Corona California Homes and More!

One in Four Borrowers is Underwater on their Home

Liane Thomas — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:04:00 GMT

One in four borrowers is underwater
Despite recent indicators that the housing market is improving,a new report shows that one in four mortgage borrowers are underwater, meaning they owe more on their mortgage than their home currently is worth. According to First American CoreLogic, nearly 10.7 million households had negative equity in their
homes in the third quarter, accounting for about 23 percent of all U.S. homeowners. Most homeowners, however, still have equity, and nearly 24 million owner-occupied homes do not have a mortgage, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

A study by credit-scoring company Experian shows that approximately 588,000 borrowers strategically defaulted on their mortgages last year, even though they could afford to pay--more than double the number in 2007. Homeowners with negative equity are more likely to strategically default if they live in a state where the bank cannot pursue their assets in court, according to a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. California is
an example of a state with anti-deficiency laws protecting homeowners from personal liability under certain circumstances.

"Borrowers who are less than 20 percent underwater are likely to maintain their mortgage if their loan is modified and the payments reduced," said an official with Citigroup's mortgage unit. "Beyond 120 percent, the most effective modification is a complete loan restructuring, including a principal reduction."

So what does this mean to you? If you are underwater on your home, you are not alone. And you do have options....loan modification, short sale, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure, and bankruptcy are just a few. Not sure what to do first? Call for a free consultation. We will help you find the options available to you, no cost, no obligation, no pressure.

Brought to you by:

Liane Thomas, REALTOR®
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
1860 Compton Avenue
Corona, Ca 92881
Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and Surrounding Communities
951.454.3805
www.AllCoronaHomes.com

NEW Homes For Sale In Corona, Ca. Eastvale

Liane Thomas — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:58:00 GMT

If you have been waiting for brand new homes in the Eastvale area of Corona, your wait is over! We have a few BRAND NEW, never lived in homes available.

Sizes range from 1220 sq. ft. to 2220 sq. ft., there are one and two story homes available, and feature from 3 - 5 bedrooms. They are located freeway close, and near new shopping centers, and new schools.

These homes qualify for the first time homebuyer tax credit, as well as the move up home buyer tax credit.

If you would like more information, please call for details!

Liane Thomas, REALTOR®, CDPE©
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and surrounding communities
(951) 454-3805
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
www.FreeNorcoHomeSearch.com
www.FreeRiversideHomeSearch.com
Ca DRE #01704162

Standard Sale in Cypress, Ca! Big 2 BR Townhome with Den, Garage, and more!

Liane Thomas — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:14:00 GMT

We are please to announce the listing of this beautiful townhome in Cyrpress, Ca. Great location, and in the Los Alamitos School District, too. Features 2 bedrooms, plus a den, 1.5 baths, an oversized one car garage, a low tax rate, and low association fees.

Please view the tour and call to schedule your private showing!

Brought to you by:

Liane Thomas, REALTOR®, CDPE©

The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty

Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and surrounding communities

(951) 454-3805

www.AllCoronaHomes.com

www.FreeNorcoHomeSearch.com

www.FreeRiversideHomeSearch.com

Ca DRE #01704162

What If..You Stop Making House Payments???

Liane Thomas — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:07:00 GMT

We all talk about what-ifs.

One big what-if many homeowners have today has to do with making house payments.

Many homeowners are underwater, meaning they owe more than the home is worth at today's depressed prices.

Some homeowners certainly are wondering why they're sending in the payment on, say, a $450,000 mortgage, when the house would sell today for only $250,000.

Your options: Keep paying, try to change your loan's terms, or sell and get the heck out!

But some people wonder, what if I just stop paying the mortgage? It may be a tempting idea, but it quickly leads to trouble.

Here's what could happen if you don't pay the mortgage:

• Report to the credit bureau — If your payment does not arrive, your lender or servicer will report this late payment to the credit bureau by the first day of the next month. This can happen in as little as two weeks from due date and put a negative mark on your credit report.

• Your credit score drops — The late payment report whacks your credit rating. Your credit score starts to drop, by up to 200 points, if this is your only late or missed payment.

• Cards are closed, rates rise — In the next 30 days, you can expect your other creditors to take note of the late payment and to take action. They can raise your interest rates, shut off your credit card entirely, or lower your credit limit. You also could face other changes in your financial life, because auto insurance, student loans and other forms of credit are pegged to your credit score.

• Tightening of credit lowers your score — Credit scores feed on themselves. If your credit card limits are lowered and you are carrying a balance, you are then using more of your available credit, something known as your utilization rate. When that goes up, it lowers your score some more. The negative mark stays on your credit report for seven years. But the impact on your credit score lessens over time. The biggest impact is for the first two years.

• Lender response — The phone will start ringing. Your lender will try to contact you to persuade you to go into a loan modification of some kind. But after 90 days, you cannot just start making payments again. The lender may send your payment back, if you send it this late and have not been in contact.

• What happens next — After four months of not paying your mortgage, you will likely be served with a foreclosure notice. If you don't respond within 20 days, then the lender, in the following 60 days, will ask a court to issue a judgment against you.

A county sale will be arranged 50 to 120 days after the judgment. Then, 120 days after the sale, the sheriff will be at the door. Ten days after that, you'll be thrown out of your home.

This schedule is a general one, however. If you hire a lawyer and fight the foreclosure, you may be able to delay the sale for many months or avoid it altogether.

If you are in this position, and not sure what to do, please call 951 454-3805 for a free, no obligation, consultation. We will explore the "What If's" with you, no pressure, and no cost.

Liane Thomas, REALTOR®
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
1860 Compton Avenue
Corona, Ca 92881
Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and Surrounding Communities
951.454.3805
www.AllCoronaHomes.com

FREE Corona Event ~ Tree Lighting Ceremony December 6, 2009

Liane Thomas — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:43:00 GMT

Save the date! Here is another free event for the residents of Corona!

The Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration is scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 2009, and will include entertainment by the Corona Symphony Jazz Band and a special performance by the world famous All American Boys Chorus. The event will also include a ride on the polar express (trackless train), Santa’s workshop (children's crafts), photos with Santa provided by CAT theater ($5.00 each) and hot cocoa, apple cider and cookies. The event will culminate with the lighting of the holiday tree. This event will be held at the City Hall South Lawn which is directly behind the Civic Center Complex located at 400 S Vicentia St, Corona. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with the lighting ceremony to take place around 7:00 p.m. For more information call 951-736-2241. Please join us as we celebrate the holiday season.

Information brought to you by:

Liane Thomas, REALTOR®
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
1860 Compton Avenue
Corona, Ca 92881
Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and Surrounding Communities
951.454.3805
www.AllCoronaHomes.com

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended! And Move Up Buyers Win, Too!

Liane Thomas — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:05:00 GMT

This is great news for anyone who wants to buy a home in the next 6 months!
The federal tax credit for home buyers was signed into law by President Obama Friday, Nov. 6. The tax credit, which was set to expire Nov. 30, has been extended through April 30, 2010 with a 60-day extension if a binding contract is in place prior to deadline. It also was expanded to include existing homeowners who have lived in their primary residences for five consecutive
years out of the last eight years.

First-time home buyers still may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000, while existing homeowners may receive a credit of up to $6,500. The bill also increases the qualifying income limits from $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for joint filers, to $125,000 and $225,000, respectively. The
purchase price of the home is capped at $800,000 in both instances.

Under additional provisions in the bill, taxpayers can claim the credit on purchases completed in 2010 on their 2009 income tax returns. The bill maintains the provision that home buyers do not have to repay the credit provided the home remains their primary residence for 36 months after purchase, and waives this requirement for active duty military personnel who move due to a military order.

If you are planning to buy a home in the next few years, do not wait! Now is the best time to cash in on tax credits!

For more information, or assistance in your home search, please call:

Liane Thomas, REALTOR®, CDPE©

The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty

Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and surrounding communities

(951) 454-3805

www.AllCoronaHomes.com

www.FreeNorcoHomeSearch.com

www.FreeRiversideHomeSearch.com

Ca DRE #01704162

Open House in Cypress on Saturday

Liane Thomas — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:12:00 GMT

Cypress, Orange County - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 4008 Bryant Court on November 14 from 12:15 PM to 3:00 PM.

Property information

Townhouse For Sale in Cypress

Liane Thomas — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:03:00 GMT

• 1,031 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm townhouse - MLS® $290,000 - Standard Sale!

Cypress, Orange County - Cute townhome in Cypress, in the highly desirable Los Alamitos School District. Walking distance to schools and shopping. You'll love the large living room with newer wood floors. The kitchen has newer cabinets and countertops. The downstairs den (could easily be converted to a 3rd bedroom) has a private 1/2 bath and slider doors out to the private patio. The master bedroom features a private patio, too. Recently remodeled with newer carpet, steel front door, and dual paned windows and slider door. The full bath upstairs has tile floor and a newer vanity and sink. Nice community with greenbelts, tot lot, pool, and spa. One car garage and one parking space included! Plan your visit today!

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Townhouse For Rent/Lease in Westpark, Irvine Ca

Liane Thomas — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:56:00 GMT

• 1,320 sq. ft., 3 bath, 2 bdrm townhouse - $2,195 USD Monthly - Affordable Luxury!

Westpark, Irvine - Luxury Living in Irvine! Beautiful townhouse in gated community of Corte Bella. Close to freeways, airport, and shopping. 2 Bed/2.5 Bath. Second Bedrm is mini-master suite. Townhouse is extremely upgraded granite countertops thruout, S/S appl, Security system, wood shutters, indoor laundry, 2 car attached garage w/built in cabinets, upgraded flooring. Fireplace and Balcony off living room, perfect for outdoor dining. Refrigerator, washer, dryer included. Community offers pool, spa, and parks. Available 12/5/09.

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2 Story For Sale in Sierra del Oro

Liane Thomas — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:15:00 GMT

• 3,031 sq. ft., 3 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story - $550,000 - Priced To Sell Fast!

Sierra del Oro, Corona - Luxury Living Orange County Close! You must see this highly upgraded Sierra del Oro, Corona Pool Home! The elegance starts at the gated courtyard entrance, and continues to the 3 sided slate fireplace, the granite in the kitchen, and to the romantic master suite. Newer stainless steel appliances including a double oven, and 5 burner gas cook top. You will love the low maintenance landscaping, and the inviting rock pool and spa. This is a standard sale, no long waits for banks. You'll save money too, with low tax rate, and no HOA fees. Commuter close to Orange County, and close to great schools, shopping center, and so much more. Call to see this beauty today!

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Big 4 Bedroom Home For Sale in South Corona

Liane Thomas — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:56:00 GMT

• 3,486 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm single story - $649,000 - Standard Sale!

South Corona, Corona - Visit me first. Stunning South Corona Pool Home! Standard sale, no long waits! This beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath home is on one of the largest lots in the tract! Granite in the kitchen, honey maple cabinets, city lights view, and a 4 car garage, too. Romantic master suite has private bath with separate oval tub and shower. Highly upgraded, including a whole house fan, and insulated, drive thru garage. Fenced yard, fully landscaped, with a sparkling rock pool. Commuter close to freeway and shopping. Plan your visit today.

Property information

Open House ~ Executive Home in Mockingbird Canyon, Riverside, on Sunday

Liane Thomas — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:24:00 GMT

Riverside County, California - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 14957 Old Grove Road on November 8 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

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Welcome to Paradise! Executive Home for Sale in South Corona

Liane Thomas — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:29:00 GMT

Executive Home, Private Paradise!

• 5,941 sq. ft., 5 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story - $1,500,000 - Not A Short Sale!

South Corona, Corona - Welcome to Paradise! Private & Elegant Estate in Crown Ranch, The Premier Destination in Corona. Orange Country Close, You Will Live in Grandeur!. HIghly Upgraded Home, Seller Spent Over $700,000 in the Backyard Alone! Upon Entrance, You Will Be Greeted With Slate and Granite Flooring, Soaring Ceilings and a Romantic Wrought Iron Spiral Staircase That Will Take Your Breath Away. Cherry Cabinets and Granite Counters Await You In The Kitchen Along With Impressive Crown Molding Throughout. An Extensive Media Center With Surround Sound is Both Inside and Out, Ideal For Socializing. This Home Has Four Fireplaces To Create The Perfect Mood No Matter Where You Roam. For The Ultimate Luxury, Try a Massage From Your Own Personal Masseuse In Your Private Retreat Off the Master Suite. Impress Your Friends As You Entertain Them With Your Gorgeous Pool/Spa and Built In Bar-B-Que. And For The Sports Enthusiast, A Full Soccer Court Awaits You. Perfect Location, Private Cul de Sac. Motivated Seller Says Bring Your Offer Today!

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For Sale: 4 Bedroom Home Corona Sycamore Creek

Liane Thomas — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:35:00 GMT

Wow! This is the one you have been waiting for! A standard sale in the Sycamore Creek community in Corona, Ca. This home is over 3000 square feet, has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a 3 car tandem garage, extra large master suite, granite in the kitchen, and so much more. This home has never been lived in, and will sell fast. Not a short sale, not a repo, no waiting, fast response from seller! Call today to see this one today 951 454-3805.

Liane Thomas
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
1860 Compton Ave
Corona, Ca. 92881
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
(951) 454-3805 cell

BJ's Restaurant Corona Fundraiser October 28, 2009

Liane Thomas — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 GMT

The Corona Police Department invites you to "Tip-A-Cop" at Bj's Restaurant (2520 Tuscany) on October 28th from 5PM. Officers will be paired with servers to raise funds for the annual "Kids and Cops" event in our community. Bring an unwrapped gift and receive a special treat!

Information provided by:

Liane Thomas, REALTOR®
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
1860 Compton Avenue
Corona, Ca 92881
Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and Surrounding Communities
951.454.3805
www.AllCoronaHomes.com

12843 Prairie Circle in Eastvale Corona is Sold!

Liane Thomas — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:47:00 GMT

Eastvale, Corona - The single story at 12843 Prairie Circle has been sold. If you have a house to sell, call the team that can get the job done! Short sales are welcome!

Property information

Liane Thomas,
Keller Williams Realty, The Thomas Group
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
951 454-3805
dre #01704162

5155 Via Mariposa in Yorba Linda, (Travis Ranch) is Sold!

Liane Thomas — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:45:00 GMT

Travis Ranch, Yorba Linda - The pool home at 5155 Via Mariposa, Yorba Linda, has been sold. If you are thinking of selling your home, now is the time! Short Sales Welcome!

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Newer 3 Bedroom Home For Sale in Central Riverside ~ Gated Community

Liane Thomas — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:48:00 GMT

Short Sale

• 1,666 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $150,000 - Nice Price!

Central Riverside, Riverside - Beautiful, nearly new KB home in gated community. Light and bright open floor plan with many upgrades. Large kitchen with granite counter tops, upgraded cabinets, and tile floor. Upstairs you'll find a grand master suite with a private bath including dual sinks, jetted tub and separate shower. Spacious secondary bedrooms. Upgraded carpet, ceramic tile, and window blinds. Well kept community has pool, spa, clubhouse, parks, BBQ area, and tot lot. Commuter close to the 60, 10, and 215 freeways. Also minutes from UCR. Plan your visit today!

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Open House in Riverside County on Sunday

Liane Thomas — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:42:00 GMT

Riverside County, California - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 14957 Old Grove Road on October 4 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

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8687 Chifney Lane in Riverside County is Sold!

Liane Thomas — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:57:00 GMT

Riverside County, California - Thomas Realty Group has sold the single story at 8687 Chifney Lane for 96% of asking price with a record breaking 12 day escrow. Congratulations to our happy seller and happy new homeowner. If you need to sell your home, we'd like to help you, too.Short sales welcome.

Property information

Single Story For Sale in Riverside County

Liane Thomas — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:10:00 GMT

• 3,764 sq. ft., 4 bath, 5 bdrm single story - MLS® $556,000 - Standard Sale

Riverside County, California - Here is the home you have been waiting for! Beautiful semi-custom single story estate home in Regency Ranch. Highly desirable split floor features 5 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a large family room with rock faced fireplace. The grand foyer is open to the classic formal living room, with its high ceilings and grand fireplace. The gourmet kitchen features slab granite counter tops, upgraded cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Upgrades throughout include Plantation shutters, upgraded fixtures, crown moulding, custom paint, too much to list. This estate sits on over 1/2 acre, is fully landscaped, and features stunning views, a built in bar-b-que, covered patio, and spa. Complete with a 4 car garage, plus gated RV parking, this home has it all. Standard Sale! Call today before this one gets away!

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Open House in Yorba Linda, Travis Ranch on Saturday Sept 5, 2009

Liane Thomas — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:16:00 GMT

Travis Ranch, Yorba Linda - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 5155 Via Mariposa on September 5 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

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Fun and Free Stuff! August 8, 2009 in Corona, Ca.

Liane Thomas — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:44:00 GMT

We love summer and all the great things you can do in Corona for FREE! Here are two fun things to do this weekend!

If you have not gone to the Farmers Market yet, give it a try. It happens every Saturday from 8:30 am -12:30 pm at Main and Rincon at the Marketplace. There is a huge variety of locally grown produce at good prices. Come early for the best selection.

Also on Saturday, another free concert at Dos Lagos, 2870 Cabot Drive, Corona. This week feature is Heartbreakers Tribute to Pat Benatar. Show starts at 7pm, and is F*R*E*E!

information provided by:

Liane Thomas, REALTOR®, CDPE©
Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and surrounding communities
(951) 454-3805
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
www.FreeNorcoHomeSearch.com
www.FreeRiversideHomeSearch.com
Liane@LianeThomas.com

Ca DRE #01704162

June 2009 California Housing Market Fast Facts

Liane Thomas — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:23:00 GMT

Calif. median home price - June 09: $274,740 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region June 09: Santa Barbara So. Coast $850,000 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region June 09: High Desert $108,600 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - First Quarter 2009: 69 percent (Source: C.A.R.)

Mortgage rates - week ending 7/23/09 30-yr. fixed: 5.2% Fees/points: 0.7% 15-yr. fixed: 4.68% Fees/points: 0.7% 1-yr. adjustable: 4.77% Fees/points: 0.6% (Source: Freddie Mac)

Information Provided by:

Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R)
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty, CA DRE#01704162
Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and the surrounding communities
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
951.454.3805

It's a GREAT time to buy or refinance your home!

Liane Thomas — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:58:00 GMT

July 28, 2009-(MCT)-First-time homebuyers and those thinking about refinancing are in a great place.

Mortgage rates just fell for the third straight week, according to mortgage finance firm Freddie Mac.

“The credit markets are still tight, but they have loosened up significantly from 90 days ago,” said Scott Norman, vice president of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association.

So is this a good time to enter a mortgage transaction? It might be, if you can qualify. “The two biggest issues are going to be credit and down payment,” Norman said. “Those are really going to trigger your ability to get a mortgage in a decent amount of time.”

Here’s what you’re up against in specific mortgage situations and what you can do to increase your chances of getting a deal done.

If you’re buying a home
Get ready for paperwork. Have your bank statements, W-2 wage and tax statement and pay stubs organized.

Having all the paperwork upfront will speed the application process.

Check your credit score. The most widely used score is the FICO, which ranges from 300 to 850. Your score, based on information in your credit report, helps lenders predict how likely you are to make your payments on time. The higher the number, the better the chance you’ll be approved for a loan at a low interest rate. “Clean up your credit score,” Norman said. Catch up on any late payments and pay off or pay down your debt.

First-time buyers have a sweetener in the form of an $8,000 credit on federal income taxes for homes purchased before Dec. 1.

It’s critical that you have a down payment because lenders want to see that you have skin in the game. Mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration require a 3.5% down payment, which can come from a family member, employer or charitable organization as a gift. For a non-FHA-insured loan, lenders are requiring a 10% down payment, said real estate agent Brenda Rogers of Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors in Plano, Texas.

If you’re refinancing
“Have plenty of equity,” Rogers said. Equity represents the ownership value you’ve accumulated over time by making payments, and lenders want you to have a financial stake in the refinancing. “The lender doesn’t want to lend 100 percent of the value of the property,” said Norman, of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association.

Another reason to build equity is that you don’t want to owe more on your home than it’s worth, a situation some homeowners face today.

Also, consider how long you plan to remain in your home, because you need to stay long enough to recoup closing costs associated with refinancing. Those costs typically will total $3,000 to $5,000, said Davidson, of Service First Mortgage. “If you’re going to move out of your home in five years or less, then typically it’s not going to be worth your doing,” she said. “If you plan on staying longer than that, then we need to look at the costs vs. the monthly savings to see how long it will take to recoup that cost.”

Loan modifications

A loan modification is when a lender changes the terms of your loan so you can afford your payments.

That can be done by lengthening the term of your loan, lowering your interest rate or allowing you to skip payments and adding those to the end of your loan.

The Obama administration is prodding mortgage-servicing companies to bolster their efforts to modify troubled loans. The servicer is the company that collects and processes your mortgage payment. It may or may not be your original lender.

If you’re having trouble making your payment, contact your servicer immediately and ask about a loan modification.

Valuable information provided by:
Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R), CA DRE#01704162
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
Serving Corona, Riverside, Norco, and surrounding communities
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
951.454.3805