your checklist, and mark the item as received. Then, keep all of the tax documents together in a large file or envelope marked "2011 TAXES." Do the math. According to the IRS, the most common mistake on tax returns is bad math—from transposed numbers to downright incorrect data. And with one form leading to another, those errors can make a huge impact. Even if you use tax software, you're not off-the-hook—since it only adds the numbers YOU put in. Double-check entries carefully. Every last cent. The IRS receives copies of your Form 1099 earnings each tax season. So, they know how much you make in interest and dividend income, and they will use that info to double-check your filing information. Make sure you collect all your earnings statements and document them on your return. Sign on the line. It sounds almost silly, but forgetting to sign a return is actually a fairly common oversight. And the IRS won't process a return that doesn't have a signature. So, make sure you sign to avoid resubmitting your paperwork and possibly paying late-filing fees. By following the tips above, you can help eliminate some of the frustration from tax season, as well as make sure you're on track for the coming year.

 

Economic Commentary- Focus On Europe

In all of our assessments regarding the future of our economy, there is always a warning attached which goes something like this -- unless the European debt crisis explodes. We had some good news regarding the economy in the past several weeks, especially with regard to the all-important employment sector. Last week there were not as many economic releases to focus upon. This enabled the markets to refocus upon events in Europe and it is reassuring that, at least for the moment, the crisis does not seem to be boiling over. The news from Europe seems to be positive one day and negative the next. What we need is our economic recovery to be as strong as possible right now to help lift Europe out of its malaise but also withstand weakness coming from Europe.

Corporate earnings reports also started flowing this week. Many have made a big deal about the fact that corporate earnings experienced double digit growth in the past few years but this did not result in the significant hiring of new workers. Well, now workers are being hired and the pace of earnings growth is expected to slow this year. What we can't have is corporate earnings slowing too much so that the momentum of a stronger labor market is halted. Expect there to be a significant focus on results reported during each earnings season this year. Meanwhile, though oil prices closed the week lower, the stronger economic news has coincided with a general rise in the price of oil. Much of this movement has been disguised because seasonal factors have kept gasoline prices low. Eventually gas prices will start rising if oil continues to settle northward of $100 per barrel. This would be one of the costs of a "better news" economy.

 

  The worst for the housing market may finally be over, according to housing experts in a recent article in Kiplinger. After median home price have dropped nearly 40 percent nationwide, a rebound is taking shape -- although, housing experts say, the market may stay flat for awhile before gradually ticking up. According to housing experts in a recent Kiplinger article, here are some predictions for the real estate market in the coming year:

Home prices stabilize: Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, predicts that home prices nationwide may still drop another 3 to 5 percent in 2012, but the new year will most likely finally bring a leveling off of home prices before gains start to take shape in 2013. When markets do begin to stabilize in the new year, “price appreciation tends to spread unevenly, creating a lot of confusion about where the recovery is occurring and when,” David Stiff, chief economist at Fiserv Case-Shiller, told Kiplinger. “Even within a single city, more desirable neighborhoods will stabilize first, while prices in other neighborhoods may fall at a rapid pace.”

Housing affordability high: Housing affordability -- the ratio of median home prices to median family income -- will likely remain at record levels in 2012. Homes in many cities are “substantially undervalued,” the Kiplinger article notes. That may even lead to a mini bubble with double-digit spikes in prices, such as an increase of 10 to 15 percent in a given year in some markets, housing experts say.

Low rates: Helping to keep affordability high, low interest rates are expected to continue on in 2012 -- at least the first part of the year, economists predict. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, the most popular among home buyers, has been hovering under a 4-percent average the past few weeks, staying in record low territory. Rates are expected to stay between 4 to 5 percent in 2012, predicts Guy Cecala, publisher of Inside Mortgage Finance, an industry publication.

Sales increases: The National Association of Realtors® has already been showing a tick up in sales taking shape with increases in existing-home sales during the summer and early fall of 2011. High inventories of homes continue to flood the market but a drastic slowdown in new-home building the past three years is “gradually easing the surplus,” the Kiplinger article notes.

Foreclosures: Foreclosures remain the problem and still plague many markets. After a slowdown with lenders processing the paperwork, foreclosures have begun to pick up once again. About 1.84 million home loans are 90 days or more delinquent and 2.17 million have finished the foreclosure process but aren’t up for sale yet, according to RealtyTrac data. Alex Villacorta, director of research and analytics at Clear Capital, told Kiplinger that he predicts regardless of the downward price pressure caused from foreclosures, overall home prices won’t fall as long as lenders bring additional foreclosures to the housing market at a steady pace.

Source: Kiplinger

Thanks to Unique Homes Magazine for this great article.

Our annual look at the prospects for U.S. luxury real estate in the coming year sees a fragmented recovery, with steady improvement at the high end.

By Camilla McLaughlin

In an increasingly uncertain world, real estate is emerging as one of the few sure things. We’ve seen a growing reversal of sentiment regarding real estate. Scarcely two years ago, buying real property seemed the biggest gamble in town. Today, especially for the wealthy, real estate is emerging as one of the few sure things. Prices at historic lows translate into once-in-a-lifetime buying opportunities, whether computed by dollars or the ability to acquire a platinum residence in a prized location. Tired of watching and waiting, with a keen eye toward value, a growing number of affluent consumers are ready to jump back into the market. In 2011, a number did, and these fundamentals, along with uncertainty in both the stock market and global economies, make the outlook for luxury real estate in 2012 at least as good as — but perhaps better than — 2011.

Affluent buyers are viewing real estate as a good long-term investment at current prices and an attractive alternative to the volatility of the stock market, observes Rick Turley, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage for Northern California.

“While affluent consumers are watching to see what will happen with the global economic situation, many seem concerned that they will miss out on low prices and low interest rates and they are tired of putting purchases on hold,” says Laurie Moore-Moore, founder and CEO of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. “Some are still shifting dollars from other investments into residential real estate in the belief that long term it will be a good investment.”

LOOKING BACK
Blockbuster sales such as the $85 million Spelling Manor in Holmby Hills, Calif., or the $100 million mansion in Los Altos Hills, Calif., generate headlines, but the real story of luxury real estate in 2011 can be seen in high-end markets all over the country. In Sarasota, Fla.: “Our inventory is at record low levels, down to pre-2005 levels,” observes Michael Saunders, founder and CEO of Michael Sanders Company. In Atlanta: $1 million-plus sales increased by 24 percent in the third quarter while days on market went down 26 percent. In the Hamptons: Homes priced at $5 million or up sold at pre-recession rates.

“While total U.S. home sales fell about 13.7 percent in the first half of this year, activity declined less or even increased in many high-end ZIP codes,” reports San Diego-based DataQuick, which tracks home sales nationally. “Nearly 45 percent of a group of affluent ZIP codes, those with a median sale price of $800,000 or more in the last two years, saw sales rise in the first half of this year compared with last.”

More than a few properties closed well above the $20 million mark in a range of locations. More importantly, what occurred was a steady — sometimes slow, sometimes not so slow, depending on the location — rise in the number of overall sales, particularly above $3 million.

“Looking back, 2011 has really been a better year for us,” says Philip White, president and COO of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates. “Our sides are up significantly year over year. Prices are relatively flat compared to last year. Last year (2010) was a notable year in terms of the higher end market, but that was coming off a bad year. Statistically, 2010 was up over 2009 because 2009 was so bad.”

In an Institute for Luxury Home Marketing survey of U.S. agents in the $1 million-plus market, 77 percent reported an increase in luxury activity in 2011 over 2010. Internationally, sales are up as well, according to a recent Christie’s International Real Estate survey. Roughly, 67.5 percent of member brokerages responding reported an increase in buyer activity for the first eight months of 2011.

Sellers coming to grips with the realities of the current market became the tipping point in many places. “You can’t put a strategic price on a property that you are going to move down from. You’ve got to be very sensitive to what brokers are telling you it should be,” advises Robert Borden, chairman of the board and chief residential advisor at LandVest.

Miami showed substantially more growth than any other market in 2011, but by fall, other Florida locations were beginning to show signs of revival. “The Florida population is increasing, unemployment is decreasing and we are seeing more corporate group moves. Real estate unit sales are up, including $1 million plus,” observes Betty Graham, president of Previews International for Coldwell Banker NRT.

RIGHT NOW
Speaking about the 2011 market at the National Association of Realtors annual conference, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun underscored the contradictions in the current market. Although homes are more affordable than at possibly any other time, there has been no appreciable uptick in overall sales. “The Fed wants to stimulate lending, but it’s hard to get loans approved,” he observed. Consumer confidence still registers at low levels, although jobs are picking up. The litany of positives for real estate, according to Yun, include a slowing of price depreciation, a decrease in the inventory of newly foreclosed homes, and, in many areas, the number of for-sale properties is trending down.

In some places, including those hardest hit by the downturn, inventories are approaching lows that haven’t been seen for years. Add to that a growing understanding among consumers, especially high-net-worth individuals, that the time to buy is now. “The smart money is coming back to the market,” says John Turco with Prudential Florida Realty of Naples, Fla. “I have never seen the Naples market take off like it has. Our market started to improve about five months ago. Our inventory is off by at least 60 percent from last year.”

In Paradise Valley and North Scottsdale, Ariz., the number of homes for sale holds steady while per-square-foot prices are trending upward, reports Tom Pelliteri with RE/MAX Excalibur Realty. In Houston, Keller Williams Realty agents see money on the sidelines beginning to venture back into the market and a pent-up demand for homes in the $1 million to $1.5 million range. And in Miami, “The market has definitely been on an upswing. We are closing $250 million this year,” says Jill Eber, with The Jills Team at Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate.

At year-end, a growing number of reports such as these from luxury enclaves all over the country paint a picture of high-end markets stabilizing and, in some instances, improving. Not only are luxury properties selling in more locations but brokers tell us they have even more sales pending. “Big properties are under negotiations now,” says Eber.

“High-end deals are coming together in a lot of the major urban markets,” observes Paul Boomsma, president of Luxury Portfolio International and COO of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.

Seattle broker John Brian Losh, who is also the publisher of LuxuryRealEstate.com, acknowledges increased sales, but also notes reduced prices. “Transactions started to happen pretty consistently throughout the year, but prices are much lower. Properties are selling, but at bargain prices.” Moore-Moore agrees. “Luxury buyers relish the art of the deal. They are value conscious and are looking to buy future profitability by buying smart.”

INTERNATIONALLY
The big story for the high-end market in 2011 was foreign buyers. They only account for approximately 5 percent of U.S. sales, but as prices and the rarity of a property increase, so too does interest from buyers outside the U.S. Also important is the appeal of an area. In Florida, 25 percent of all sales from June 2010 to June 2011 were to foreign buyers, particularly Canadians, Brazilians and Venezuelans.

The hottest markets are global destinations such as Beverly Hills and New York that attract international and domestic buyers. Foreign buyers buoyed Miami’s record year. Here, cash transactions, favored by foreign buyers, accounted for 43 percent of single-family and 77 percent of condominium sales in October. Nationally, only about 29 percent of sales are all cash.

“International buyers look to the U.S. as stable politically, a safe haven for money, offering a desirable lifestyle, and on sale! They will continue to invest in U.S. luxury homes,” says Moore-Moore.

This year, other places including San Antonio, Vail, Atlanta and Chicago report growing interest from outside the U.S. Houston, according to Bruce Kink at Keller Williams Metropolitan, has seen an increase in buyers from Latin America, China, Japan and Russia.

There are no indications that this interest will slack off in 2012. “So far we’re seeing great things happen. We’re so busy showing things it’s hard to keep up. We have people coming from out of the country and not just in the summer time now,” Beverly Hills agent Jade Mills said in early December. Mills, with Coldwell Banker Previews International, is ranked as the No. 2 real estate agent in the world. Particularly notable, she says, is the number of buyers from Russia, China and Indonesia looking in Los Angeles’ famed Westside neighborhoods.

And rather than putting a damper on sales, the economic turmoil in Europe is only enhancing the cachet of U.S. properties. “No one really knows what’s exactly going on in Europe and that’s disconcerting, but on the other hand that makes U.S. real estate more attractive,” says Losh.

“A lot of people in the world are still more confident about our economy overall than their own,” says Boomsma. “Most of the world still sees the U.S. as a safe haven for investment, for property rights and ownership.”

LOOKING AHEAD
Still, assessing the market — and even categorizing the recovery — continues to be complicated. Many local markets continue to struggle, which means that in spite of promising indicators, crystal balls this year are apt to be a little fuzzy. “The country and the luxury space are becoming more fragmented so it’s harder and harder to make not only a global statement, but to make a national statement,” comments Boomsma.

“In 2011, the luxury market continued its recovery overall, although each market continued to deal with its unique situation,” says Kathy Neu, president of Luxury Homes by Keller Williams. “Based on what we hear from industry experts and our associates, this trend will continue in 2012 as buyers take advantage of the opportunities in the recovering market.”

Looking ahead, Graham sees more positives for Florida, including, “expectations that the widening of the Panama Canal will increase commerce.”

John Tuccillo, former NAR chief economist and current chief economist for the Florida Association of Realtors, cautions, “The recovery will be long, but it is a recovery. I think that we are past the bottom, but the slope up is not very steep — or won’t be until we can create more jobs.”

Looming for 2012 also are a number of potential bumps along the road to recovery. One is the presidential election, which Losh describes as the proverbial elephant in the room. “Traditionally, election years are good for business. I think activity will remain the same if not pick up. But this is an extraordinarily long recession, so that could change things,” he says.

Other wild cards include potential changes in tax laws, including potential cuts to the mortgage interest tax deduction. The lower end of luxury, under $2 million, has not experienced the same uptick as the higher prices. This is the price bracket that is also most affected by constraints from lenders and from changes to loan limits for conforming loans that took place earlier this year.

Don’t be surprised to see more distressed sales of high-end properties, says Moore-Moore, as more owners lose upscale homes and others choose strategic default as an option. “As of the fall of 2011, 2.3 percent of homes in foreclosure were $1 million property. Expect this level to hold for 2012,” she says. However, these sales might also offer an opportunity for new luxury buyers to move into the market, shares Rob Aigner with Keller Williams Beverly Hills.

Will 2012 end better than it started? “I’m betting we’ll see the number of luxury home sales going strong at the end of 2012,” concludes Moore-Moore. “Prices will still be under pressure as we work through high-end short sales and foreclosures. Will 2012 be a good time to buy upper-tier homes? Absolutely. Qualified prospects will find plentiful inventory and good value.”