<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Westlake Village California Real Estate News &amp; Listings Presented By Troop Real Estate, Inc</title><link>http://www.cghomes.com</link><description></description><lastBuildDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:02:56 GMT</lastBuildDate><item><title>243 Evergreen Court, Simi Valley 93065</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.cghomes.com/property/243-Evergreen-Court-Simi-Valley-California/images/index/373695/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>
	<span style="font-size: medium"><span style="font-family: calibri">Welcome to this gorgeous Long Canyon home, boasting&nbsp;4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and a downstairs den/office, with 3,034 square feet on a 10,900 square foot lot. Step into the foyer with its dramatic vaulted ceilings, and glimpse the formal living and dining rooms with beautiful hardwood floors. </span>The spacious kitchen combines all the essentials for the family cook, including ample granite counter space with a huge center island and breakfast bar, and adjoins the cozy family room with custom built-in media center and fireplace to relax by. With a newly upgraded master bathroom featuring a separate shower and soaking tub, and a spacious bedroom, the master suite is fit for royalty. Perfect for entertaining, the large backyard has so much to offer including a fire pit patio area, gardening shed, covered patio and a large lush lawn. Other amenities of this stunning home include a downstairs den/office, crown molding, plantation shutters, and a fantastic location in a cul-de-sac.&nbsp;</span></p>
]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/property/243-Evergreen-Court-Simi-Valley-California</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/property/243-Evergreen-Court-Simi-Valley-California</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:48:55 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>538 Mindenvale Court, Simi Valley 93065</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.cghomes.com/property/538-Mindenvale-Court-Simi-Valley-California/images/index/370913/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>
	<span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: calibri">Welcome to this great family home with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms in 2,572 square feet in the desirable Wood Ranch community. &nbsp;Step through the double doors into the open and bright living room which adjoins the formal dining room with expansive windows letting in lots of natural light. The kitchen features tile floors, a center island, double ovens, 5 burner cooktop, and separate eating area which opens to the family room with a cozy fireplace to relax by. Upstairs the master suite is complete with media niche, plantation shutters, vaulted ceilings, and attached bathroom with dual sinks, separate tub and shower and large walk in closet. 2 large bedrooms with a jack n&rsquo; Jill bathroom complete the upstairs. &nbsp;Enjoy the peace and quiet in the backyard while relaxing in the pool with attached spa and waterfall. &nbsp;With a bedroom/office downstairs, 3 car garage, and a fantastic cul-de-sac location within walking distance to Wood Ranch Elementary and the park this home is not to be missed</span></span></span>.</p>
]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/property/538-Mindenvale-Court-Simi-Valley-California</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/property/538-Mindenvale-Court-Simi-Valley-California</guid><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:59:46 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>1160 Belleza Street, Camarillo 93012</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.cghomes.com/property/1160-Belleza-Street-Camarillo-California/images/index/368682/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>
	<span style="font-size: medium"><span style="font-family: calibri">Welcome to this desirable 55+ gated community home with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,277 square feet. Step into the warm and inviting entry which leads you to the spacious breakfast nook. The kitchen is complete with stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar, and a garden window looking out at the beautiful mountain views. Adjoining the kitchen is the dining room which opens to the spacious living room with vaulted ceilings and a cozy brick fireplace to relax by. The master suite features vaulted ceilings, a sliding door to the patio and an attached bathroom with dual sinks. With a beautifully landscaped backyard with fruit trees and fabulous mountain views the outdoor patio is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery.&nbsp; Located at the base of the Conejo Mountains in Camarillo Springs, this home offers so much it should not be missed!</span></span></p>
]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/property/1160-Belleza-Street-Camarillo-California</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/property/1160-Belleza-Street-Camarillo-California</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:23:34 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>4508 Lubbock Dr, Unit C, Simi Valley 93063</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.cghomes.com/property/4508-Lubbock-Dr-Unit-C-Simi-Valley-California/images/index/368679/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>
	<span style="font-size: medium"><span style="font-family: calibri">Welcome to this lovely one story 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, and 1,193 square foot condo in Simi Valley. Step into the spacious living room with wood floors and a cozy brick fireplace to warm up by. The kitchen features a breakfast bar, a window looking out at the private enclosed patio, and adjoins the dining area. The large master bedroom is complete with attached bathroom with dual sinks and a walk in closet. With a great location close to shopping, entertainment, schools and the government center this home is not to be missed.</span></span></p>
]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/property/4508-Lubbock-Dr-Unit-C-Simi-Valley-California</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/property/4508-Lubbock-Dr-Unit-C-Simi-Valley-California</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:19:05 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>197 Sabra Avenue, Oak Park 91377</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.cghomes.com/property/197-Sabra-Avenue-Oak-Park-California/images/index/368670/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>
	<span style="font-size: medium"><span style="font-family: calibri">Welcome to this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, and 1,871 square foot home in the desirable neighborhood of Oak Park. Step through the double doors and into the formal entry way which leads you to the open and bright living room with vaulted ceilings, recessed lights, a skylight and a cozy fireplace to warm up by. The kitchen opens up to the living and dining rooms and features granite counters, recessed lights,&nbsp;&nbsp; breakfast bar, and stainless steel appliances.&nbsp; There are two bedrooms downstairs and 2 bedrooms&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; upstairs each with an adjacent bathroom. The backyard is a great place to sit and relax while enjoying the covered patio and pool. This home is located on a quiet street close to parks, schools, shopping and entertainment and should not be missed.</span></span></p>
]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/property/197-Sabra-Avenue-Oak-Park-California</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/property/197-Sabra-Avenue-Oak-Park-California</guid><pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:11:28 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>552 Grass Valley St, Simi Valley 93065</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.cghomes.com/property/552-Grass-Valley-St-Simi-Valley-California/images/index/365706/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>
	<span style="font-size: medium"><span style="font-family: calibri">Welcome to this great family home with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms in 2,891 square feet.&nbsp; Step through the double doors into the open and bright living room which adjoins the formal dining room with expansive windows letting in lots of natural light. The kitchen has been recently upgraded with granite counters, tile floors, new stainless steel appliances, a breakfast bar and separate eating area and opens to the family room with a cozy fireplace to relax by. Upstairs the master suite is complete with media niche, recessed lights, and attached bathroom with upgraded granite and tile, dual sinks and large walk in closet. 3 bedrooms and bathroom complete the upstairs. Enjoy the peace and quiet in the backyard with views of the surrounding hills. With recessed lighting throughout, new carpet, 3 car garage, and a fantastic location within walking distance to Wood Ranch Elementary this home is not to be missed.</span></span></p>
]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/property/552-Grass-Valley-St-Simi-Valley-California</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/property/552-Grass-Valley-St-Simi-Valley-California</guid><pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:38:11 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>22909 Burton Street, West Hills 91304</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.cghomes.com/property/22909-Burton-Street-West-Hills-California/images/index/362556/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>Welcome to this wonderful home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,372 square feet located on a quiet street in West Hills. Enter into the open and bright living room with crown molding and a cozy fireplace. The kitchen opens up to the dining area and living room and has an eating area and breakfast bar. The master bedroom features 2 closets, ceiling fan with light, and a large sitting area. The spacious backyard and patio are perfect for entertaining. With new paint throughout, new copper plumbing, and a great location close to shopping, schools, entertainment and restaurants this home is not to be missed. &nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/property/22909-Burton-Street-West-Hills-California</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/property/22909-Burton-Street-West-Hills-California</guid><pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:20:07 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>4578 Bluewood Court, Moorpark 93021</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.cghomes.com/property/4578-Bluewood-Court-Moorpark-California/images/index/352665/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>Welcome to this fantastic opportunity to own a Cantara home with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a bonus room, and 3,412 square feet of living space on a 8,705 square foot lot.&nbsp; Upgrades have been made with new paint and carpet throughout.&nbsp; The kitchen is complete with oak wood cabinets, granite counters, and breakfast bar.&nbsp; The backyard has a spacious and usable size, with room for a re-design to fit your dream backyard.&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t miss out on this spectacular opportunity!</p>]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/property/4578-Bluewood-Court-Moorpark-California</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/property/4578-Bluewood-Court-Moorpark-California</guid><pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:03:51 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>877 Daffodil Court, Simi Valley 93065</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.cghomes.com/property/877-Daffodil-Court-Simi-Valley-California/images/index/350840/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>
	Welcome to this beautiful&nbsp;5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with a bonus room/office, boasting a spacious 3,384 square foot floor plan on a 12,883 square foot lot. Step through the double door entry into the open and bright living room with cathedral ceilings which adjoins the dining room. The large kitchen offers lots of space for the family cook, featuring granite counters, center island, double ovens, recessed lighting, pantry and eating area, and opens up to the family room with an entertainment center and cozy fireplace to relax by. Upstairs the master suite has a double door entry, fireplace, and attached master bathroom with large soaking tub and separate shower, dual sinks, and a large walk in closet. Other amenities include a downstairs bedroom that is currently used as a den, spaciously sized bedrooms all with ceiling fans, plantation shutters, a security system, and 3 car garage. With a large grassy backyard and close proximity to parks, shopping and entertainment, this home has so much to offer, you won&rsquo;t want to miss it!</p>
]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/property/877-Daffodil-Court-Simi-Valley-California</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/property/877-Daffodil-Court-Simi-Valley-California</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:47:25 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>4332 Country Meadow Street, Moorpark 93021</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.cghomes.com/property/4332-Country-Meadow-Street-Moorpark-California/images/index/346725/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>
	Welcome to this wonderful home with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,645 square feet in the Mountain Meadows community of Moorpark. Step through the double door entry and into the sunken living room, with its wall size built-in bookcase and view that looks out to the pool area. The large, family room has a cozy brick fireplace to relax by, and adjoins the kitchen which offers a breakfast bar and separate eating nook, as well as a formal dining room that sits just off the kitchen. Upstairs the large master suite includes a separate sitting area, attached bathroom with dual vanity sinks, separate tub and shower and walk-in closet. Three other bedrooms all with ceiling fans and large mirrored closets complete the upstairs. With an upstairs laundry room, spacious backyard with a pool and spa, and a great location close to schools, parks and shopping, this home is not to be missed.</p>
]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/property/4332-Country-Meadow-Street-Moorpark-California</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/property/4332-Country-Meadow-Street-Moorpark-California</guid><pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:18:18 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Governor signs new Homebuyer Tax Credit for Californians…  Do you qualify?</title><description><![CDATA[<div>
<div style="padding: 5px; clear: both;">I was reading some interesting articles this weekend from the major newspapers regarding the new homebuyer tax credit which was just signed in to effect. In addition to the current tax credit, this will span the remainder of the year. Unlike the current credit however, it will also include new construction purchases. Here&rsquo;s a recap on some of the details&hellip;</div>
<div style="width: 60%; float: left; height: auto; color: black; padding: 5px;">
<p>&ldquo;Governor Schwarzenegger on Thursday signed into law AB 183 by Assembly Member Ana Caballero, D-Salinas, and co-authored by Sen. Roy Ashburn, R-Bakersfield, which establishes a tax credit of $10,000 which will apply to first-time buyers who purchase new or existing homes between May 1 and Dec. 31 of this year or when funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. It is for 5% of the purchase price, or up to $10,000.</p>
<p>The $200 million allocated for the program is split evenly with $100 million going to purchasers of new homes and $100 million going to first-time buyers of existing homes. An earlier round of state tax credits offered last year was for new-home purchases only. That program was so popular that homebuyers depleted the full $100 million eight months before the deadline.</p>
<p>The bill applies to buyers who haven't owned a home in the last three years or who are buying a newly built home. The tax credit would take effect on May 1, immediately after the federal tax credit expires on April 30.</p>
<p>The final version of the bill differs from the provisions initially outlined in January by the governor&rsquo;s staff. The governor&rsquo;s staff believed at first that Schwarzenegger initially wanted to limit the credits to first-time buyers only.</p>
<p>Under the provisions, the bill: <br /><br />
<ul>
<li>Provides a 5% tax credit, up to a $10,000 limit, to all buyers of new, never-occupied homes.</li>
<li>Provides a 5% tax credit, up to a $10,000 limit, to first-time buyers of existing homes.</li>
<li>Sets aside $100 million for each program, for a total of $200 million.</li>
<li>Requires buyers to close escrow between May 1 and Dec. 31 to qualify. New-home buyers have until Dec. 31 to sign a purchase contract, and then must close escrow by Aug. 16, 2011.</li>
<li>Requires buyers to live in the home for at least two years.</li>
<li>Provides for the tax credit to be paid in thirds over a three-year period.</li>
<li>Sets no income limitations on buyers.</li>
<li>Requires buyers to repay the tax if they fail to live in the home for two years or fail to close escrow on a new home by Aug. 16, 2011.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
</p>
</div>
<div style="padding: 5px; float: left;"><iframe src="http://webleads.goprosystems.com/Lead.mvc/Step1/dtH9buJBE0S60U3j7njg1g" style="width: 175px; height: 545px;" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<div style="clear: both;">From my perspective, the biggest reason behind the tax credit is to both stimulate new construction, which will in turn create jobs, as well as to get the current inventory in California sold and back on the tax roll, which will create revenue for the state. What do you think? <br /><br />COMMENT by clicking on the title to this blog, email: schristie@cghomes.com, or call: 805.582.9500.</div>
</div>]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Governor-signs-new-Homebuyer-Tax-Credit-for-Californians-Do-you-qualify</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Governor-signs-new-Homebuyer-Tax-Credit-for-Californians-Do-you-qualify</guid><pubDate>Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Short Sales and the Making Home Affordable Plan</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #000080;">Under the Obama Administration&rsquo;s Making Home Affordable plan, which offers alternatives to foreclosure for homeowners struggling or unable to make their payment but unable to complete a loan modification, the short sale process is expected to be streamlined with incentives for all parties by the Treasury.&nbsp; As reported in Short Sale Stories:</span></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #003366;">Sellers who complete a short sale can receive up to $1,500 when the sale closes. They can use this money to pay some of their moving expenses when they finish the short sale. This helps the recurring problem that sellers need funds to be able to relocate when the home sells. This same $1,500 incentive payment applies to borrowers who give their lender a deed in lieu of foreclosure. </span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #003366;">In addition to these incentives, this expansion of the Making Home Affordable program creates a standard process to follow in a short sale. It creates timelines for the performance of the short sale, which is a welcome addition as they frequently drag on and on. The program also creates standard documents for use in short sales and deeds in lieu of foreclosure. This standardization will make short sales easier to do, and the performance timelines should speed up the process. Clear time limits for a response from the lender to a proposed short sale contract&hellip; could greatly encourage buyers to purchase short sale properties. </span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #003366;">The lender has to allow the sellers/borrowers a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of a year to sell their property. The time will vary depending on local market conditions. The property to be sold must be listed with a real estate agent that has experience in selling properties in the neighborhood. </span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #003366;">The lender will establish both the property value and the minimum amount that the lender will accept. So, the lender will order an appraisal or a Broker Price Opinion (BPO) and use that to establish a reasonable sales price for the property. The appraisal or BPO will have to be current, as the program requires that they be done within 120 days of the Short Sale Agreement. This appraised value will be the basis for the lender&rsquo;s decision of how much they will accept as the short payment of the balance due on the loan. Many lenders will accept 80% to 90% of the value established by the appraisal or BPO, which allows buyers to purchase the property at a favorable price. </span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #003366;">This procedure of establishing the acceptable value of an offer will be a wonderful improvement to a short sale. This should eliminate the &ldquo;guess again&rdquo; feature found in some current short sales, where the lender will occasionally turn down an offer without giving a counter offer or any guidance to the seller. The opposite should happen under the current program, i.e. the lender will instruct the seller concerning the price at which the property should be listed and also provide guidance on price reductions.</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #003366;">One of the biggest problems in short sales comes when the property has a first loan and additional junior liens. For example, many homes have a first loan and a home equity line of credit that is a second loan. There is some assistance from this program because the Treasury will contribute money to help pay off second loans and other junior liens.</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #003366;">If the borrower is unable to sell the home within the time specified in the Short Sale Agreement, the lender may consider a deed in lieu of foreclosure, in which the borrower voluntarily transfers ownership of the property to the lender. However a deed in lieu of foreclosure only works if there is only one loan on the property because the lender will not want to accept the property burdened by the obligation to pay off the junior loans. </span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #003366;">This program will be available until 2012. </span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #003366;">To read all the details, go to: </span></em><a href="http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/docs/05142009FactSheet-MakingHomesAffordable.pdf"><em><span style="color: #003366;">http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/docs/05142009FactSheet-MakingHomesAffordable.pdf</span></em></a></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">If you are interested in finding out more about Making Home Affordable, the short sale process, or want to know whether a short sale may be the best move for you or someone you know; or if you have other questions &ndash; feel free to comment (by clicking on the title to this blog), email: </span><a href="mailto:schristie@cghomes.com"><span style="color: #000080;">schristie@cghomes.com</span></a><span style="color: #000080;">, or call: 805.582.9500.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">We have had great success in making short sales a viable option for both buyers and sellers alike in this market, and can help you to determine if the short sale scenario is right for you to be included in this successful group.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;">&nbsp;</span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Short-Sales-and-the-Making-Home-Affordable-Plan</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Short-Sales-and-the-Making-Home-Affordable-Plan</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Disclosure of Property Information</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #003366;">I had the pleasure of speaking to Gerry Dougherty, the principal and founder of the Dougherty Law Firm, APC, and an expert in residential property disclosure by sellers.&nbsp; We were discussing the situation that many sellers find themselves caught up in regarding failure to disclose information about a home, and what they could have done differently to avoid the difficulties that are inevitable in such a situation.&nbsp; Here&rsquo;s what Gerry shared with me:</span></p>
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<p><em><span style="color: #000080;">&ldquo;Realtors are all taught "Disclose, Disclose, Disclose!" when advising their clients on how to properly fill out a Transfer Disclosure Statement. So why is it&nbsp;that&nbsp;homeowner&rsquo;s continue to get sued for non-disclosure of defects by their&nbsp;disgruntled buyers?&nbsp;The lack of an adequate disclosure in many instances&nbsp;causes&nbsp;the&nbsp;disgruntled buyer to file an action&nbsp;seeking damages for breach of contract, fraud and misrepresentation against the seller and the realtors involved in the transaction.&nbsp;With rare exception, the seller must then defend the lawsuit with his&nbsp;or her own funds and is likely to file a counter suit against the realtor&nbsp;for failing to properly advise&nbsp;the seller on what should have been disclosed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #000080;">The key to minimizing and perhaps avoiding such lawsuits is to put yourself in the position of the buyer and ask, "Would I want to know this information about the house?&rdquo;&nbsp;It's a simple question&nbsp;and if&nbsp;sellers&nbsp;answered the question fully and fairly on their&nbsp;disclosure documents&nbsp;they could save themselves tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars in litigation costs.&rdquo;</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">[<em>Gerard M. Dougherty, Esq. is the founder and principal of the Dougherty Law Firm, APC in Westlake Village,&nbsp;and has been&nbsp;successfully prosecuting and&nbsp;defending cases based on the failure to disclose material information affecting the value and desirability of residential properties for the past 20&nbsp;years. For more information contact Gerard M. Dougherty at: (805) 494-9038 ext 244, or via email: <a href="mailto:gmd@dllawyers.com">gmd@dllawyers.com</a>.</em>]&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In addition to the Transfer Disclosure Statement, California state law requires that seller&rsquo;s complete a Seller Property Questionnaire, which is intended to give the buyer more information &ldquo;about known material or significant items affecting the value or desirability of the Property and help to eliminate misunderstandings about the condition of the Property.&rdquo;&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Upon review of completed disclosures offered by the seller it is also recommended that buyer&rsquo;s be sure to put their concerns and questions in writing, as well as complete all necessary investigations of the property, including but not limited to property, termite, mold, geological and septic system inspections, all by a licensed individual or company.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I always advise my clients to seek the professional opinion of a knowledgeable and reputable source. Should you or someone you know would&nbsp;like more information about this or&nbsp;a related&nbsp;topic, feel free to contact myself and/or Gerry. Also, if you have something to say &ndash; feel free to&nbsp;COMMENT (by clicking on the title to this blog), email: </span></span><a href="mailto:schristie@cghomes.com"><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">schristie@cghomes.com</span></span></a><span style="color: #003366;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>,</em> or call: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">805.582.9500</span><em>.</em></span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Disclosure-of-Property-Information</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Disclosure-of-Property-Information</guid><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS</title><description><![CDATA[<p>I was talking today with ALEX &ldquo;TREY&rdquo; ROBERTSON, IV, Esq., who is a Senior Partner at ROBERTSON &amp; VICK, LLP. He practices construction defect litigation and so we were discussing the potential pitfalls of homeownership, even with new homes, and what the law allows for these newly built properties. Here's some great information he offered:</p>
<p>
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</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000080;"><strong>WHAT EVERY HOMEOWNER NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT </strong><strong>CALIFORNIA&rsquo;S &ldquo;RIGHT TO REPAIR&rdquo; LAW</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em>"Sometimes, a dream home can turn into your worst nightmare!&nbsp; Leaking windows, roofs plumbing, or worse, often are the result of the builder&rsquo;s defective construction.&nbsp; Fortunately, homeowners have a strong remedy provided by California&rsquo;s construction defect laws.&nbsp; Senate Bill 800, commonly referred to as the builder&rsquo;s &ldquo;Right to Repair&rdquo; law, applies to new residences where the purchase agreement with the buyer was signed by the seller on or after January 1, 2003.&nbsp;&nbsp; This law establishes a mandatory procedure for homeowners to make a claim against the builder prior to the filing of a lawsuit for defective construction.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em>Most importantly, the law extends the typical one (1) year warranty obligations of builders, subcontractors, product manufacturers and designers to as much as ten (10) years following close of escrow.&nbsp; This warranty is available to both the original owner and to all subsequent purchasers as well.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em>This law provides that the builder, subcontractors, product manufacturers and design professionals are all liable for violation of construction standards specified in the statute.&nbsp; The statute sets forth certain &ldquo;performance&rdquo; criteria and the applicable length of time the warranty applies.&nbsp; For instance, the following construction components have these warranty periods:</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em>10 years:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; plumbing, sewer and utility systems shall not leak; retaining walls, site walls and drainage systems shall not cause water or soil erosion to enter into contact with a structure; shower and bath enclosures shall not leak water into the interior of walls or floors; stucco, exterior siding and other exterior finishes shall not contain significant cracks or separations; and soils shall not cause damage to any structure or cause the structure to become unstable.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em>5 years:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; paint and stain applications</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em>4 years;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; electrical, plumbing and sewer systems must operate properly</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em>2 years:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Landscape systems, dryer ducts and untreated wood posts in contact with soil</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em>1 year: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; noise transmission from adjacent units in attached dwellings (i.e. condos).</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em>Once a homeowner makes a claim to the builder, the builder has the option to offer to perform a repair.&nbsp; While the homeowner cannot object to builder&rsquo;s offer to perform the repair, the builder cannot require the homeowner to sign a release, waiving the homeowner&rsquo;s right to sue if the repair fails.&nbsp; If the builder fails to respond to the homeowner&rsquo;s claim, or refuses to offer a repair, the homeowner may then file suit against the builder to recover the reasonable cost to repair the defect, together with any relocation and storage expenses, lost business income if the home was used as a principal place of business, reasonable investigative costs and attorney&rsquo;s fees, if provided in the purchase agreement.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em>The &ldquo;Right to Repar&rdquo; statutes are complicated and different deadlines to make a claim apply to each type of defect.&nbsp; Thus, homeowners are encouraged to consult an experienced construction defect attorney for advice as soon as a defect is discovered."</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">[<em>Robertson &amp; Vick, LLP concentrates in the representation of homeowners and homeowner associations in construction defect litigation.&nbsp; The firm is based in Westlake Village,&nbsp; and also has offices in Las Vegas and Albuquerque.&nbsp; For more information, visit www.rvcdlaw.com or call Alex Robertson, IV at (805) 418-9900.</em>]</span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I always advise my clients to seek the professional opinion of a knowledgeable and reputable source. Should you or someone you know would&nbsp;like more information about this or&nbsp;a related&nbsp;topic, feel free to contact myself and/or Alex. Also, if you have something to say &ndash; feel free to&nbsp;COMMENT (by clicking on the title to this blog), email: <a href="mailto:schristie@cghomes.com">schristie@cghomes.com</a><em>,</em> or call: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">805.582.9500</span><em>.</em></p>
<p><em>&nbsp;</em></p>]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/CONSTRUCTION-DEFECTS</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/CONSTRUCTION-DEFECTS</guid><pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Mortgage Rate Hits Record Low</title><description><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 16pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Here we are again&hellip; </span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 16pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Where were you in 1971 when 30-Year Mortgage Rates hit a record low and we never thought we&rsquo;d be there again?</span></strong><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 16pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Times-Roman; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I read an article this morning, and thought to myself about how incredible it is to be a buyer right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I have seen many different market cycles, and in the last down market of 1990 we were experiencing interest rates above 9.0%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Buyers were still purchasing, and qualifying for a loan on what was a great real estate deal for that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Today, when I read an article stating the information shown below, I think, &ldquo;Wow what a great market to be in as a buyer; where we have record breaking low interest rates AND incredible values in the market!&rdquo;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I also can&rsquo;t help but to wonder which buyers will be the ones thinking &ldquo;Glad I Did&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;Wish I Did&rdquo; in 5 more years &ndash; which is exactly what I saw and heard 15 years ago! </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">&ldquo;The average interest rate for the 30-year mortgage has fallen to the lowest level since Freddie Mac began compiling its weekly survey in 1971, declining to 4.71 percent this week from 4.78 percent a week ago.</span></em><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></em></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Rates also were more attractive for 15-year fixed loans, which fell from 4.29 percent to 4.27 percent, but many consumers may not have qualified for them because they now face higher credit standards from lenders.&rdquo;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></span></span></em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 4in; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>-REALTOR.com</span></span></span></em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What&rsquo;s most important to take away is that since rates are at a &ldquo;record low,&rdquo; that it is certainly not a &lsquo;typical&rsquo; circumstance and should be taken advantage of, as they inevitably won&rsquo;t last. If you are looking to buy, get in to escrow as soon as possible in order to lock in an incredible rate. And if you are a seller get your home sold so that you will be able to take advantage of these rates in your next purchase. </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mortgage interest rates are a huge part of the real estate transaction equation. The slight variation in price of the home does not have the same impact in the long run of how much you pay for it as the interest rate does. With the combination of an extension for the buyer tax credit and the interest rate dip, this is the perfect time to purchase a new home! </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">If you want to know more about rates and qualification for purchasing please call me at (805) 582-9500 or email me at </span></span><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;amp; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><a href="mailto:Stephen@cghomes.com"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT;"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Stephen@cghomes.com</span></span></a>.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-hansi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: ArialMT; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">To stay educated in the market and view homes as if you were an agent, visit our site www.cghomes.com.</span></span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Mortgage-Rate-Hits-Record-Low</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Mortgage-Rate-Hits-Record-Low</guid><pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Snag a Great Deal on a Short Sale</title><description><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; background: white;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;amp; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">As reported on CNNMoney.com, &ldquo;<strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Snag a great deal on a short sale&hellip;</strong>&rdquo;:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; background: white;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;amp; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Not long ago, few people had even heard of a short sale, which occurs when the bank agrees to discount the loan balance for a seller who owes more on his mortgage than the home is currently worth. If you're in the market for a home today, you're almost guaranteed to be looking at some short sales&hellip; The good news is that short sellers are likely not the run-down, distressed properties that you often find among foreclosures. However, there can also be many hassles in getting involved in a short sale... If you're willing to brave the intricacies of the process, you'll be far more likely to land the home you always wanted. The key to snagging a good deal is knowing how to avoid the land mines. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; background: white;"><strong><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;amp; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Know what you're getting into.</span></strong><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;amp; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> In a short sale, you are dealing with several parties: the sellers, their agent and the sellers' lender. That's why a short sale can take anywhere between two and six months to execute, compared with about 30 days for a typical sale. Though many banks are willing to take a loss on a mortgage in a short sale if it means avoiding an even bigger loss in a foreclosure, with so many owners trying to unload properties, the lender's negotiators are flooded with short-sale offers. So if you're moving or selling another property, keep in mind that you'll likely need to budget for a few months' worth of rental payments so you have somewhere to live in the interim. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; background: white;"><strong><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;amp; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Find the right pro.</span></strong><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;amp; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Lenders often make realtors who work on short sales take a hit on their commission, so some brokers may be loath to show you the listings. But don't even think about going solo. These deals take a lot of work and persistence, says Loni Parmelly, author of Success in Short Sales. Before you sign up with an agent, ask him how many short sales he's closed. If he hasn't done at least two, find someone more experienced. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; background: white;"><strong><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;amp; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Set the right price.</span></strong><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;amp; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> The first step is to have your agent submit your offer to the seller. Don't just rely on the current list price to come up with your initial bid, says Bill Richardson, a district sales manager for the Keyes Co. Realtors in Boca Raton, Fla. The seller's agent may have far underpriced it in hopes of attracting buyers, but the bank likely won't accept a lowball offer. Ask your agent to determine the home's fair market value by searching comparable sales in the area, with an emphasis on other short sales and foreclosures&hellip;You'll also want to have a pre-approval for a mortgage, as your offer won't even be considered if you don't have one.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; background: white;"><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #002060; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">If you are interested in finding out more about the short sale process, and want to know whether buying a short sale may be the right move for you or someone<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>you know, or have other questions &ndash; feel free to comment (by clicking on the title to this blog), email: </span></span></em><a href="mailto:schristie@cghomes.com"><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #002060; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">schristie@cghomes.com</span></span></em></a><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #002060; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, or call: 805.582.9500.</span></span></span></em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; background: white;"><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #002060; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have had great success in making short sales a viable option for both buyers and sellers alike in this market, and can help you to determine if the short sale scenario is right for you to be included in this successful group.</span></span></span></em></p>]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Snag-a-Great-Deal-on-a-Short-Sale</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Snag-a-Great-Deal-on-a-Short-Sale</guid><pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>One in Four Borrowers Is Underwater</title><description><![CDATA[<p><!--StartFragment-->
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Did you Read this Article in the Wall Street Journal?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoteLevel2"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>According to The Wall Street Journal, November 24, 2009:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoteLevel2"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #17365d;">&ldquo;The proportion of U.S. homeowners who owe more on their mortgages than the properties are worth has swelled to about 23%, threatening prospects for a sustained housing recovery.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoteLevel2"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #17365d;">Nearly 10.7 million households had negative equity in their homes in the third quarter, according to First American CoreLogic, a real-estate information company based in Santa Ana, Calif.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoteLevel2"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #17365d;">These so-called underwater mortgages pose a roadblock to a housing recovery because the properties are more likely to fall into bank foreclosure and get dumped into an already saturated market. Economists from J.P. Morgan Chase &amp; Co. said Monday they didn't expect U.S. home prices to hit bottom until early 2011, citing the prospect of oversupply.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoteLevel2"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #17365d;">Home prices have fallen so far that 5.3 million U.S. households are tied to mortgages that are at least 20% higher than their home's value, the First American report said. More than 520,000 of these borrowers have received a notice of default, according to First American.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoteLevel2"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #17365d;">Most U.S. homeowners still have some equity, and nearly 24 million owner-occupied homes don't have any mortgage, according to the Census Bureau.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoteLevel2"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #17365d;">But negative equity "is an outstanding risk hanging over the mortgage market," said Mark Fleming, chief economist of First American Core Logic. "It lowers homeowners' mobility because they can't sell, even if they want to move to get a new job." Borrowers who owe more than 120% of their home's value, he said, were more likely to default.&rdquo;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoteLevel2"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoteLevel2"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: Arial;">This is news to so many people. We definitely have A LOT of cleaning-up to do in order to boost our real estate economy!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoteLevel2"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: Arial;">In light of what&rsquo;s been said, I ask you&hellip; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>What are your thoughts?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>How are you set up in this scenario and who is your professional advisor?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>There are many families in need of assistance, and many others wondering if they should be investing at this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Tell us your thoughts and opinion on the matter &ndash; I am very interested to hear WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoteLevel2"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial;">(Comment by clicking on the title above, and thanks for taking the time to contribute your input!)</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: Arial;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<!--EndFragment--></p>]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/One-in-Four-Borrowers-Is-Underwater</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/One-in-Four-Borrowers-Is-Underwater</guid><pubDate>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>What You Need to Know Before You Buy</title><description><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What You Need to Know Before You Buy</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Before you buy a home have a plan!&nbsp; Make sure it is your plan...<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>one that you are comfortable with and fits your strategy and goals for home ownership.</span></span></p>
<ol type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Start with the right mortgage that you can afford.</span></strong><span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp; A mortgage payment is one thing, but the reason a 30 year fixed rate became so popular after the last great depression is that it is a budgeted mortgage.&nbsp; It provides a fixed rate payment for&nbsp;the term of the loan.&nbsp; Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance are all provided for.&nbsp; If you know what your payments are&nbsp;for the&nbsp;next 30 years you can plan around it.&nbsp; <strong>The secret is that you pay it down, and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">NEVER borrow against the equity</span>!&nbsp; The goal is to pay off the loan, not add to it and find yourself financially strapped when it comes time for retirement.</strong></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Assess Your Finances.</span></strong><span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">&nbsp; Once you know what your monthly payment is then you can look at the list of other items to budget in your life, such as<strong> income, taxes and expenses.</strong>&nbsp; Some expenses may be fixed, and others will fluctuate.&nbsp; It is the monthly expenses that are most important.&nbsp; Sometimes they are not constant, such as gas and electricity, for example, which depend on the time of year and the weather conditions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>The important part is to understand the lifestyle you currently live in and to make sure that when you do your budget you&rsquo;re enhancing that lifestyle, otherwise you will just be building up debt to keep up with the Jones&rsquo;s.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Know Your Financial Obligations: </span></strong><span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Home insurance, electricity, gas, sanitation, water and sewer will fall into this category.&nbsp; Cable TV is optional.&nbsp; Then there are expenses like home maintenance, hospitalization, auto payment(s), car insurance, registration, fuel, car maintenance, parking tolls, food, medical, personal care, taxes and more.&nbsp; On top of this you should have a solid emergency fund.&nbsp; I would suggest at least 6 months in the bank!&nbsp; </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Don't Have a Budget?&nbsp; </span></strong><span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Time to take a look at your income and expenses for the last 2-3 years and build your budget around the averages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Look at each area of your obligations, and remember to consider future savings and your children&rsquo;s educational expenses.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;"><strong><span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now let&rsquo;s see&hellip; We covered the right mortgage, your finances, your financial obligations and finally the budget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>What you need now is to choose the best advisor to assist you in your home purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>While there are so many to choose from, you should find one with experience, knowledge, tools and resources, and current market skills to handle your home purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>When purchasing a home you can hire the best and not pay a dime!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;"><strong><span style="font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">To know more please watch our video or visit our website at www.cghomes.com.&nbsp; </span></strong></p>]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/What-You-Need-to-Know-Before-You-Buy</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/What-You-Need-to-Know-Before-You-Buy</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Survive and Thrive in the Market</title><description><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What Is This Market About &amp; How Do You Survive And Thrive In It?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I sit here today thinking about the current market and the many elements that are working within it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I was talking with my sales partners this morning about all the great aspects of our business today in real estate, and here is what we know&hellip; Sellers are waiting to put their home on the market because it is perceived that the market will get better in the next year. Buyers are waiting to buy because it is perceived that the bank owned properties which are not yet on the market will be coming soon. Agents are lost and searching for the best tool to survive in these times, rather than investing the necessary time and money to increase their skill level and learn how to advise their clients in today&rsquo;s marketplace. People are hearing promises by the government that they will receive the assistance on their short sale and loan modification which is needed, but are having no success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So what does that tell us?... Well, things are looking great. I love the idea that there is so much commotion in the market, and people are looking for a knowledgeable professional to advise them on their questions. I feel excited about what that means because when the market shifted two years ago we all woke up, tightened our belts and rolled up our sleeves. It was time to learn how foolish we had been in the &lsquo;up&rsquo; market as well as what the value of a good advisor really meant. We took the inordinately bountiful market for granted and were making so much money that we forgot how we got there. All the hard work to achieve success until that point was completely ignored, and instead we saw that the consumer did not need a great agent, they just needed anyone with a license who could fog a mirror. We saw lenders giving loans to just about anyone, and just about anyone in turn did buy a home.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now here we are today, faced with the true reality of the economy and what we need to do in order to get ourselves realigned and refocused in our lives. The word &ldquo;budget&rdquo; is being used more than &ldquo;spending&rdquo;. The words &ldquo;interviewing for the best advisor&rdquo; are being heard instead of &ldquo;discounted agent&rdquo;. I recognize people turning to the experts to clean up after the past five years of bad habits, and getting wiser advice.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I met with a client the other day and the first thing they said to me was, &ldquo;Sorry we didn&rsquo;t hire you in the first place a year ago,&rdquo; to which I looked at them and replied, &ldquo;The world forgot how important it was to hire someone they know and can trust. Too many people got in to the business eight years ago and really damaged the reputation of the professionals in my field.&rdquo; Having been in real estate for 20 years I have seen the market&rsquo;s ups and downs, but never have I seen so many people hurt as I did this last cycle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I acknowledge one thing for sure&hellip; We have to help people get out of the negative places they have been facing, advise and direct them on how to clean up and move forward. There is way too much stress on these good families, and with times so tough it just moves around like a virus. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So when I ended the conversation with my team today I told them, &ldquo;Do your best to contribute positive feedback and be the source people turn toward to assist them in getting to that better place.&rdquo; </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">How we can do this is by educating people on the market&hellip;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1.</span><span style="font: 7pt &amp;amp;quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>For sellers&hellip; We can explain what the advantages of this market are so they can be completely understanding in setting their goals and expectations.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2.</span><span style="font: 7pt &amp;amp;quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For investors&hellip; We&rsquo;ll discuss the many opportunities that are out there and assist in forecasting their goals and expectations.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3.</span><span style="font: 7pt &amp;amp;quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For homeowners who are behind on payments and do not know where to turn&hellip; We can assist them with good advice and direct them to a solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We are going to be proactive and set up consultations, along with offering education about the market via videos and blogs on our website, as well as emails, all on a daily and weekly basis. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">So what&rsquo;s next? Stay tuned with us and we will provide you with the information you require to make your next move to a positive result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>You can do the following:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1.</span><span style="font: 7pt &amp;amp;quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Call us for a consultation (805) 582-9500</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2.</span><span style="font: 7pt &amp;amp;quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Email us your questions at </span></span><a href="mailto:info@cghomes.com"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-size: 12pt;">info@cghomes.com</span></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3.</span><span style="font: 7pt &amp;amp;quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Visit our website at </span></span><a href="http://www.cghomes.com/"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">www.cghomes.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> for up-to-date information and news, and remember to keep a watch on our BLOG postings.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &amp;amp;quot;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We look forward to making a difference for you, and being a part of your plan to succeed in this market!</span></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Survive-and-Thrive-in-the-Market</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Survive-and-Thrive-in-the-Market</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Fannie Mae</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: &amp;amp;quot; color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Fannie Mae is offering to let troubled borrowers who don't qualify for a loan modification stay in their homes as renters if they volunteer to relinquish ownership through a deed in lieu of foreclosure. The move is the latest in a series of steps by lenders trying to manage inventories of foreclosed homes. By reducing the supply of cheap foreclosures on the market, Fannie Mae's Deed for Lease Program would add to other efforts by the federal government to aid the housing market, analysts said. <br /><br />Jay Ryan, Fannie Mae's vice president of equity investments, said the program would help to stabilize neighborhoods. The firm said Thursday that the program would qualify only those borrowers who had exhausted other options, such as a loan modification. The program also would allow Fannie to produce some income from the properties -- many worth less than their mortgages, or "underwater" in industry terms -- as it waits for home prices to recover.<br /><br />Fannie Mae didn&rsquo;t say how many homeowners it expected would qualify for the program. To participate, a borrower must agree to convey all interest in a property to the lender. The company recorded 1,996 people agreeing to such a transaction in the first nine months of the year, according to a filing Thursday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In California, Fannie held $475 billion in loans at the end of the third quarter, of which 5% were "seriously" delinquent.<br /><br />The home must be a borrower's primary place of residence. A borrower-turned-tenant would have to document that the new market rental rate is no more than 31% of his or her gross income and be released from any subordinate liens on the property. Tenants must agree to allow the home to be shown to potential buyers and allow the company to market it for sale. <br /><br />Fannie's program isn't for everyone. Some borrowers would be better off pursuing loan modifications or other solutions.</span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Fannie-Mae</link><guid>http://www.cghomes.com/Blog/Fannie-Mae</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item></channel></rss>
