Search results matching tag 'trilogy life'

Have You Seen The New Show "Hoarders"? Do You Need To De-Clutter?

278262 — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:57:00 GMT

Last week I caught the premier of the show "Hoarders" on A & E (if you missed it, you can go to their website to view the entire episode). It was amazing, and got me to thinking about how someone goes from being a pack rat (guilty!) to being a hoarder.

The show inspired me to get rid of some of the clutter around my home, and my office. It seems like a big task, but by breaking it down, it can be done in 10 easy steps.

Step # 1: Set A Schedule

You are much more likely to stick to a routine, whatever it may be, if you work on a schedule. In addition, this allows you to clean when you can minimize interruptions and maximize your time.

Step # 2: Set A Goal For Each Room

If you can visualize what you want, you will be better able to achieve it. By setting goals for each room, you can note the things that need changing and work toward that goal one day at a time.

Step # 3: Create A Timeline

When do you hope to have your home completely free of clutter? One week, two weeks or even a month? Depending on your schedule and the amount of clutter that you have, it may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before you can kick back and relax again.

Step # 4: Start Small

The clutter in your home didn't appear overnight, and it won't disappear overnight either. If you start small, you will be less likely to get frustrated and give up midway through your cleanup.

Step # 5: Categorize Your Clutter

When cleaning, it's important to categorize your items into groups. By separating the items that you want to keep, toss and donate, you will be able to move through your clutter quickly and efficiently.

Step # 6: Letting Go

A good rule of thumb for uncluttering your home is to get rid of anything that you haven't used within the past year. If it's still useful, consider donating it to a good cause. Otherwise, toss it.

Step # 7: Storing Your Seasonal Apparel

When storing seasonal clothing, purchase a sturdy plastic storage bin with a lid and roll your clothes instead of folding them in an effort to maximize storage capability. When full, snap the lid on and slide the unit into your closet.

Step # 8: Closet Organization

Did you know that your choice of clothes hangers can greatly impact the storage capacity of your closet? Wire hangers take up less space and can save your shirts from getting that annoying shoulder bump that often arises from the use of plastic hangers.

Step # 9: Shoes Blues

When it comes to storing shoes, many homeowners are fighting a losing battle with clutter. How many pairs of shoes do you own? How neatly are they stored? If your shoe storage has you down, try purchasing clear lidded shoe boxes. These handy creations can house each pair of shoes and can be stacked neatly in your closet. And best of all, you can see your shoe collection without having to sift through a sea of sandals.

Step # 10: Read The Labels

If you have medicine, food or anything else with an expiration date in the home, check to make sure that the items are still good. If the expiration date has already come and gone, throw them away.

If these ideas inspire you, please respond and share your success! Thanks, Liane

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

June 2009 California Housing Market Fast Facts

278262 — 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

Existing Home Sales Up June 2009!

278262 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:59:00 GMT

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home sales in June rose by 3.6% to an annual rate of 4.89 million, the highest since last October. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said: "The increase in existing-home sales occurred in all major regions of the country." Analysts say that this signals moderation in housing slump.

"Market-clearing price levels are resulting from the foreclosure wave," said John Ryding, chief economist at RDQ Economics. "This will be a protracted bottom, rather than anything that will show a quick recovery." The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $181,800 in June, which is 15.4% below June 2008, according to the NAR. Analysts expect to see depressed home prices for many more months to come. Tax incentives and drop in interest rates have contributed to the rise in home resales. But concerns about unemployment are keeping many prospective homeowners in the sidelines.

Information provided by:

Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R) dre ca 01704162
Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
Serving Corona, Riverside, Norco, and surrounding communities
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
951.454.3805

New Home Sales Up June 2009

278262 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:48:00 GMT

Sales of newly built, single-family homes rose 11% in June, 2009 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 384,000 units, according to numbers released by the U.S. Commerce Department. Coming on the heels of an upwardly revised number for May, the gain marks a third consecutive month of improved sales activity.

“This is good news that indicates the nation’s housing market may be in the process of turning the corner,” said Joe Robson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Tulsa, Okla. “That said, the key to moving us out of recession is to get Americans back to work. Congress and the Administration should know that housing can be a significant generator of good jobs. We need to make housing a priority in the recovery process, otherwise we could continue to bounce along a bottom for some time.”

“The big gain in home sales last month was reflected in three out of four regions and helped shrink the inventory of new homes for sale to its lowest level in years,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “Even so, the pace of home sales in June 2009 was still more than 21 percent off the pace of sales in the same month last year, so we still have quite a way to go. The concern now is that complicating factors-particularly job losses, appraisal issues that are torpedoing more than a quarter of new-home sales, and the impending expiration of the first-time buyer tax credit-threaten to stifle the positive momentum.”

The number of newly built homes on the market declined for a 26th consecutive month in June, falling 4.1% to 281,000 units. This marks a relatively thin 8.8-month supply at the current sales pace.

New-home sales rose by double-digits in the Northeast (29.2%), Midwest (43.1%), and West (22.6%) in June. Meanwhile, sales activity declined 5.3% in the South, which is the country’s largest housing market.

Information provided by:

Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R) dre ca 01704162
Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
Serving Corona, Riverside, Norco, and surrounding communities
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
951.454.3805

Avoid Foreclosure

278262 — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:40:00 GMT

Home owners who are facing foreclosure often dread dealing with the facts that got them to that place. If they think back to when they first bought that home, losing their home was probably the furthest thing from their mind. Few home owners actually plan to go into foreclosure.

Reasons For Pending Foreclosure

Apart from those who knowingly participate in mortgage fraud, most homeowners are faced with a sudden and usually unexpected change in their circumstances that force them to stop making timely mortgage payments. Here are a few of those reasons:

Job Loss
Sudden illness or medical emergency
Death in the family
Divorce or loss of second income
Excessive debt obligations
Job demotion or promotion denials
Inability to pay an adjustable interest rate that increases
Unexpected major home maintenance expense

Ways to Avoid Foreclosure

The best way to avoid foreclosure is to prevent the filing of a Notice of Default. Lenders do not want to foreclose but will file a Notice of Default to protect their interests, if necessary. If you know you are unlikely to meet your mortgage obligation, the first thing you should do is call your lender.

Don't put it off, be embarrassed or ignore letters from your lender because those responses will make the situation worse, not better. Depending on your particular situation and hardship circumstances, here are some options your lender might propose to you:

Time to make up your payments.
Lenders might agree to wait before taking legal action against you and let you work out a repayment plan that is affordable for you. This is called forbearance.
Forgive a payment.
If you can agree on a way that you will be current after missing a payment or two (without the means to pay it back), the lender might give you a break and waive your obligation. This is called debt forgiveness, and it rarely happens.
Spread out the missed payments over a longer term.
For example, if your payment is, say, $1,200 a month, the lender might let you add $100 a month to each payment for a year until you are caught up.
Change the terms of your loan.
If your mortgage is an adjustable loan, the lender might freeze the interest rate before it increases or change the interest rate to a more manageable rate for you. A lender might also extend the amortization period.
Add the back payments to your loan balance.
If you have sufficient equity and meet the lender's lending guidelines, the lender might increase your loan balance to include the back payments and re-amortize the loan.
Make a separate loan to you.
Certain government loans contain provisions that let borrowers who meet specific criteria apply for another loan, which will pay back the missed payments.

Ways to Stop Foreclosure

When the lender files a Notice of Default, your options are limited. That is why it is better for you to call your lender before falling behind on your payments, because lenders are often reluctant to work out repayment schedules after foreclosure proceedings have been commenced.

You will be given a certain time period to bring the payments current, pay the costs of filing the foreclosure and stop the foreclosure. This is called reinstatement of your loan. If you cannot make up the missed payments and the lender will not work with you, here are a few other options to stop foreclosure:

Sell Your Home.
Interview at least 3 successful real estate agents who are well versed in foreclosure prevention. Get a realistic opinion of your homes market value and how long it will take to sell it. You might be tempted to hire a discount broker, but many sellers feel they need the exposure and marketing that full service brokers offer. Compare both to determine which best meets your needs and time frame.
Consider a Short Sale.
If your home is worth less than the amount you owe, you might be a candidate for a short sale. A short sale does affect your credit, but it's not as bad as a foreclosure. A good agent will negotiate with your lender to find out if the lender will cooperate on a short sale. Many times, the lender will cover the costs associated with a short sale.
Sign a Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure
This is called deeding the home back to the lender. The homeowner give the lender a properly prepared and notarized deed, and the lender forgives the mortgage, effectively canceling the foreclosure action.

If you are in a situation that could leave you facing a forclosure, please know you have options. Call for a free consultation.

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

May 2009 California Housing Fast Facts

278262 — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:24:00 GMT

Calif. median home price - May 09: $267,570 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region May 09: Santa
Barbara So. Coast
$875,000 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region May 09: High
Desert
$106,210 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - First Quarter
2009: 69 percent (Source: C.A.R.)
Mortgage rates - week ending 7/9/09 30-yr. fixed: 5.20%
Fees/points: 0.7% 15-yr. fixed: 4.69% Fees/points: 0.7% 1-yr.
adjustable: 4.82% Fees/points: 0.6% (Source: Freddie Mac)

brought to you by:

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

Do YOU Want $8000?

278262 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:05:00 GMT

Would You Like $8,000? Buy a Home. Soon!

To stimulate the economy, Washington juiced up the stimulus plan passed last year in February. Two benefits for FTHBs (First Time Home Buyers) were that the amount of the tax credit was increased from up to $7,500 to $8,000. And, more importantly, the amount of the credit does not have to be repaid!

To qualify for the credit the individuals buying a home cannot have owned a home in the last three years. So, while the credit is discussed as a credit for first-time buyers, anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years is eligible.

There are income limitations to fully qualify but they are quite liberal. Single tax filers earning up to $75,000 and joint filers earning up to $150,000 based on modified adjusted gross income can earn the full credit. A partial credit is available for those earning up to $95,000 and $170,000 respectively.

The amount of the tax credit is based on a percentage of the price of the home, specifically 10% of the purchase price, up to $8,000. This means if someone purchases a home for $70,000 their credit would be $7,000 and if the amount of the home purchased is $100,000, the credit would max out at $8,000.

Note! The deadline to take advantage of this opportunity is November 30, 2009. Close in December, and you just lost $8,000.

Homes Have Never Been More Affordable
FTHBs are leading the way, taking advantage of one of the best home buying opportunities ever, providing support for the real estate market. As indicated earlier, FTHBs have accounted for as much as 53% of purchases for any month this year.

Who can blame them? In short, no one. Home prices have fallen to levels not seen in years and interest rates hit their lowest point ever. This combination led to the highest home affordability ever recorded.

The National Association of Realtors® tracks what is known as the Home Affordability Index. The Home Affordability Index is arrived at as a function of both median home prices, available interest rates, and median family income.

The index represents the amount of monthly income that is required to pay a mortgage payment. In 2005, approximately 23.3% of a family's monthly income was required to carry a mortgage payment. With falling home prices and interest rates, the percentage of monthly income required to pay a mortgage payment is now approximately 15%.

This means that for a family at the median income level purchasing a home priced at the median income level, the monthly mortgage payment has declined nearly 36%! This is great news for anyone shopping for a home today.

You can take advantage of the low down FHA program, and combine it with this tax credit!

Get Busy, Time is Short!
In order to take advantage of both the available tax credit and low interest rates, anyone going into contract should strive to have their purchase agreement not later than mid-October. This will allow some time cushion in the event anything pops up in the purchase process and still allow for closing in time to take advantage of the available tax credit.

Home prices have fallen to levels not seen since the start of the decade in many parts of the country, interest rates are still near all time lows, and the availability of free money from the IRS all mean that the time to act is now. It is always easy to look back and identify times people should have acted, and this could well be one of those times people will look back and say, "Wow, I should have bought a home in 2009!"

Brought to you by:

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

CNN Says Housing Market may be Stabilizing!

278262 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:20:00 GMT

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

New 90 Day Foreclosure Rule in California

278262 — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:02:00 GMT

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

Local REALTOR(R) Earns Prestigious Designation to Help Homeowners In Danger of Foreclosure

278262 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:03:00 GMT

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