Well, the holidays are officially upon us! Can you stand it? The endless commercials for toys and products that will most likely end up running out of batteries or in a landfill somewhere in a few months??!! This year the Dover's are trying to be intentional about everything we buy - for instance, each kid is getting their own tree! Keeley's orange tree has been planted, Zack wants a lemon tree and Ian wants an apple tree. While I loved to garden as a child, I am finding it just as rewarding now - but requiring more effort!
The Dover garden is growing and indeed, we will have/or are yielding plenty of our own peas, pumpkins, tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and basil (we have TONS if anyone needs any, please let me know!!) We have started composting with my gift to myself of a new compost bin!!! I purchased it from the city of Glendora for $25!!! What makes this possible is of course because we have our own land and we can do with it what we please.....but it doesn't take much! Anyone with a small patch of dirt can grow things!! So as we approach the holidays, I encourage you all to consider planting a seed of some kind - literally and figuratively. Being intentional about what is planted is our responsibility as human beings (at least I think so).
We will all fail at times, but we can keep trying!!! And if you are looking for a place to plant your garden, and are thinking you might want to lease - or buy a place that makes it possible - I am always here! Those of you that know me and may have even been my clients have seen how I take pride in the leg-work, the research and the true responsibility that comes with finding your HOME. With the great tax credits for new and existing home buyers, this is a wonderful time to intentionally purchase a place that you can plant your seeds!
If you are ready to put down your roots, give me a call!!! And if you are like me, and are still testing the ground to see what grows - I wish you the best of luck on your efforts!!!
May 2010 be a time to focus on and realize the abundant blessings already yours!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Time Flies!
Wow! I have been BUSY! As you may already know, I have had my best year yet in real estate! Despite economic woes in nearly all business sectors, and many facing pay-cuts and unemployment, the real estate market is bouncing back!
What has caused the surge in home purchases? From my perspective several factors have caused this.
1. Interest rates remain low - we are under 7% folks, this is awesome!
2. FHA is a mere 3.5% down - and most loans are going FHA (Not much of a difference in interest rates)
3. Prices have been slashed everywhere - what a great time for a discount purchase!
4. More sellers are ready to move up since prices are lower on the high end of homes!
5. Reality has set in - people realize that prices won't get so high as they were in 2002-2006 - but, the the economy is reliant on the housing industry in so many different ways - so there MUST BE STABILIZATION!
6. The FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT of up to $8,000 - which is set to EXPIRE November 30, 2009.
If you have not heard, most homes do not stay on the market for extended periods of time anymore - and if they do - it's usually due to the same old truths: priced too high and not properly marketed.
Most homes - including my own listings - have multiple offers - and sellers realize this!
I am so excited to approach the last quarter of 2009 as one of the top 18 REALTORS(R) in ERA's Broker council! I am as dedicated as ever to provide my clients with the utmost in service and professionalism.
If you or anyone you know if looking for a REALTOR(R) please pass on my information today!!!
*Don't forget to look for my new ad in the latest edition of HOMES & LAND*
As always,
Stacy Dover - REALTOR (R) - Building Dreams starts with Community!
Honesty, Integrity...Service you can TRUST!
What has caused the surge in home purchases? From my perspective several factors have caused this.
1. Interest rates remain low - we are under 7% folks, this is awesome!
2. FHA is a mere 3.5% down - and most loans are going FHA (Not much of a difference in interest rates)
3. Prices have been slashed everywhere - what a great time for a discount purchase!
4. More sellers are ready to move up since prices are lower on the high end of homes!
5. Reality has set in - people realize that prices won't get so high as they were in 2002-2006 - but, the the economy is reliant on the housing industry in so many different ways - so there MUST BE STABILIZATION!
6. The FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT of up to $8,000 - which is set to EXPIRE November 30, 2009.
If you have not heard, most homes do not stay on the market for extended periods of time anymore - and if they do - it's usually due to the same old truths: priced too high and not properly marketed.
Most homes - including my own listings - have multiple offers - and sellers realize this!
I am so excited to approach the last quarter of 2009 as one of the top 18 REALTORS(R) in ERA's Broker council! I am as dedicated as ever to provide my clients with the utmost in service and professionalism.
If you or anyone you know if looking for a REALTOR(R) please pass on my information today!!!
*Don't forget to look for my new ad in the latest edition of HOMES & LAND*
As always,
Stacy Dover - REALTOR (R) - Building Dreams starts with Community!
Honesty, Integrity...Service you can TRUST!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
First Time Buyers are EVERYWHERE!
The past month has kept me very busy! It is wonderful to see so many people able to finally afford a home in Southern California! Over 50% of the population can now afford the median priced home in California! This is astounding! As a result, I have been working with first-time buyers like never before!
I have properties listed that are in escrow with first time buyers, and I have many prospective buyers I have been taking out to various locations to view properties. I have been from Los Angeles to Fontana and I can say this for sure: Properties in the $300,000 range are getting multiple offers! Here are a few tips if you are starting your search:
1. Make sure you are working with a licensed REALTOR - someone that can advise you of the market, trends and how to make a good offer!
2. Once you have found a REALTOR - stay loyal! They will loyally work for you and need to know you are committed. If you are asked to sign a buyer's agreement, whether a one-page contract or a standard Buyer Broker Agreement - do not be afraid! If you are a serious buyer, these documents will only protect your rights as a buyer - and assure you are receiving the highest level of service!
3. Be realistic! IF you are looking at bank owned, or any other As-is homes, remember, you are getting a great deal, but expect to put money into the home -- even if it is as basic as a toilet or light fixtures. Great deals are out there, but the homes need basic amenities as well.
4. Get pre-qualified with a DIRECT LENDER. Many banks are requiring direct lenders! This is easy and free of charge - call me if you need a local lender.
5. Stay open to the area you want to live in. Make a list of priorities and if you cannot find your home in one place - be willing to look somewhere else.
6. Stay focused and committed! Buying a home is a huge step - make sure you are ready to stick with the purchase!
7. If you are getting an FHA loan be sure any condos or homes with associations are HUD approved for FHA loans. I learned that if this is not the case, a certification is not an easy process.
As always, I can help am here to answer your questions!
Stacy Dover - REALTOR
I have properties listed that are in escrow with first time buyers, and I have many prospective buyers I have been taking out to various locations to view properties. I have been from Los Angeles to Fontana and I can say this for sure: Properties in the $300,000 range are getting multiple offers! Here are a few tips if you are starting your search:
1. Make sure you are working with a licensed REALTOR - someone that can advise you of the market, trends and how to make a good offer!
2. Once you have found a REALTOR - stay loyal! They will loyally work for you and need to know you are committed. If you are asked to sign a buyer's agreement, whether a one-page contract or a standard Buyer Broker Agreement - do not be afraid! If you are a serious buyer, these documents will only protect your rights as a buyer - and assure you are receiving the highest level of service!
3. Be realistic! IF you are looking at bank owned, or any other As-is homes, remember, you are getting a great deal, but expect to put money into the home -- even if it is as basic as a toilet or light fixtures. Great deals are out there, but the homes need basic amenities as well.
4. Get pre-qualified with a DIRECT LENDER. Many banks are requiring direct lenders! This is easy and free of charge - call me if you need a local lender.
5. Stay open to the area you want to live in. Make a list of priorities and if you cannot find your home in one place - be willing to look somewhere else.
6. Stay focused and committed! Buying a home is a huge step - make sure you are ready to stick with the purchase!
7. If you are getting an FHA loan be sure any condos or homes with associations are HUD approved for FHA loans. I learned that if this is not the case, a certification is not an easy process.
As always, I can help am here to answer your questions!
Stacy Dover - REALTOR
Happy Earth Day!
As more of the world becomes aware of what is being dubbed "green living" or Eco-friendly, the California Association of REALTORS is publishing tips for green living. Given the heat these past couple of days, and the plants wilting around me, I thought this weeks' tip was very appropriate:
C.A.R. Green Tip of the Week: More drought tips
Californians may face water rationing this summer. In response, the California Landscape Contractors Association has provided tips for use by homeowners and businesses.
. Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers during a drought. They encourage growth but the plants will need more water.
. Heavily mulch all flower and soil beds. Mulch helps keep water in the soil. Do not use rocks/gravel because they add heat to the soil and moisture evaporates faster.
. Mow grass higher to promote deeper root growth and hold more moisture. Aerate the lawn and fill the holes with compost so the water can infiltrate deeper.
For more green real-estate-related tips and discussion, visit C.A.R.’s green blog (http://blogs.car.org/) and C.A.R.’s Green Web site (http://green.car.org/).
C.A.R. Green Tip of the Week: More drought tips
Californians may face water rationing this summer. In response, the California Landscape Contractors Association has provided tips for use by homeowners and businesses.
. Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers during a drought. They encourage growth but the plants will need more water.
. Heavily mulch all flower and soil beds. Mulch helps keep water in the soil. Do not use rocks/gravel because they add heat to the soil and moisture evaporates faster.
. Mow grass higher to promote deeper root growth and hold more moisture. Aerate the lawn and fill the holes with compost so the water can infiltrate deeper.
For more green real-estate-related tips and discussion, visit C.A.R.’s green blog (http://blogs.car.org/) and C.A.R.’s Green Web site (http://green.car.org/).
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Good News for the Housing Market
I have a quick update on the current housing market!! Guess what? it is good news!!!
The word is spreading....
** Suze Orman (Financial Guru) is telling everyone to invest in REAL ESTATE!!!
** On this morning's TODAY show, a financial expert stated that he believes this spring's selling season will be "THE BEST SELLING SEASON IN 3 YEARS!!"
** The housing crisis is widepsread in America, but . . . out of the thousands of counties in this country just 35 counties in the entire US are actually in a depressed market!
* Over 90% of the people in this country are PAYING THEIR MORTGAGES ON TIME!!!!
** Through out the U.S., over 4.9 MILLION HOMES SOLD IN 2008!!
** The market in our area is UP SIGNIFICANTLY!!! As of January 2008, there were 338 open escrows. As of January 2009, there were 950 open escrows!
** The largest demographic currently purchasing homes is FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS aged 24-34. Just a few short years ago, only 8% of people in this group could afford the median priced home. Now, thanks to favorable market conditions, 59% of 24-34 year old first time home buyers can now afford a median priced home!
What does this mean for you? If you are a buyer - things are better than they have been for years! Coupled with the federal and state tax credits, you are actually getting PAID to buy a home! This has never happened before! And, if you are a seller, HOLD ON tight!!! The market is just getting started!! The current upswing will continue as incentives are great, interest rates ARE VERY LOW and inventory is plentiful!!
BUY - OR - SELL NOW AND LOOK SMART LATER!!!
AS ALWAYS -- I AM HERE TO HELP!
HONESTY, INTEGRITY . . . SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST!
STACY DOVER
Monday, March 2, 2009
New Home Buyer Tax Credit!!!
If you have not found the low interest rates, low homes prices and vast inventory reason enough to buy - that is - if you are STILL ON THE FENCE!!!! Well, you now have more reason to GET OFF THE FENCE, STOP PAYING SOMEONE ELSE"S MORTGAGE with your rent money and BUY!!!! Here's why: According to the California Association of REALTORS (R) A $10,000 state tax credit will benefit a projected 10,000 new-home buyers starting Sunday and, in turn, could help beleaguered home builders, the California Building Industry Association said yesterday.
The measure, costing $100 million over the next three years, was included in the budget compromise passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week. “What we've been missing in the market the last couple of years are people,” said Tim Coyle, senior vice president for government affairs of the builders group. “Already, with the news of this tax credit being authorized and signed into law last Friday, we're beginning to see interest in people who we need desperately to return back to housing markets where they haven't been for so long,” Coyle said.
In the Glendora area, we still have some homes available in the LYONS home development and of course, Azusa's Rosedale development. I can help you navigate your way throught the new home process. Even if you are looking to purchase a new home, you need a REALTOR (R) to represent your best interest. If you are interested in a new home purchase, let me take you through the models. I can register you, guide you and help negotiate in YOUR BEST INTEREST and this is of NO COST TO YOU!
As always, please call me with any of your questions. I am your real estate professional and I can help you with all of your real estate needs!
Stacy
Honesty, Integrity...Service you can TRUST!
The measure, costing $100 million over the next three years, was included in the budget compromise passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week. “What we've been missing in the market the last couple of years are people,” said Tim Coyle, senior vice president for government affairs of the builders group. “Already, with the news of this tax credit being authorized and signed into law last Friday, we're beginning to see interest in people who we need desperately to return back to housing markets where they haven't been for so long,” Coyle said.
In the Glendora area, we still have some homes available in the LYONS home development and of course, Azusa's Rosedale development. I can help you navigate your way throught the new home process. Even if you are looking to purchase a new home, you need a REALTOR (R) to represent your best interest. If you are interested in a new home purchase, let me take you through the models. I can register you, guide you and help negotiate in YOUR BEST INTEREST and this is of NO COST TO YOU!
As always, please call me with any of your questions. I am your real estate professional and I can help you with all of your real estate needs!
Stacy
Honesty, Integrity...Service you can TRUST!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Service Is Golden: Real Estate Programs to Put Seniors' Minds at Ease
The mature years can be the best time of life – retirement has come, the kids are grown and you can enjoy the results of your hard work and smart choices with all your loved ones. And now is a good time to be a senior – the U.S. Census Bureau says that the mature population is expected to jump nearly 80 percent by the year 2025, and business is already taking note, with many programs to suit seniors' special needs.
That's only right, since, even with all the rewards of a life well-spent, the golden years can bring unique concerns not previously encountered. The prospects of moving for the first time in years or even decades, selling a beloved family home, maintaining rental properties, and navigating related tax issues are all special considerations that call for special service.
For reasons like these, the real estate industry has established a special organization to address the unique needs of this fast-growing and significant part of the American family: the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC). SAREC has in turn established a certification program by which Realtors® of all ages are schooled in the specific interests of senior homebuyers and sellers. The "Seniors Real Estate Specialist" (SRES) designation qualifies professionals to answer the many questions on the minds of mature customers contemplating their retirement moves.
SRES holders can help guide you through the complexities of selecting your next home for maximum quality of life, considering such factors as accessibility of homes (not too many stairs, high cabinets, etc.); availability of public transportation and senior services; comfort-level of climate and terrain; and much more. These Realtors® also have access to referral networks that can help put you in touch with qualified professionals and suitable housing nationwide.
Your local ERA Real Estate office participates in the SRES program. Among the many other advantages provided by our trained professionals is the ERA® Sellers Security® Plan*, which offers the relief of a guaranteed sale of your current home for those who need to move into their new one in a specified time (as can often be the case with commitments to purchase a new house or deadlines to join a retirement community). Unmatched among national real estate brands, the Plan promises that "We Will Sell Your House, Or ERA Will Buy It!®", and it's just part of the array of methods we have to meet your unique needs.
In the senior years or any other time, buying and selling homes is one of life's most important decisions, both financially and emotionally. It shouldn't have to be the most stressful and complex, and there are programs and professionals in place to make sure it's the opposite. With the right Realtor®, you can be the "senior" partner in your own lifetime satisfaction and sales success.
Contact me, Stacy Dover and I will help you every step of the way! ERA - Always there for you!
That's only right, since, even with all the rewards of a life well-spent, the golden years can bring unique concerns not previously encountered. The prospects of moving for the first time in years or even decades, selling a beloved family home, maintaining rental properties, and navigating related tax issues are all special considerations that call for special service.
For reasons like these, the real estate industry has established a special organization to address the unique needs of this fast-growing and significant part of the American family: the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC). SAREC has in turn established a certification program by which Realtors® of all ages are schooled in the specific interests of senior homebuyers and sellers. The "Seniors Real Estate Specialist" (SRES) designation qualifies professionals to answer the many questions on the minds of mature customers contemplating their retirement moves.
SRES holders can help guide you through the complexities of selecting your next home for maximum quality of life, considering such factors as accessibility of homes (not too many stairs, high cabinets, etc.); availability of public transportation and senior services; comfort-level of climate and terrain; and much more. These Realtors® also have access to referral networks that can help put you in touch with qualified professionals and suitable housing nationwide.
Your local ERA Real Estate office participates in the SRES program. Among the many other advantages provided by our trained professionals is the ERA® Sellers Security® Plan*, which offers the relief of a guaranteed sale of your current home for those who need to move into their new one in a specified time (as can often be the case with commitments to purchase a new house or deadlines to join a retirement community). Unmatched among national real estate brands, the Plan promises that "We Will Sell Your House, Or ERA Will Buy It!®", and it's just part of the array of methods we have to meet your unique needs.
In the senior years or any other time, buying and selling homes is one of life's most important decisions, both financially and emotionally. It shouldn't have to be the most stressful and complex, and there are programs and professionals in place to make sure it's the opposite. With the right Realtor®, you can be the "senior" partner in your own lifetime satisfaction and sales success.
Contact me, Stacy Dover and I will help you every step of the way! ERA - Always there for you!
First Time Home-Buyers!!!! This is the best time to Buy!!!
No Time like the First Time
If you are contemplating the purchase of your first home, congratulations! As you probably know, buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you can make. It is also a process filled with emotion, and a touch of anxiety. To help keep you sleeping soundly, here are answers to three big questions that concern many potential first-time homeowners.
Question #1: How do I decide what to look for in a home?
It’s easier than you think. Sit yourself down and list what’s important to you in a home. The purchase of every home involves making tradeoffs, so be sure to prioritize your list.
One element is architectural style. Do you prefer a Colonial, a Cape Cod or a modern look? An important factor to consider is living space. How much room do you need right now, and to meet anticipated needs?
Make a list of features that must be a part of your home. Perhaps that Olympic-size pool and tennis court can be put off for another day, but you may absolutely need an eat-in kitchen NOW! It’s all a matter of your taste and personal style.
Question #2: Where should I begin the search?
That old real estate adage about “location, location, location” aside, choosing where to live is usually determined by your personal circumstances and desires. Do you have a particular community, or even a particular block, in mind?
What is it about the location of your new home that is most important to you? Do you prefer an urban, suburban or rural setting? Consider proximity to work, schools, shopping, entertainment and houses of worship. Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential candidates, the Internet can be an excellent tool for learning what a particular community has to offer.
Question #3: How can I find financing that makes sense for me?
Despite a rise in prices in recent years, homes have seldom been more affordable. Interest rates are lower than we’ve seen in decades. Innovative financing plans are available to fit a broad range of needs.
Still, the last thing you want to do is start out in your first home saddled with an uncomfortable level of debt. Seeking the advice of a professional who can give you the lowdown on financing options that match your qualifications is a big step in the right direction.
Once you’ve narrowed your search, talk to a real estate professional that serves the community you’d like to call home. ERA® associates are trained to guide you through your purchase every step of the way. Our Web site, ERA.com, reaches around the globe to bring up-to-date listings directly to you. ERA Mortgage offers loan programs expressly designed to meet the needs of qualified first-time homebuyers.
The path to finding your first home is sure to be full of twists and turns. Once you’re armed with the answers to the big questions, the search can be fulfilling, and even fun!
If you are contemplating the purchase of your first home, congratulations! As you probably know, buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you can make. It is also a process filled with emotion, and a touch of anxiety. To help keep you sleeping soundly, here are answers to three big questions that concern many potential first-time homeowners.
Question #1: How do I decide what to look for in a home?
It’s easier than you think. Sit yourself down and list what’s important to you in a home. The purchase of every home involves making tradeoffs, so be sure to prioritize your list.
One element is architectural style. Do you prefer a Colonial, a Cape Cod or a modern look? An important factor to consider is living space. How much room do you need right now, and to meet anticipated needs?
Make a list of features that must be a part of your home. Perhaps that Olympic-size pool and tennis court can be put off for another day, but you may absolutely need an eat-in kitchen NOW! It’s all a matter of your taste and personal style.
Question #2: Where should I begin the search?
That old real estate adage about “location, location, location” aside, choosing where to live is usually determined by your personal circumstances and desires. Do you have a particular community, or even a particular block, in mind?
What is it about the location of your new home that is most important to you? Do you prefer an urban, suburban or rural setting? Consider proximity to work, schools, shopping, entertainment and houses of worship. Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential candidates, the Internet can be an excellent tool for learning what a particular community has to offer.
Question #3: How can I find financing that makes sense for me?
Despite a rise in prices in recent years, homes have seldom been more affordable. Interest rates are lower than we’ve seen in decades. Innovative financing plans are available to fit a broad range of needs.
Still, the last thing you want to do is start out in your first home saddled with an uncomfortable level of debt. Seeking the advice of a professional who can give you the lowdown on financing options that match your qualifications is a big step in the right direction.
Once you’ve narrowed your search, talk to a real estate professional that serves the community you’d like to call home. ERA® associates are trained to guide you through your purchase every step of the way. Our Web site, ERA.com, reaches around the globe to bring up-to-date listings directly to you. ERA Mortgage offers loan programs expressly designed to meet the needs of qualified first-time homebuyers.
The path to finding your first home is sure to be full of twists and turns. Once you’re armed with the answers to the big questions, the search can be fulfilling, and even fun!
New Kid on the Block: Moving With Children
Moving is a major change for all members of a family. Adult responsibilities weigh heavily when keeping track of all the tasks needed to make a move go smoothly. If you have children, this may be a difficult time to focus on their problems, too, but it's also one of the most crucial times to keep their concerns in mind.
Sometimes what seems like a major disruption to grownups is viewed as an adventure to the kids. Still, changing homes can also upset feelings of stability (in the case of younger children) and belonging (in the case of teens). These are special concerns for these age groups.
The most important thing a parent can do is maintain normal routines as much as possible – and when it isn't possible, to let the kids know that apprehension about a big life change is normal, too. Try to keep calm about the move yourself, and your children will be more likely to follow your lead. It is advisable to be open about what's happening and how everyone feels about it.
This means keeping your kids in the loop at each stage of the move. They don't have to get a vote, but it helps everyone for them to get increasingly used to the idea of this change. Bring them along when you look at houses, make them familiar with the new area you're moving to, and investigate its attractions (including the athletic or extra-curricular offerings that appeal to your kids). Exploring some of this on the Internet is a good way to relate your relocation to an activity they already enjoy.
Encourage your children to express any worries, and do what you can to reassure them. If you went through similar experiences as a child, you can share how you dealt with it – if it was easy, so much the better, and if it was hard, your children will know they're not the only ones who have ever had to deal with change.
Other neighborhood kids may grow distant when they know a friend is leaving. This is hurtful to your own children, but try and explain that some kids aren't yet mature enough to handle it another way, and that it isn't your kids' or even the others' fault.
Minimizing transitions and heading off family disputes are each essential to a smooth move with children. Try and arrange visits to the new school and meetings with the new teachers before the school year or semester starts. When you have more than one child, make bedroom assignments in the new house as soon as possible to avoid sibling strife (comfort, privacy and age seniority are all issues of kid politics that it is sometimes easy for grownups to forget).
Above all, be open and patient. If you pay the right attention, you will be letting your children know that, move or no move, the most important people in their life aren't going anywhere.
Sometimes what seems like a major disruption to grownups is viewed as an adventure to the kids. Still, changing homes can also upset feelings of stability (in the case of younger children) and belonging (in the case of teens). These are special concerns for these age groups.
The most important thing a parent can do is maintain normal routines as much as possible – and when it isn't possible, to let the kids know that apprehension about a big life change is normal, too. Try to keep calm about the move yourself, and your children will be more likely to follow your lead. It is advisable to be open about what's happening and how everyone feels about it.
This means keeping your kids in the loop at each stage of the move. They don't have to get a vote, but it helps everyone for them to get increasingly used to the idea of this change. Bring them along when you look at houses, make them familiar with the new area you're moving to, and investigate its attractions (including the athletic or extra-curricular offerings that appeal to your kids). Exploring some of this on the Internet is a good way to relate your relocation to an activity they already enjoy.
Encourage your children to express any worries, and do what you can to reassure them. If you went through similar experiences as a child, you can share how you dealt with it – if it was easy, so much the better, and if it was hard, your children will know they're not the only ones who have ever had to deal with change.
Other neighborhood kids may grow distant when they know a friend is leaving. This is hurtful to your own children, but try and explain that some kids aren't yet mature enough to handle it another way, and that it isn't your kids' or even the others' fault.
Minimizing transitions and heading off family disputes are each essential to a smooth move with children. Try and arrange visits to the new school and meetings with the new teachers before the school year or semester starts. When you have more than one child, make bedroom assignments in the new house as soon as possible to avoid sibling strife (comfort, privacy and age seniority are all issues of kid politics that it is sometimes easy for grownups to forget).
Above all, be open and patient. If you pay the right attention, you will be letting your children know that, move or no move, the most important people in their life aren't going anywhere.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Is now the time to refi????
Are you in a loan just above 6% or higher? Many people are. When the mortgage rates were being sold as fixed a few years ago, they were all at or around 6%. If you had an adjustable rate, your were looking at a rate below 5% at times. Now, with the fed's new action to stimulate the economy and help spur housing re-sales, nice rate cuts have been made. In response to the many questions I have heard this past week, I have compiled a few stories from The California Association of REALTORS (R) below.
U.S. banks offer mortgages below 5% after Fed action
After the government started purchasing mortgage-backed securities, interest rates at some of the nation’s top banks started falling below 5 percent. On Jan. 8, JPMorgan Chase & Co. was offering 30-year mortgages as low as 4.75 percent on its Web site; Wells Fargo & Co. was advertising rates of 4.875 percent; and Bank of America Corp. at 5 percent. All posted offers were for borrowers with excellent credit – FICO scores of 720 and higher – and with a 20 percent down payment.
To read the full story, please click here:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601213&sid=aQvKPt2cYGBs&refer=home
Fixed-mortgage rates fall below 5%
The average interest rate on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages for the week ending Jan. 9, decreased to 4.89 percent from 5.07 percent, according to the most-recent survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Credit restrictions, negative or minimal amounts of home equity, and high levels of outstanding debt have resulted in the denial of nearly 70 percent of borrowers’ applications to refinance.
To read the full story, please click here:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-biz-mortgage-rates-below-5-percent-jan15,0,7714045.story
Lenders backlogged by refinancing rush
Lower mortgage rates have led to a flurry of homeowners seeking to refinance, but limited staff at many banks has resulted in processing and approval delays. Due to the large number of applications to refinance, Wells Fargo no longer is allowing its loan offers to lock in rates for less than 90 days. The 90-day lock is designed to allow enough time to close the loans.
The record-low rates that have led many homeowners to refinance are typically for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages that meet the purchase requirements of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Because so many factors determine the interest rate a borrower is actually offered, some banks may not post rates on their Web sites.
It is important to note that a lower rate accompanied by higher points and/or fees may not be the best option. Many times, a slightly higher rate with no points and/or fees is the better choice.
To read the full story, please click here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/08/AR2009010803493.html
If you are looking to re-finance, I can put you into contact with an experienced, professional lender that will help you determine what you are qualified for. If you have an adjustable rate, the lender may advise for you to wait, as your ARM is related to prime, and prime has been cut (depending on your points, etc).
If you are a first-time buyer, conditions have NEVER been more FAVORABLE for you! Rates this low, combined with these severely discounted homes equal a wealth of opportunity for you!! BUY NOW AND LOOK SMART LATER!!!
As always, please contact me with any questions!!!
Stacy Dover
626-429-7361 CELL
626-963-9878 OFFICE
Housing crash spawns big lawsuits
A flood of legal claims -- of fraud, discrimination, predatory lending and more -- has followed the sharp downturn in the real-estate market. Some borrowers are even seeking compensation for the hits to their credit ratings.
By David Koeppel, MSN Money
For nearly a year, Lori and Mark Pestana of Boston desperately tried to modify their home loan in hopes of avoiding foreclosure and eventual eviction. The Pestanas maintain that Washington Mutual ignored their mortgage-modification application and numerous attempts to contact bank officials by phone. In the end, the bank filed a foreclosure action.
Now the Pestanas are fighting back in court.
Will the fight be worth it?
Audio: 'Nightmare of phone loops'
For the Pestanas, and for thousands of other families in similar straits, the odds of succeeding in court are not very promising. That hasn't stopped folks from suing. Lawsuits against the mortgage industry began to skyrocket in 2007, when foreclosures began to increase. Claims of fraud, discrimination and predatory lending have been brought by players ranging from individual homeowners to wealthy shareholders and state attorneys general.
Owners were 'doing everything possible'
Suits against real-estate agents and appraisers have also been on the rise, though to a lesser extent than those against the mortgage companies, experts say.
Keith Gumbinger, a vice president at HSH Associates, a mortgage-information publisher in Pompton Plains, N.J., believes we're seeing only the beginning of a huge wave of mortgage- and real-estate-related lawsuits. He is skeptical about the merits of the suits.
Though Gumbinger believes some people filing suit were in fact victims of predatory lending, he thinks many others have only themselves to blame for their predicaments.
"Some people involved in these lawsuits may have self-inflicted wounds," Gumbinger says. "Borrowers who don't read documents or don't have someone to help them understand the documents can't absolve themselves of responsibility."
Suing for bad customer service?
Kevin Costello, an attorney with Roddy Klein & Ryan, a Boston law firm, and one of the lawyers representing the Pestanas, says the couple filed their lawsuit in August. Washington Mutual, which was seized by the FDIC in September and then sold to JP Morgan Chase, has responded by denying the claims in the complaint, but it did stop eviction proceedings against the Pestanas.
The lawsuit maintains Washington Mutual went back on its promise to "effectively and comprehensively review their modification application" and that the Pestanas' paperwork got lost in a bureaucratic "morass" until the foreclosure action was filed.
This type of problem isn't unusual, according to lawyers, mortgage brokers and homeowners.
"The left hand often doesn't know what's going on with the right hand," Costello says. He and his clients allege that groups within Washington Mutual weren't communicating as they should have.
Washington Mutual does not comment on continuing litigation, says Geri Ann Baptista, the bank's vice president of corporate communications.
"We are fully committed to helping our customers stay in their homes," she says. "We provide a variety of options aimed at helping customers with financial challenges succeed as homeowners. We believe foreclosure should be a last resort."
To qualify for a loan modification, the Pestanas were told they needed to show they were 50 days delinquent in their mortgage payments. They say they stopped making payments in October 2007 for that reason. Lori Pestana had lost a consulting job in February 2007, and the couple recognized that in order to keep the home they had purchased in 1999 they would need a modification of the mortgage terms. The Pestanas refinanced their home in 2004 with a $275,000 fixed-rate loan.
The couple are asking the courts not only to reverse the foreclosure but to award them unspecified monetary damages to compensate them for the impact on their credit rating. Costello says a class-action suit by Washington Mutual borrowers in Massachusetts is under consideration.
The city of San Diego is also suing Washington Mutual to stop the bank's foreclosures statewide. The city is seeking civil penalties and accusing WaMu of "unlawful, unfair or fraudulent predatory lending practices."
Elsewhere, California Attorney General Jerry Brown and attorneys general from 10 other states sued Bank of America's Countrywide Financial unit and pressured the lender into a settlement that could cut borrowers' mortgage payments by as much as $8.68 billion.
The settlement, which is aimed at borrowers with subprime mortgages, will temporarily cut interest rates, reduce balances and help borrowers refinance their loans.
The settlement doesn't let Countrywide off the hook. The FBI is investigating several of the former mortgage giants, including Countrywide, Washington Mutual, IndyMac, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, for possible mortgage fraud.
The number of mortgage fraud cases opened by the FBI has more than doubled since 2004, according to MortgageDaily.com, an online news site. In 2007, the agency had 1,204 fraud cases pending. As of August, there were 1,569 cases pending, compared with 436 in 2003. These numbers include cases against mortgage lenders and brokers, as well as appraisers and borrowers.
The FBI investigates only cases of at least $500,000. It claimed $595.9 million in restitutions and $21.8 million in recoveries in 2007.
Last year, there were 46,717 mortgage-fraud-related suspicious-activity reports filed with the FBI. This year, the agency projects there will be 60,000 such reports, a 28% increase.
There were 310 subprime-related federal civil lawsuits filed in the first half of 2008, compared with 297 for all of 2007. By comparison, the savings-and-loan crisis of the early 1990s spawned 559 federal suits, according to MortgageDaily.com. (This statistic doesn't include the thousands of cases filed in state courts by homeowners and attorneys general.)
In one such case, Brad Cohen of Las Vegas has filed a claim of fraud against his lender, Countrywide, and its local agent, Direct Equity Mortgage, the entity responsible for refinancing his home loan. Las Vegas has been among the cities hit hardest by the mortgage crisis. Now the lawsuits are mounting, and they're likely to keep coming for a while, says Cohen's attorney, Rob Cottle.
Cohen, 58, a former dairy worker, has been receiving Social Security disability payments for nearly 18 years. He has survived open heart surgery, a heart attack, 11 surgeries on his left leg, high blood pressure and diabetes. He refers to himself as "a walking time bomb."
In 2005, Cohen went to his lender to refinance the home he had bought for $119,000 in 1999. He says he was short of cash and needed money to pay off personal debts and medical bills.
He says his lender discouraged him from reading the entire 200-page loan agreement, noting that he and the lender had done business before. Cohen says he trusted that the loan officer was looking out for his best interests. He alleges information about his income on the loan application was falsified by the broker and that instead of a fixed-rate loan, he was put into an adjustable-rate mortgage. He also says his 740 credit score should have made him eligible for better terms than the subprime loan he was given.
In September 2007, Cohen's monthly mortgage payment rose from $1,700 to $2,500 -- more than he could afford to pay. Now he owes more than his home is worth. He faces foreclosure and possible eviction.
"I feel totally violated. I really do," Cohen says. "I trusted my agent to be straight with me. It was a matter of trust, and I shouldn't have trusted her. I thought she was working for me and looking out for my best interests. I need (the lawsuit) to put me into a position that will make me whole again."
Cohen says he wants to own his house free and clear, and wants a "sizable" settlement so he can be self-sufficient.
Cottle, Cohen's attorney, says his firm has been filing one lawsuit a week against brokers, agents and appraisers in the Las Vegas area.
"We see forgery, fraud, misrepresentation and bait-and-switch," Cottle says.
Shirley Norton, a spokeswoman for Bank of America, which purchased Countrywide in January, says, "We believe the allegations are without merit."
Robert Graham, an attorney for Direct Equity Mortgage,
disputes the allegations more vigorously.
"Direct Equity's position is simple," Graham says in a statement. "The plaintiff received a substantial benefit over the years through refinancing his home multiple times and taking equity out of his home each time. The plaintiff was speculating that his home's value would continue to climb to provide him with a continuous supplement to his income. . . . In this case the plaintiff had a degree of sophistication which will work against his claim in fraud or equity."
Graham adds that "personal injury attorneys are picking up the banner of homeowners in trying to obtain a financial recovery from mortgage lenders. For the consumer's sake, I hope they are paying more attention to the attorney retainer agreements than they did their mortgage closing documents."
Marc Savitt, the president of the National Association of Home Mortgage Brokers in McLean, Va., agrees there have been cases of outright fraud and discrimination against homebuyers, and he concedes the people responsible should be punished. But Savitt also believes homeowners need to accept responsibility and argues that a lawsuit isn't always a good answer.
"Trust but verify," Savitt says regarding individuals dealing with mortgage lenders. "In the end, you can only trust yourself. Get everything in writing and make sure the information is accurate. Shop around. Don't just go to one company. A big company doesn't mean an honest company."
Consumers need to be sure they understand the documents they sign, Savitt says. If they don't understand something, it's better to postpone the closing, he says. Savitt recommends that every contract be reviewed by an attorney.
Buyers who believe they've been wronged should contact their state regulatory agency or attorney general's office before suing, he says.
"Who really benefits from a class-action suit?" he asks rhetorically. "Just the lawyers."
In April, Marty Ummel of Carlsbad, Calif., lost a highly publicized case in which she and her husband charged they had been misled about home prices in their new neighborhood. They say a real-estate agent caused them to overpay for a home they otherwise wouldn't have purchased. Ummel says the agent feared they would pull out of the deal and that he would be out $30,000 in commission. The couple paid $1.2 million for their home and then discovered a similar residence nearby had sold for $105,000 less.
A San Diego County Superior Court jury ruled against the Ummels, saying the agent had not breached his fiduciary duties and had not been negligent.
The Ummels are appealing the verdict. Marty Ummel says their case was hurt by the portrayal of her as a woman who would "never be satisfied" with any home purchase. The jury heard that real-estate agents had shown her 60 homes before she settled on one to buy.
Walter Molony, a spokesman for the National Association of Realtors, says there are good reasons there have been few cases brought against real-estate agents and brokers. He says the blame for the mortgage mess belongs with the mortgage industry. Mortgage reps were "pushing a lot of snake oil" on consumers, he says, adding that many consumers were pushed into loans that were set up to fail.
"There's a lot of anger out there, and we are a litigious society," Molony says. "Thankfully, most are lashing out at the guilty party, the lending community."
Savitt, of the National Association of Home Mortgage Brokers, sees the blame game a bit differently.
"There are bad apples across the board," he says. "Brokers, lenders -- there are bad guys in every industry. We all need to take responsibility for the action of our peers. We have a responsibility to get them out of the industry."
Produced by Anh Ly
Published Nov. 13, 2008
Msn.com
By David Koeppel, MSN Money
For nearly a year, Lori and Mark Pestana of Boston desperately tried to modify their home loan in hopes of avoiding foreclosure and eventual eviction. The Pestanas maintain that Washington Mutual ignored their mortgage-modification application and numerous attempts to contact bank officials by phone. In the end, the bank filed a foreclosure action.
Now the Pestanas are fighting back in court.
Will the fight be worth it?
Audio: 'Nightmare of phone loops'
For the Pestanas, and for thousands of other families in similar straits, the odds of succeeding in court are not very promising. That hasn't stopped folks from suing. Lawsuits against the mortgage industry began to skyrocket in 2007, when foreclosures began to increase. Claims of fraud, discrimination and predatory lending have been brought by players ranging from individual homeowners to wealthy shareholders and state attorneys general.
Owners were 'doing everything possible'
Suits against real-estate agents and appraisers have also been on the rise, though to a lesser extent than those against the mortgage companies, experts say.
Keith Gumbinger, a vice president at HSH Associates, a mortgage-information publisher in Pompton Plains, N.J., believes we're seeing only the beginning of a huge wave of mortgage- and real-estate-related lawsuits. He is skeptical about the merits of the suits.
Though Gumbinger believes some people filing suit were in fact victims of predatory lending, he thinks many others have only themselves to blame for their predicaments.
"Some people involved in these lawsuits may have self-inflicted wounds," Gumbinger says. "Borrowers who don't read documents or don't have someone to help them understand the documents can't absolve themselves of responsibility."
Suing for bad customer service?
Kevin Costello, an attorney with Roddy Klein & Ryan, a Boston law firm, and one of the lawyers representing the Pestanas, says the couple filed their lawsuit in August. Washington Mutual, which was seized by the FDIC in September and then sold to JP Morgan Chase, has responded by denying the claims in the complaint, but it did stop eviction proceedings against the Pestanas.
The lawsuit maintains Washington Mutual went back on its promise to "effectively and comprehensively review their modification application" and that the Pestanas' paperwork got lost in a bureaucratic "morass" until the foreclosure action was filed.
This type of problem isn't unusual, according to lawyers, mortgage brokers and homeowners.
"The left hand often doesn't know what's going on with the right hand," Costello says. He and his clients allege that groups within Washington Mutual weren't communicating as they should have.
Washington Mutual does not comment on continuing litigation, says Geri Ann Baptista, the bank's vice president of corporate communications.
"We are fully committed to helping our customers stay in their homes," she says. "We provide a variety of options aimed at helping customers with financial challenges succeed as homeowners. We believe foreclosure should be a last resort."
To qualify for a loan modification, the Pestanas were told they needed to show they were 50 days delinquent in their mortgage payments. They say they stopped making payments in October 2007 for that reason. Lori Pestana had lost a consulting job in February 2007, and the couple recognized that in order to keep the home they had purchased in 1999 they would need a modification of the mortgage terms. The Pestanas refinanced their home in 2004 with a $275,000 fixed-rate loan.
The couple are asking the courts not only to reverse the foreclosure but to award them unspecified monetary damages to compensate them for the impact on their credit rating. Costello says a class-action suit by Washington Mutual borrowers in Massachusetts is under consideration.
The city of San Diego is also suing Washington Mutual to stop the bank's foreclosures statewide. The city is seeking civil penalties and accusing WaMu of "unlawful, unfair or fraudulent predatory lending practices."
Elsewhere, California Attorney General Jerry Brown and attorneys general from 10 other states sued Bank of America's Countrywide Financial unit and pressured the lender into a settlement that could cut borrowers' mortgage payments by as much as $8.68 billion.
The settlement, which is aimed at borrowers with subprime mortgages, will temporarily cut interest rates, reduce balances and help borrowers refinance their loans.
The settlement doesn't let Countrywide off the hook. The FBI is investigating several of the former mortgage giants, including Countrywide, Washington Mutual, IndyMac, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, for possible mortgage fraud.
The number of mortgage fraud cases opened by the FBI has more than doubled since 2004, according to MortgageDaily.com, an online news site. In 2007, the agency had 1,204 fraud cases pending. As of August, there were 1,569 cases pending, compared with 436 in 2003. These numbers include cases against mortgage lenders and brokers, as well as appraisers and borrowers.
The FBI investigates only cases of at least $500,000. It claimed $595.9 million in restitutions and $21.8 million in recoveries in 2007.
Last year, there were 46,717 mortgage-fraud-related suspicious-activity reports filed with the FBI. This year, the agency projects there will be 60,000 such reports, a 28% increase.
There were 310 subprime-related federal civil lawsuits filed in the first half of 2008, compared with 297 for all of 2007. By comparison, the savings-and-loan crisis of the early 1990s spawned 559 federal suits, according to MortgageDaily.com. (This statistic doesn't include the thousands of cases filed in state courts by homeowners and attorneys general.)
In one such case, Brad Cohen of Las Vegas has filed a claim of fraud against his lender, Countrywide, and its local agent, Direct Equity Mortgage, the entity responsible for refinancing his home loan. Las Vegas has been among the cities hit hardest by the mortgage crisis. Now the lawsuits are mounting, and they're likely to keep coming for a while, says Cohen's attorney, Rob Cottle.
Cohen, 58, a former dairy worker, has been receiving Social Security disability payments for nearly 18 years. He has survived open heart surgery, a heart attack, 11 surgeries on his left leg, high blood pressure and diabetes. He refers to himself as "a walking time bomb."
In 2005, Cohen went to his lender to refinance the home he had bought for $119,000 in 1999. He says he was short of cash and needed money to pay off personal debts and medical bills.
He says his lender discouraged him from reading the entire 200-page loan agreement, noting that he and the lender had done business before. Cohen says he trusted that the loan officer was looking out for his best interests. He alleges information about his income on the loan application was falsified by the broker and that instead of a fixed-rate loan, he was put into an adjustable-rate mortgage. He also says his 740 credit score should have made him eligible for better terms than the subprime loan he was given.
In September 2007, Cohen's monthly mortgage payment rose from $1,700 to $2,500 -- more than he could afford to pay. Now he owes more than his home is worth. He faces foreclosure and possible eviction.
"I feel totally violated. I really do," Cohen says. "I trusted my agent to be straight with me. It was a matter of trust, and I shouldn't have trusted her. I thought she was working for me and looking out for my best interests. I need (the lawsuit) to put me into a position that will make me whole again."
Cohen says he wants to own his house free and clear, and wants a "sizable" settlement so he can be self-sufficient.
Cottle, Cohen's attorney, says his firm has been filing one lawsuit a week against brokers, agents and appraisers in the Las Vegas area.
"We see forgery, fraud, misrepresentation and bait-and-switch," Cottle says.
Shirley Norton, a spokeswoman for Bank of America, which purchased Countrywide in January, says, "We believe the allegations are without merit."
Robert Graham, an attorney for Direct Equity Mortgage,
disputes the allegations more vigorously.
"Direct Equity's position is simple," Graham says in a statement. "The plaintiff received a substantial benefit over the years through refinancing his home multiple times and taking equity out of his home each time. The plaintiff was speculating that his home's value would continue to climb to provide him with a continuous supplement to his income. . . . In this case the plaintiff had a degree of sophistication which will work against his claim in fraud or equity."
Graham adds that "personal injury attorneys are picking up the banner of homeowners in trying to obtain a financial recovery from mortgage lenders. For the consumer's sake, I hope they are paying more attention to the attorney retainer agreements than they did their mortgage closing documents."
Marc Savitt, the president of the National Association of Home Mortgage Brokers in McLean, Va., agrees there have been cases of outright fraud and discrimination against homebuyers, and he concedes the people responsible should be punished. But Savitt also believes homeowners need to accept responsibility and argues that a lawsuit isn't always a good answer.
"Trust but verify," Savitt says regarding individuals dealing with mortgage lenders. "In the end, you can only trust yourself. Get everything in writing and make sure the information is accurate. Shop around. Don't just go to one company. A big company doesn't mean an honest company."
Consumers need to be sure they understand the documents they sign, Savitt says. If they don't understand something, it's better to postpone the closing, he says. Savitt recommends that every contract be reviewed by an attorney.
Buyers who believe they've been wronged should contact their state regulatory agency or attorney general's office before suing, he says.
"Who really benefits from a class-action suit?" he asks rhetorically. "Just the lawyers."
In April, Marty Ummel of Carlsbad, Calif., lost a highly publicized case in which she and her husband charged they had been misled about home prices in their new neighborhood. They say a real-estate agent caused them to overpay for a home they otherwise wouldn't have purchased. Ummel says the agent feared they would pull out of the deal and that he would be out $30,000 in commission. The couple paid $1.2 million for their home and then discovered a similar residence nearby had sold for $105,000 less.
A San Diego County Superior Court jury ruled against the Ummels, saying the agent had not breached his fiduciary duties and had not been negligent.
The Ummels are appealing the verdict. Marty Ummel says their case was hurt by the portrayal of her as a woman who would "never be satisfied" with any home purchase. The jury heard that real-estate agents had shown her 60 homes before she settled on one to buy.
Walter Molony, a spokesman for the National Association of Realtors, says there are good reasons there have been few cases brought against real-estate agents and brokers. He says the blame for the mortgage mess belongs with the mortgage industry. Mortgage reps were "pushing a lot of snake oil" on consumers, he says, adding that many consumers were pushed into loans that were set up to fail.
"There's a lot of anger out there, and we are a litigious society," Molony says. "Thankfully, most are lashing out at the guilty party, the lending community."
Savitt, of the National Association of Home Mortgage Brokers, sees the blame game a bit differently.
"There are bad apples across the board," he says. "Brokers, lenders -- there are bad guys in every industry. We all need to take responsibility for the action of our peers. We have a responsibility to get them out of the industry."
Produced by Anh Ly
Published Nov. 13, 2008
Msn.com
Southern California Home Buyer’s Fair
Whether you are a first-time home buyer, interested in moving from your current home to a larger one, or downsizing to a smaller house, you will want to attend the second annual Southern California Homebuyer's Fair. Presented by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, and sponsored by the Los Angeles Times, the free, two-day, event is designed to help consumers navigate today's real estate market with confidence and peace of mind.
The second annual Southern California Home Buyers Fair is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles.
The event is free to the public, and will feature more than two dozen educational how-to seminars presented in both English and Spanish, including:
· How to Find and Work With a REALTOR®
· How to Qualify for a Home Loan
· How to Buy Your First Home
· How to Monitor and Fix Your Credit
· How to Avoid Mortgage Fraud
· How to Buy a Home in Foreclosure
· How to Invest in Real Estate
· Understanding the Home Inspection Process
· How to Avoid Foreclosure
· How to Save for a Home of Your Own
· What You Need to Know About Homeowner’s Insurance
The Southern California Home Buyer's Fair also will feature more than 65 exhibit booths where attendees can obtain information from industry experts about a vast range of programs pertaining to homeownership and the home-buying process.
For more information, please visit www.homebuyersfair.com/.
The second annual Southern California Home Buyers Fair is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles.
The event is free to the public, and will feature more than two dozen educational how-to seminars presented in both English and Spanish, including:
· How to Find and Work With a REALTOR®
· How to Qualify for a Home Loan
· How to Buy Your First Home
· How to Monitor and Fix Your Credit
· How to Avoid Mortgage Fraud
· How to Buy a Home in Foreclosure
· How to Invest in Real Estate
· Understanding the Home Inspection Process
· How to Avoid Foreclosure
· How to Save for a Home of Your Own
· What You Need to Know About Homeowner’s Insurance
The Southern California Home Buyer's Fair also will feature more than 65 exhibit booths where attendees can obtain information from industry experts about a vast range of programs pertaining to homeownership and the home-buying process.
For more information, please visit www.homebuyersfair.com/.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Coyote Watch!!!
For those who live in foothill communities and deal with wildlife - I have a story for you!
Our neighborhood is just south of the foothills in Glendora and provides a comfy home to its residents. We are also an area near the old avocado groves and, of course, there are remnants of the trees around us. There are also many citrus trees left from the days of old, therefore, there is plenty of food for critters.
We currently have 2 coyotes that have moved into the backyard of our neighbor. The house is directly across from us. Our neighbor rarely goes into his backyard and has no pets of his own. Given the quiet seclusion of his yard, the coyotes have found a place to make a home - close to food and water sources.
Would it surprise you to know that despite many neighbor's witnessing the home these coyotes have made, and despite several calls to the Police Dept. and the animal control, we have all been told the same thing: There is absolutely nothing the police or animal control can or will do to deter the coyotes from inhabiting the yard.
Yes - nothing.
The advice several of us in the neighborhood have been given is this: Keep small pets inside. Do not let children play in the front yard. Keep a watch for them when entering the front yard. Do not let kids walk family pets down the street. And, if there is anything more we want done, we are to contact the Dept. of Fish and Game and ask them.My neighbor has scared the coyotes out of his yard, and we have seen them actually hop onto a block wall and jump down - yet they still return to the yard later on. Considering they feel at home in the yard, they seem to expect to be able to return.
So, as we near spring (ok, in a couple more months!) and we survey our area - if you are anywhere near the foothills, look closely! Look closely at the yards around you - look close at the yards of your neighbors and remember - it is up to you and your neighbors to make your neighborhood safe against coyotes! These animals will make a home where they can find food, water and shelter. Even though there are many dogs in our neighborhood - in fact all around this home I am writing about - the coyotes are not deterred. Coyotes are creatures of habit and will continue their nesting if they have undisturbed access to a comfortable area.
Just remember to be careful when you are out walking! Although coyotes usually run away from us and do not cause any harm, when they are establishing in neighbrhoods, it starts to become their territory. And of course, even though the police and animal control will do nothing to help, report it anyway.
Our neighborhood is just south of the foothills in Glendora and provides a comfy home to its residents. We are also an area near the old avocado groves and, of course, there are remnants of the trees around us. There are also many citrus trees left from the days of old, therefore, there is plenty of food for critters.
We currently have 2 coyotes that have moved into the backyard of our neighbor. The house is directly across from us. Our neighbor rarely goes into his backyard and has no pets of his own. Given the quiet seclusion of his yard, the coyotes have found a place to make a home - close to food and water sources.
Would it surprise you to know that despite many neighbor's witnessing the home these coyotes have made, and despite several calls to the Police Dept. and the animal control, we have all been told the same thing: There is absolutely nothing the police or animal control can or will do to deter the coyotes from inhabiting the yard.
Yes - nothing.
The advice several of us in the neighborhood have been given is this: Keep small pets inside. Do not let children play in the front yard. Keep a watch for them when entering the front yard. Do not let kids walk family pets down the street. And, if there is anything more we want done, we are to contact the Dept. of Fish and Game and ask them.My neighbor has scared the coyotes out of his yard, and we have seen them actually hop onto a block wall and jump down - yet they still return to the yard later on. Considering they feel at home in the yard, they seem to expect to be able to return.
So, as we near spring (ok, in a couple more months!) and we survey our area - if you are anywhere near the foothills, look closely! Look closely at the yards around you - look close at the yards of your neighbors and remember - it is up to you and your neighbors to make your neighborhood safe against coyotes! These animals will make a home where they can find food, water and shelter. Even though there are many dogs in our neighborhood - in fact all around this home I am writing about - the coyotes are not deterred. Coyotes are creatures of habit and will continue their nesting if they have undisturbed access to a comfortable area.
Just remember to be careful when you are out walking! Although coyotes usually run away from us and do not cause any harm, when they are establishing in neighbrhoods, it starts to become their territory. And of course, even though the police and animal control will do nothing to help, report it anyway.
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