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.

What I know - without a doubt!

If you watch the Oprah show, or read her magazine, you will be familiar with her line..."What I know for sure". She follows this up with timely bits of advice for social/relational issues and also basic matters relating to the human experience. Without totally taking Oprah's idea, I have to say that there are things I know....Without a doubt!!!

My mom had her work cut out for her when I was young. If I did not know the answer to something, I would ask, ask, ask...if I didn't like the answer, or think it was sufficient, I would push for a better answer. If I didn't like the better answer, and it was the truth, I would figure out a way to change it -- to make it right. My husband says to me these days, "Why do you feel the need to right every wrong?" This is usually in reference to a social issue. In this same vein, as a REALTOR (R) I feel compelled to let people know what I know ....without a doubt. This is how I can make right the wrong perceptions people have regarding the real estate industry.

I have spent the last several weeks looking at property in Fontana. And I mean a lot of property. I have worked with bank owned property locally as well (Glendora, La Verne) and I am seeing a real trend....Prices are still getting matched with multiple offers, and bank owned homes are especially selling for above the listed price. Why is this? I thought the financial world was a mess!? Well, irregardless of this, the world still has valuable assets for investment. Besides philanthropic ventures, there is always cold, hard cash investment in real estate.

Do you remember A Charlie Brown Christmas? When Lucy is asked what she wants for Christmas she answers, very matter-of-factly, "real estate". Now, we know what a smart alec she was, but she was also right a lot of the time.

So, as the year ends, and the stock market continues to surprise us each day....one thing remains....investing in real estate is a very smart long-term decision. Prices are down now, but sales are up...and prices will make a rebound, this I know ...without a doubt!

Financial Meltdown? Retirement Gone? What really matters?

People who know me well -- and what you will learn about me around a campfire is this: I love modern society, but I crave a slower, balanced and traditional life. Recently, when around a campfire and playing a game, each person was asked a question, including this: What are two of your all-time favorite television shows -- shows that if you could only watch those two, you would forever watch them (this was the question, in not so many words). Well, again, my immediate family knows that the shows I choose are shows I can watch repeatedly -- Leave it to Beaver and The Brady Bunch (and coming in at a close third, Twilight Zone). What does this say about me? Volumes, I suppose!

Let's start with the society it portrays is so ideal to me -- it is nonexistent. I wanted my children to see a show where the adults were not portrayed as either stupid, or mean and disrespected and discounted. Even Eddie Haskel calls the Cleavers Mr. and Mrs. and says, "geez" instead of many phrases used nowadays. June is near perfect, Ward is essentially everything a dad and husband should be (without real depth, but you know what I mean, right?). The discipline used on the boys is caring, considerate, logical and loving. The boys usually respond with intelligent thought and regret after reviewing their actions. What a perfect world!

Then there's the good old Brady Bunch! No one is perfect, each person has one flaw, it is a blended family - yet each problem encountered is resolved quickly. Again, very logical responses to each child's issues are played out. Again, each parent has a style all at once wise and firm, yet loving and thoughtful -- oh, the perfect parents! And, yes, another series I have season boxed sets for....


So, my two top shows have some common threads: Family, respect, logical relational boundaries, somewhat predictable and stable societies, and a big one: Their HOMES are the MAIN SET for these shows. The Brady house lives into infinity in its popularity -- the Beaver House is on a perfect "lane" in Universal Studios - so perfect its set has been used for countless shows since, including the street facade of Wisteria Lane on a current popular show. Both shows center around the character's lives - their homes are the hub.

Because it has been said that the truest statement of a society is reflected in its art (I do not know who said that, but it is a common perception in art and sociology), these homes' in the shows provide a snapshot of our society and the role a home plays. A simple truth emerges, our homes are forever reflected in the story of our lives.

Now, with current housing prices falling, homes either not purchased yet (out of fear or concern), homes purchased and regret brewing, homes lost and sadness prevailing, I implore you to reflect on this basic truth: Home is where your story begins, continues and is written. Regardless of what your net worth is today or in 5 years (And I would bet it is much more in 5 years) REGARDLESS of any of this -- let's keep in mind that our homes are the stage for our lives. Whether we own or rent, the rooms around us will forever play a part in our memories, our children's' memories and perhaps our grandchildren....so, don't let the economy take your comfort and security away from you. Remember that your home will never be lost in your story -- and you have a responsibility to your family and society in general to place your home in high regard -- after all, it is where your story begins.

Best - Stacy

Economic Turmoil Causes Concern: But good news and hope always prevail!

So, we have all heard the scary, negative facts right now regarding the country's economic situation. Some good news I have found:

Stocks are staging a strong recovery rally today, after an utterly awful session Monday. The markets, which had been up all day, surged even higher this afternoon on renewed hopes that Congress will pass a financial rescue plan this week.

At 1:43 p.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 342 points to 10,707 after plunging a whopping 778 points Monday, its worst one-day point drop in its storied 100-plus-year history.

This afternoon, the Nasdaq Composite Index was up 77 points to 2,061 after plunging 200 points Monday. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index had added 45 points to 1,152 after losing 107 points in yesterday's session, the biggest drop ever for the S&P 500(From Msn.com)

August Home Sales are UP from 2007:
Glendora 91740:17 91741: 11
San Dimas: 7
La Verne: 18 !!!!!!!!!!1
Claremont: 34 !!!!!
Covina: 91722: 24; 91723: 7; 91724: 17!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Data taken from county records)

Last, I still believe real estate is a wonderful investment. Real Estate is a safe place to "park" your funds, enjoy tax benefits and you have an almost guaranteed long-term return on your investment. Although prices have dropped, I still have not seen them at 2002 levels. If we looked at sales from 2002, we would not be able to compare and show the same price for a like property in Glendora. With the prices still lower than a few years ago, interest rates good and FHA loans a good option, this is still a wonderful time to invest in real estate.

Please call me or post any comments you may have. Also, any questions you have are welcome. These are uneasy times, but things will improve in the long-run -- they always do!

Honesty, Integrity...Service you can TRUST!

Stacy

Stock Market is up -- What now?

As many of you may already know, it has been a whirlwind week for Wall Street. What is worrisome is that what happens on Wall Street does affect the folks on Main Street (i.e. average American's). Many people have come through open house's, called into our office and stopped to ask us REALTOR (S) what we think about the current housing market, what we think about Wall Street and the bailouts and the bank failures ....and all of that negative news. Responsible, repsected professional REALTORS (R) will all tell you this is something we all watch closely, but that regardless of the topsy-turvy bank situations and the misgivings people are having about the stock market, real estate sells are UP. The prices are down, but the existing home sales has exceeded that of last years' numbers.

Stability in the housing market is coming. The insecurity first time home buyers and also current homeowners have had can be relaxed. Here's what the professional REALTORS (R) all know, and what we are trying to tell the world:

1. Price your house right to sell fast. We are seeing multiple offer situations in homes priced right. This may be less than what you would have done last year, but it still will sell. Remember, if you have not already spent the dollars you perceived as yours through equity, you have lost nothing.
2. Sellers are looking for good offers - not total low-ball offers. Which means, buyers, do not expect a total liquidation of housing through bargain basement prices. If you are looking for the bottom of the market -- stop! You will not know the bottom until prices go back up. Remember: Prices have dropped, but not everyone selling is in a default situation. Those sellers that can wait, will.
3. And those sellers that wait, if you do not want to sell now, for your perceived price, and you can hold on a 2-3 more years....Guess what! I think you will be safe.
4. Buyers: If you have been waiting, things do not get better! Prices are low, interest rates are historically low (still BELOW 6%) and FHA loans are big. Coupled with the federal tax credit for first time home buyers, this is the best year to buy -- better thany any in recent memory.
5. Buyers and Sellers: Remember - a home is a long-term investment. Do not expect to "cash out" big if you are selling now and bought less than 5 years ago. Buyers, do not expect that golden deal -- that needle in the haystack foreclosure -- the deals are out there -- but they are getting multiple offers. The time is now! Do not hesitate!

As always, if you or anyone you know needs any real estate advice, please send them my way.

Honesty, Integrity...Service you can TRUST!!!!

Stacy

How will the Fed Take Over of Fannie and Freddie Affect You? Read on...

This is a posting from MSN Money and Bankrate.com

How the Fannie and Freddie takeover affects you
The feds want mortgages to remain available at good rates to creditworthy borrowers. That's good news. But don't expect easier jumbo mortgages or home equity loans.

The government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is designed to put downward pressure on mortgage rates and to ensure that home loans remain available.

Those goals are made crystal clear in the statements made by public officials.

The primary mission of the two mortgage giants "now will be to proactively work to increase the availability of mortgage finance," says James Lockhart, who will temporarily govern Fannie and Freddie.

Lockhart, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, adds that his agency will examine Fannie's and Freddie's fees "with an eye toward mortgage affordability."

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson says the government has three objectives: "market stability, mortgage availability and taxpayer protection." That's another signal that the government wants mortgages to remain available, at good rates, to borrowers with a low risk of default.

Jim Sahnger, a mortgage broker with Palm Beach Financial Network in Stuart, Fla., says, "The good news for the consumer is that money will still continue to flow, provided you have the ability to qualify."

Dean Baker, an economist with the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a think tank in Washington, D.C., says, "I think that the immediate impact will be somewhat positive. You'll see some drop in mortgage rates because it'll decrease the uncertainty" that had pushed mortgage rates up this summer.

Baker says he can imagine a drop in mortgage rates of around a quarter of a percentage point, give or take about 5 basis points. A basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point. "It's something," he says. "It's not going to make a huge difference."

It's hard to guess the timing of such a rate decrease. Baker says it might happen as soon as today, but possibly later, as people in the mortgage industry scratch their heads and assess the federal government's plan. "Probably we're talking inside of two weeks," Baker says.

Sahnger agrees that rates will fall soon. "There will be an immediate impact as far as rates," he says. "I think rates are going to improve modestly at the beginning."

Mortgage rates are expected to fall because the Treasury Department will buy mortgage-backed securities. Here's why rates would fall as a result of the Treasury buying mortgage-backed securities:

When investors buy bonds, they have a wealth of choices. They can buy U.S. Treasury bills and notes, or corporate debt, or bonds from state and local governments. Or they can buy mortgage-backed securities, which behave much like bonds. Mortgage-backed securities are known as MBS in industry shorthand.

Fannie and Freddie guarantee the mortgage-backed securities that they issue, and those securities are deemed quite safe as investments. Not as safe as Treasury notes, but relatively safe. Fannie and Freddie are government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs, and for decades they had implicit government backing. That backing is now explicit.

In the past few months, investors have rushed to the safety of Treasury notes and haven't been as eager to buy mortgage-backed securities. The lessened demand caused the prices of mortgage-backed securities to go down. When bond prices fall, bond yields rise, and that's what happened with mortgage-backed securities. As yields went up, so did mortgage rates. The difference, or spread, widened between Treasury yields and mortgage-backed securities.

Now that the Treasury will buy mortgage-backed securities, their prices should rise because of the greater demand. (The same thing would happen if the federal government bought, say, boxcar loads of sugar. You would expect sugar prices to go up.) When bond prices rise, yields drop -- so mortgage rates should follow.

Lockhart, whose department will run Fannie and Freddie, describes this succinctly when he says, "As the GSEs have grappled with their difficulties, we've seen mortgage rate spreads to Treasurys widen, making mortgages less affordable for homebuyers. While the GSEs are expected to moderately increase the size of their portfolios over the next 15 months through prudent mortgage purchases, complementary government efforts can aid mortgage affordability. (The) Treasury will begin this new program later this month, investing in new GSE MBS."

The government's action will have a beneficial effect on some mortgages, but not all. It will have little or no impact on jumbo mortgages -- home loans for large amounts. (The definition of a jumbo loan varies, depending on house prices in each metro area. A jumbo is a loan of more than $417,000 in much of the country, and is higher in more expensive housing markets -- up to $729,750 in places such as Los Angeles.)

Because jumbo mortgages are perceived as riskier, their rates have been unusually high for the past year. Historically, jumbo rates had hovered about a quarter of a percentage point above the rates for mortgages backed by Fannie and Freddie. Now they're about a full percentage point higher, and that gap is unlikely to narrow soon.

The government's bailout of Fannie and Freddie won't affect rates on home equity loans or home equity lines of credit, either.

This article was reported and written by Holden Lewis for Bankrate.com.

Happy (almost) Fall!

Labor Day is officially over and the traditional countdown to fall -- then Christmas -- has begun in our house! Target and Longs are slowly bringing out the holiday candy! It is easy to celebrate when holidays are approaching -- and there is still much to celebrate with the new housing bill.

Read below in my past posts for specific information regarding many great incentives for first-time buyers. If you have been on the side-lines - waiting for the prices to "bottom-out" - rest assured, they are very low and more people are taking note. There is a saying in real estate -- "One never knows the bottom of the market until prices start to go back up". Now is the best time to think seriously if you would like to buy and take advantage of the many TAX benefits! Some people never see an income tax RETURN until they are homeowners! This may be the time to guarantee that spring-time return.

Owning a home in southern California is at times difficult to keep up with -- but I also know rents are NOT declining -- and there are not tax benefits to renters. We have a wonderful community and it makes sense to invest in it!

Call me or email me with your housing questions! I am always here to help!

Happy Fall -- Happy Househunting -- Happy tax deductions!

Stacy

Honesty, Integrity...Service you can TRUST!