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CNN is searching for a bottom in the housing market With consumer confidence rising in May to its highest level in eight months, housing starts increasing more than 17 percent in May compared with the previous month, and sales of existing homes climbing 2.9 percent in April nationwide, it appears that the housing market may be stabilizing. So what does that mean to you? Although sales of existing, single-family homes rose 35.2 percent in May in California, compared with a year ago, the median price declined 30.4 percent during that same year. Some industry analysts predict that as specialized adjustable-rate mortgages, known as option ARMS and Alt-A mortgages, reset over the next 18 to 24 months, prices could decline further before stabilizing. "We are seeing strong buying activity, particularly in those boom and bust markets, where prices have declined significantly. Buyers are coming in and fighting over properties -- there is multiple bidding in California and Florida," says Lawrence Yun, chief economist with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(R). Sales of existing homes are soaring as many investors and first-time buyers purchase distressed properties. Yun estimates that about 50 percent of current sales involve distressed properties, and he expects the trend to continue as foreclosures rise in the months ahead. Although some economists predict home prices will continue to decline in the coming months, California'ss median home price rose for the third consecutive month in May, posting the largest monthly increase on record for the month of May. Some buyers are trying to time the bottom of the market and purchase once it appears that prices are consistently and steadily rising. Many housing forecasters advise against this approach as buyers should not view their homes solely as investment opportunities. Historically, the average annual rate of return on a home lived in for five years or more is nearly 12 percent, based on data C.A.R. has collected over the last 40 years. If you are thinking of selling your home, now is an excellent time with low inventory and the seasonal spike we get this time of year. Even if you are underwater on your home, like so many families, we'd like to help you find a solution. Call for a free consultation. Thanks!
Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R), CDPE
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and Surrounding Communities
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
951 454-3805
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First-time home buyers wanting to take advantage of the state's $10,000 tax credit may have less time than originally expected. California set aside $100 million to help home buyers purchase newly built homes, hoping to jump start the residential-construction market. According to state officials, the tactic has worked well and is helping to entice home buyers into the market. However, there only is approximately 20 percent of the program?s funding remaining.
The program launched in March, and as of June 3 nearly $24 million in tax credit certificates already had been issued, according to the state's Franchise Tax Board, leaving nearly $76 million in credit available. Many applications still are in the pipeline awaiting approval. If all of the submitted applications are approved, only $17.5 million would remain in the fund.
The California state legislature is considering adding another $200 million to the program. However, securing approval may be difficult due to the state's estimated $24 billion budget deficit. A bill to extend the program already has won Assembly approval and now is awaiting activity in the state Senate.
So what does this mean to you? If you are considering buying a new home, you need to move fast! If you are a first time home buyer you, and you have completed the home buying process before 12/1/09, you could cash in on a much as $18,000 in tax credits. Need help finding you home? Call or email us! We offer a free service to get you in touch with a professional in your area who will help you find you home AND secure your tax credit! Thanks! Information provided by:
Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R), CDPE
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
Serving Corona, Riverside, Norco, and surrounding communities
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
www.FreeRiversideHomeSearch.com
951.454.3805
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Recent news headlines have caused confusion by mischaracterizing the new California Foreclosure Prevention Act as a 90-day moratorium and incorrectly stating that the lender must modify delinquent loans before it begins foreclosure. In reality, the foreclosure process for certain owner-occupied residential first trust deeds has been extended by 90 days, effective June 15, but an exemption is available for lenders with comprehensive loan
modification programs as defined by the Act.
Under pre-existing law, a lender must wait three months after filing a notice of default before it can file a notice of sale. The new California Foreclosure Prevention Act extending that time frame by another 90 days may not have much practical impact. So what does that mean to you? If you find yourself unable to make your monthly payment, first, call your loan servicer. The phone number should be on your payment coupons. Ask first for the Home Retention or Loan Modification Department. Then honestly explain your situation. Ask them to help you keep your home. Your loan servicer will not charge you for this service. If you cannot get your loan modified, please call me. As a Certified Distressed Propery Expert, I can help you figure out what to do next. Foreclosure is not your only option. Thanks, Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R), e-PRO, CDPE
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside and surrounding communities
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
www.FreeRiversideHomeSearch.com
951.454.3805
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Eastvale, Corona
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Announcing a price reduction
on 12843 Prairie Circle, a 2,063 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story "Hard to Find!". Now
MLS®
$325,000
- Approved Short Sale! Yes, the sale was approved and the buyers have found a different home! Call today to see this beautiful home!
Property information
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Brought to you by your Realtor®, Liane Thomas, and the California Association of Realtors® With the recent rise in foreclosures, foreclosure-related scams have exploded onto the real estate scene. These so-called “foreclosure rescue companies” claim they will help save your home, but in reality are out to make a profit -- at your expense. Red Flags for Foreclosure Rescue Scams
If you are at risk of or in foreclosure, you should be on the lookout for foreclosure scams. Here are some of the red flags to watch out for: • Asks for money upfront before providing any service
• Instructs you not to contact your lender, lawyer, housing counselor, family, friends, or others
• Asks for mortgage payments to be made directly to his or her company or a bank account set up by that person, rather than your lender.
• Requires payment only in the form of cash, cashier’s check, or wire transfer
• Promises to stop the foreclosure process, no matter the circumstances
• Advises you to transfer your property deed or title to his or her company
• Offers to fill out paperwork for you
• Asks for something to be done immediately and without delay. This includes pressuring you into signing paperwork that you have not had the chance to read thoroughly or do not fully understand
• Encourages you to lease your house and buy it back over time
• Offers to buy your house for a fixed price that is not set by the housing market at the time of sale
• Asks for you to give a power of attorney
• Asks for signatures on a grant deed or deed of trust
• Asks for signatures on a document that has lines left blank
• Fails to provide copies of signed documents
• Refuses or fails to put an oral promise in writing Report Fraud
If you have been a victim of a foreclosure-related scam or approached by a scam artist, you may report the incident to the following organizations and government enforcement agencies:
• California Attorney General
http://ag.ca.gov
• California Department of Real Estate
www.dre.ca.gov
• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
www.hud.gov
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
www.ftc.gov
• Your local Better Business Bureau
www.bbb.org Legitimate Resources
If you are at risk of foreclosure or have already received a foreclosure notice, you should contact your lender immediately.
Homeowners also may seek the advice of a reputable housing, financial or credit counselor, attorney, or other qualified professional.
Homeowners may visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Web site at http://www.hud.gov/ to view its Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure and its list of California HUD-approved housing counseling agencies. In addition, the non-profit Homeownership Preservation Foundation has a 24/7 toll-free Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline at (999) 995-HOPE. Copyright© 2009 CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.). Permission is granted to C.A.R. members only to reproduce this material for non-commercial purposes. Other
reproduction or use is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of the C.A.R. Legal Department. All rights reserved.
The information contained herein is believed to be accurate as of April 9, 2009. It is intended to provide general answers to general questions and is not intended as a substitute for individual legal advice. Advice in specific situations may differ depending upon a wide variety of factors. Therefore, readers with specific legal questions should seek the advice of an attorney. If you are facing foreclosure, we'd like to talk with you. We will explain what your options are, and where to go for help. There is no cost for this service.
Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R), and Certified Distressed Property Expert
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and surrounding communities
951 454-3805
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
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Liane Thomas of The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty in Corona Ca. has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by “distressed” homes in the foreclosure process. Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures. In the Corona area, thousands of homes are in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune. “This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales,” said REALTOR(R) Liane Thomas. “It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure.” Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as Liane Thomas with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said. The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales. “Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible,” Charfen said.
For more information about CDPE designation, please call 1-800-482-0335. To reach Liane Thomas, please call 951 454-3805. Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R)
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and surrounding communities
951.454.3805
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
www.FreeRiversideHomeSearch.com
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Did you know the Obama administration, through the Making Home Affordable program, is giving lenders and loan providers an incentive of up to $1,000 for each completed short sale? This is in addition to $1,000 to share the cost of paying any second-mortgage lenders to release their claim on the property. These incentives offered by the government, coupled with lenders wanting to reduce bad loans, are likely to increase the number of short sale transactions. "Without a doubt, lenders are more willing to work through short sales," said Andre L. Mitchell, the executive vice president of the Lynx Mortgage Bank. "In this marketplace if the lenders can negotiate in any way to get rid of a bad loan, they're going to do it." Banks may lose less money in short sales than in foreclosures, where banks may carry the house for a considerable period of time before selling it. Analysts believe short sales are often the best option, even for homeowners thinking about a new loan to save the home. "It's gotten to the point where people understand that sometimes you have to start over," says Mitchell. "A loan modification might help you in the short term, but sometimes what people need to do is get out completely."
Personally, we are seeing short sales getting approved faster, and the process is becoming easier than it has been in the past. We have been helping homeowners who are underwater since 2007. If you are a homeowner who is underwater, behind in payments, or facing a foreclosure, we'd love to talk with you. There is no obligation, and no cost to you. Thanks! Brought to you by:
Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R)
Thomas Realty Group, Inc.
951.454.3805
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
www.FreeRiversideHomeSearch.com
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Riverside, San Bernardino - The single story at 6645 Avenue Juan Diaz has been sold. This was a short sale successfully negotiated and closed by Liane Thomas of Thomas Realty Group. If you are underwater on your home and want to know what your options are, call Liane for a free, no obligation consultation. Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R)
Thomas Realty Group, Keller Williams Realty
951.454.3805
www.FreeRiversideHomeSearch.com
www.AllCoronaHomes.com Property information
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Not All Yard Sales Are Created Equal Summer is one of the most popular seasons for holding a yard sale. But simply holding a yard sale doesn't necessarily mean you'll end the day with lots of extra money in your pocket. If you're planning on clearing out your clutter this summer, here are ten tips to help make your yard sale a success: - Start your yard sale earlier than other yard sales in your area so shoppers will start their shopping day with you.
- Don't schedule your yard sale on a holiday weekend or during a big event in your area (like a sporting event or festival).
- If it rains, take down your signs and reschedule your sale so you can maximize traffic on the day of your sale.
- Before your own yard sale, visit other sales in your neighborhood to get an idea of typical prices.
- Place all of your items (except for large items) on tables so shoppers don't have to bend.
- If you plan to sell electrical items, have an outlet and extension cord handy so you can show shoppers that the items work.
- If you want to sell larger ticket items, look for those items in a local circular and then attach the ad to your item so shoppers can see that they are getting a great deal.
- If you have a variety of items that men would like, place them on their own table. If married couples stop by your sale, both parties will enjoy looking.
- Advertise your sale ahead of time in your local newspaper classified section, on community boards at your local food stores, and online at places like www.Craigslist.org.
- Wait until the morning of your garage sale to hang signs in your neighborhood, and make sure you take them down that day to avoid any fines from your homeowner's association or your town. You don't want to have to use all the cash you earn to pay a fine!
And remember, a successful sale is also a safe sale. Keep money in a pouch around your waist instead of in a cash box (which could get stolen while you are helping shoppers), don't accept checks (which could bounce), and never allow strangers inside your home to use the bathroom or telephone.
Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to having less clutter in your home, and more cash in your pocket! Thanks to Jeanne Ball of Pacific Sunrise Mortgage for these great tips. If you need help financing your next home purchase, Jeanne can be reached at: Pacific Sunrise Mortgage
Office: 951-276-1800 ext.110
E-Mail: jball@pacificsunrise.com
Website:www.pacificsunrise.com Reposted by Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R)
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
951.454.3805
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
www.FreeRiversideHomeSearch.com
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Pending US Home Sales Surge
Pending US home sales skyrocketed to their highest number in 7 years, a sure sign that the bottom is forming and that bargain seekers have arrived. The National Association of Realtors reported that its seasonally adjusted index of sales contracts signed (the Pending Home Sales Index) jumped 6.7% to 90.3, well ahead of analysts' expectations. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said buyers have responded to favorable market conditions. "Housing affordability conditions have been at historic highs, but now the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is beginning to impact the market," he said. "Since first-time buyers must finalize their purchase by November 30 to get the credit, we expect greater activity in the months ahead, and that should spark more sales by repeat buyers." So what does that mean to you? If you want to sell your home, this is probably the best time since 2006. Call me for a no obligation consultation to find out what your house is worth in todays market. We can help you sell your home fast, even if you owe more than your home is worth!
If you are considering buying a home, you MUST close escrow before the end of November to cash in on the tax credit. That means you need to be in escrow by September, and that means you need to be looking for a home TODAY! Please take advantage of this awesome opportunity pass you by! Brought to you by:
Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R)
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
951.454.3805
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
www.FreeRiversideHomeSearch.com
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Riverside, San Bernardino - Announcing a price reduction on 3803 Clarkson Street, a 1,752 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm two story home with 2 car garage. Now MLS® $179,000 - Just Reduced! + BONUS. Property information
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"Summerize" Your Home with These Spring Projects It's hard to believe, but the official start of summer is just a few weeks away! Here are some spring cleaning projects you should definitely consider tackling before the hottest days of summer descend upon us.
Air Conditioning
It's important to have your air conditioner in perfect working order before summer starts. Taking care of any issues after the summer heat hits can potentially result in an increase in price, as well as an increase in the time it takes for a technician to visit your home. You should also replace any filters now. Simply remove the old one and take it to your local home improvement center. Sales representatives should have no problem finding its replacement.
Clean out your garage
Organizing a garage can be an excruciating experience during the hot summer months, so if that's something you need to do, don't put it off any longer. Once you clean out your garage, either donate any unwanted items or sell them.
Paint
Late spring is the perfect time to paint the interior of your home since the weather best lends itself to keeping your windows open, allowing the fresh air in and the paint fumes out. If you decide to paint the inside of your home, think about lightening the existing color as opposed to darkening it. Lighter colors are not only inviting, they create the illusion of a bigger, more open space.
Buy fans
Installing ceiling fans and using portable fans are great methods for cutting the heat inside your home. They are also far less expensive to use than an air conditioner. Using fans of any kind also enables you to keep windows open at night, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the house.
Install dimmer switches
Dimmer switches not only add ambience, they also cut down on energy and the unwanted heat given off by brighter bulbs. Another tip is to use low-wattage light bulbs whenever possible.
Good luck and happy "summerizing!" Thanks to Fred Wit of Fred Wit, Branch Manager of Benchmark Mortgage and Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, Registered Financial Advisor for these tips. Fred can be reached at
Office: 760-479-5621
Fax: 815-717-7263
E Mail: fred.wit@benchmark.us
Web: www.bmnationwide.com Tips reprinted by:
Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R)
Thomas Realty Group, Inc.
Serving Corona, Riverside, and the surrounding communities
(951) 454-3805
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
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South Corona, Corona
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Announcing a price reduction
on 1414 Baldwin, a 2,884 sq. ft., 3 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story. Now
$379,000
- Just Reduced!.
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La Sierra, Riverside
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The single story at 10478 Pendleton Street has been sold.
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• 1,320 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $249,000 - NOT a Short Sale! Horsethief Canyon, Corona - Welcome to Horsethief Canyon Ranch, a beautiful, master planned community nestled at the base of the Cleveland National Forest. This is your chance to own a beautiful, well kept home offered by the original owner. Many upgrades include marble entry, newer carpet, granite tops in kitchen, basswood shutters, and custom paint. Turnkey home on one of the largest lots in the tract, large covered patio and basket ball court in the back! Living room has vaulted ceilings, wood floor, and a two sided fireplace. Large master has a private bath, and many windows to capture the stunning views of the hills. Community features parks, hiking trails, volleyball, tennis and basketball courts, baseball diamond, swimming pools, spas, clubhouse, and so much more. Award winning Elementary school walking distance. Conveniently located commuter close to the 15 freeway and Ortega highway. Also near a new shopping center, Glen Ivy Spa, Tom’s Farms, and the Lake Elsinore Outlet Center. Visit today! Property information
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