Santa Clarita Valley Real Estate

Homebuyer Tax Credits Improve - FREE MONEY

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:37:00 +0000

The new tax credit is an improvement over the existing one which expires on Nov. 30. Some of the enhancements it includes are:

The $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers has been extended through April 30, 2010.

Current homeowners are eligible for a $6,500 tax credit through April 30, as long as they have lived in the home they are selling as a principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight years.

Time has been added to allow for closing the home purchase. As long as buyers have a binding contract by April 30, they will then have until June 30, 2010, to close the transaction.

Income limits for eligible buyers were increased to $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for couples.

The passing of this legislation is very positive news for anyone looking to buy or sell a home. Both first-time and move-up buyers can now take advantage of the new tax credit in addition to today's historically low interest rates.

We'll help you stay up-to-date about real estate by providing additional information and resources. For the best experience buying, selling and financing contact our office.

Myth #2 – You Must Be Behind on Your Mortgage to Negotiate a Short Sale

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:15:00 +0000

Myth #2 – You Must Be Behind on Your Mortgage to Negotiate a Short Sale

While this may have previously been the case, today lenders are looking for verifiable hardship, monthly cash flow shortfall, or pending shortfall and insolvency.

If you meet these three requirements and believe that you soon may be unable to afford your mortgage, act immediately. Any delay could limit your options. Do not wait until the countdown clock to foreclosure has started and you have even less time left.

No matter how many payments you are or not behind please call me right away to discuss you personal situation. When we talk will review all your options and advise you with answers to all of your questions, and update you on current laws and rights available to you.

America Recycles Day— November 15th

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:42:00 +0000

America Recycles Day— November 15th
America Recycles Day is an annual

campaign to encourage Americans to

recycle and to buy recycled products.

As their slogan says, “it all comes back to

you.” Even a small shift in your attitudes

and actions, multiplied many times over by

others accepting this challenge, can

change the world. Maybe you’ll throw

those soft drink cans in the recycle bin. Or

buy recycled content products. Or

participate in an America Recycles event.

Even organize one yourself! The more you

do, the better. But even a little helps a lot.

Getting Back to Basics

Recycling is really just common sense, and

until the “modern era,” it was a common

household activity. Before the 1920s, 70%

of U.S. cities ran programs to recycle

certain materials.

Because of concern for the environment,

recycling is again on the upswing. The

nation’s composting and recycling rate

rose from 7.7% of the waste stream in 1960

to 17% in 1990. It’s currently up to around

33%. We're making great progress, so let's continue with the re-use, re-cycle, re-new campaigns. I would love to hear what you and your family are doing to improve our environment.

http://www.nrc-recycle.org/whyitsimportant.aspx

CASH For Appliances - Just in Time for the holidays

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:31:00 +0000

CASH for Appliances—
Coming Your Way SOON!!
By the end of 2009, consumers nationwide
will be able to take advantage of a federal
"cash for appliances" program offering
rebates on purchases of a wide array of
home appliances certified as energyefficient
by the EPA's Energy Star program.
Backed by an initial $300 million in funding
from the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act, the state-run rebate
program is intended to help make
American homes more energy-efficient
while further stimulating the economy.
Who Will Run the Program?
Each state will administer its own cash for
appliances program. The states will be free
to select which residential Energy Star
qualified appliances to include in their
programs and the individual rebate
amount offered for each appliance.
What Can You Buy?
The Department of Energy (DOE) has
recommended that the states focus their
cash for appliances rebate efforts on
heating and cooling equipment,
appliances, and water heaters as these
products offer the greatest energy savings
potential. Energy Star qualified appliance
categories eligible for rebates include:
central air conditioners, heat pumps (air
source and geothermal), boilers, furnaces
(oil and gas), room air conditioners, clothes
washers, dishwashers, freezers,
refrigerators, and water heaters.
When Does it Start?
The DOE plans to have distributed funding to
the states by November 30. As a result, the
cash for appliances rebates could be available
in stores just in time for Christmas shopping.
http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/moneymatters/a/cashappliances.htm

620 is the new magic number

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:24:00 +0000

For mortgages, 620 is the new magic number
Near historic low mortgage rates, favorable home prices, and the federal tax credit for first-time home buyers have contributed to home purchases in the past year. However, the onset of the credit crisis, new regulations for home appraisals, and more stringent guidelines for purchases and refinances have resulted in confusion for some potential home buyers.

While using a mortgage broker to find the best loan may work for some buyers, it may not always be the best route. In the past, mortgage brokers could “shop” a loan to multiple lenders to help find the best deal. However, new practices and procedures under the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) have hampered mortgage brokers’ abilities, namely that lenders may no longer accept home appraisals commissioned by brokers. As a result, consumers may have to pay for new appraisals with each lender, which costs time and money. However, consumers who are very busy or need guidance may find that working with a mortgage broker is the easiest solution.

Qualifying for a mortgage under current lender standards is more difficult nowadays than in years past. Beginning Nov. 1 or Dec. 12, depending on the type of loan, Fannie Mae is tightening its lending standards to the 620 credit score benchmark—including loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration and Veterans Affairs. Borrowers with credit scores of less than 620 will find it very difficult to qualify for a mortgage. However, to qualify for the best rates, consumers generally need credit scores of 720 and must have verifiable, steady income.

As for loan type, most real estate professionals agree that a fixed-rate mortgage is the best choice for buyers and refinancers.

To read the full story, please click here.

5 easy ways to speed up your pc.

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:57:00 +0000

5 easy ways to speed up your PC

http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/maintenance/speed.aspx

By following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain your computer and keep it running smoothly. This article discusses how to use the tools available in Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) and Windows Vista to more efficiently maintain your computer and safeguard your privacy when you're online.

1. Free up disk space

By freeing disk space, you can improve the performance of your computer. The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk. The utility identifies files that you can safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.
Use Disk Cleanup to:

· Remove temporary Internet files.

· Remove downloaded program files (such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets).

· Empty the Recycle Bin.

· Remove Windows temporary files.

· Remove optional Windows components that you don't use.

· Remove installed programs that you no longer use.

Tip: Typically, temporary Internet files take the most amount of space because the browser caches each page you visit for faster access later.

To use Disk Cleanup

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. If several drives are available, you might be prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.

2. In the Disk Cleanup for dialog box, scroll through the content of the Files to delete list.

Choose the files that you want to delete.

3. Clear the check boxes for files that you don't want to delete, and then click OK.

4. When prompted to confirm that you want to delete the specified files, click Yes.

After a few minutes, the process completes and the Disk Cleanup dialog box closes, leaving your computer cleaner and performing better.

2. Speed up access to data

Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back together. The response time can be significantly longer.

Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that consolidates fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk so that each occupies a single space on the disk. With your files stored neatly end-to-end, without fragmentation, reading and writing to the disk speeds up.

When to run Disk Defragmenter
In addition to running Disk Defragmenter at regular intervals—monthly is optimal—there are other times you should run it too, such as when:

· You add a large number of files.

· Your free disk space totals 15 percent or less.

· You install new programs or a new version of Windows.

To use Disk Defragmenter:

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.

Click Analyze to start the Disk Defragmenter.

2. In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the drives that you want to defragment, and then click the Analyze button. After the disk is analyzed, a dialog box appears, letting you know whether you should defragment the analyzed drives.

Tip: You should analyze a volume before defragmenting it to get an estimate of how long the defragmentation process will take.

3. To defragment the selected drive or drives, click the Defragment button. Note: In Windows Vista, there is no graphical user interface to demonstrate the progress—but your hard drive is still being defragmented.

After the defragmentation is complete, Disk Defragmenter displays the results.

4. To display detailed information about the defragmented disk or partition, click View Report.

5. To close the View Report dialog box, click Close.

6. To close the Disk Defragmenter utility, click the Close button on the title bar of the window.

3. Detect and repair disk errors

In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter to optimize the performance of your computer, you can check the integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running the Error Checking utility.

As you use your hard drive, it can develop bad sectors. Bad sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make data writing (such as file saving) difficult, or even impossible. The Error Checking utility scans the hard drive for bad sectors, and scans for file system errors to see whether certain files or folders are misplaced.

If you use your computer daily, you should run this utility once a week to help prevent data loss.

To run the Error Checking utility:

1. Close all open files.

2. Click Start, and then click My Computer.

3. In the My Computer window, right-click the hard disk you want to search for bad sectors, and then click Properties.

4. In the Properties dialog box, click the Tools tab.

5. Click the Check Now button.

6. In the Check Disk dialog box, select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box, and then click Start.

7. If bad sectors are found, choose to fix them.

Tip: Only select the "Automatically fix file system errors" check box if you think that your disk contains bad sectors.

4. Protect your computer against spyware

Spyware collects personal information without letting you know and without asking for permission. From the Web sites you visit to usernames and passwords, spyware can put you and your confidential information at risk. In addition to privacy concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance. To combat spyware, you might want to consider using Microsoft Windows Defender, which is included in Windows Vista, and is available as a free download for Microsoft XP SP2. Alternatively, there are other free anti-spyware software programs available.

5. Learn all about ReadyBoost

If you're using Windows Vista, you can use ReadyBoost to speed up your system. A new concept in adding memory to a system, it allows you to use non-volatile flash memory—like a USB flash drive or a memory card—to improve performance without having to add additional memory. Learn more.

Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:58:00 +0000

Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest, held October 24 at 6 p.m. at the City’s Sports Complex Aquatic Center. The no cost event will feature teams of SCUBA divers carving pumpkins underwater in the City’s Aquatic Center dive pool, as well as on-deck festive games and activities for spectators.

At the event, certified SCUBA dive teams will take to the dive pool at 6:45 p.m. to carve pumpkins 13 feet under the pool’s surface. An underwater camera will capture all the action so spectators can watch the dive teams’ progress live on a big screen. Once the carving is complete, the pumpkins will be judged for a grand prize.

“The City of Santa Clarita is dedicated to providing community members with fun and festive recreational activities,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “The Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest is one of the City’s most popular fall events and is a great opportunity for residents to enjoy a free, one-of-a-kind event at a state-of–the-art facility.”

In addition to the Pumpkin Carving Contest, the event will also feature a Fishing for Prizes game and face painting table for kids, as well as other crafts and games for the entire family to enjoy. Free refreshments will be served for guests to kick back and enjoy throughout the contest and judging.

The City’s Sports Complex Aquatic Center is located at 20850 Centre Pointe Parkway. For more information on the 2^nd Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest, contact the City’s Aquatic Center at (661) 250-3700 or visit santa-clarita.com

Washington Report: $8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:59:00 +0000

Washington Report: $8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit

by Kenneth R. Harney

Quick passage by the House last week of a bill extending the $8,000 home buyer tax credit next year for military, diplomatic and intelligence personnel serving overseas increases the odds that Congress will agree to an extension, maybe even an expansion, of the entire credit program well into 2010.

The White House is also signaling that it sees the overall tax credit program -- currently set to expire November 30 -- as an important element in cutting the unemployment rolls and stimulating new jobs next year.

After an economic policy strategy meeting last week in the Oval Office involving President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, congressional aides said Democrats generally support an extension of the housing credit.

Reid already has made clear he wants an extension. He is co-sponsoring a Senate bill that would do so for six months.

Congressman Charles Rangel, chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, sponsored the one-year extension of the credit for military and other personnel serving overseas, and is reported by aides as favoring an extension for the entire program.

The White House has not publicly committed to an extension, but has confirmed that the President is seriously examining that option.

An unexpected development that emerged following last week's White House meeting was the possibility of opening up the credit to a broader group of buyers next year - people who sell their current homes and buy a replacement home.

Though details were scanty, Capitol Hill sources said one option on the table would be to provide a tax credit -- most likely at the $8,000 level -- to replacement home buyers whose incomes do not exceed some limit.

The current credit phases out for single taxpayers with incomes above $75,000, and married purchasers earning $150,000.

A politically sensitive issue hovering over the entire debate on extending the housing tax credit is its cost - what it would add to the federal budgetary deficit. Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Economy.com, estimates that widening the credit to all buyers through next August could cost the government upwards of $30 billion.

Rangel's 12-month extension of the credit for service personnel is estimated to cost more than $300 million, but it's mainly being paid for through an increase in penalties levied by the IRS on taxpayers who fail to file corporate or partnership returns.

The New York Times reported that one possible solution to the cost problem would be to divert money not yet spent out of 2009's $800 billion stimulus legislation.

Published: October 12, 2009

City of Santa Clarita Festival of Arts Oct. 3rd and 4th 2009

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:29:00 +0000

Santa Clarita Street Art Festival 2009

On October 3 and 4, 2009, the Santa Clarita Festival of the Arts, sponsored by Lockheed Federal Credit Union, will highlight a spectrum of artistic talent in Old Town Newhall. This exciting two-day festival will be located along Main Street between Lyons Avenue and 5th Street. This year the highlight of the festival is the process of art. All weekend long, watch street painters, visual, digital, and multimedia artists create a works of art, from a beginning conception to the final masterpiece.

The Festival of the Arts is a free outdoor event, open to the public, and features a variety of artisans creating artwork, such as woodcarving, plein air painting, sculptures, and pottery, as well as live entertainment, fine arts and crafts vendors, and the fine art of street painting.

Click link for more details

Directions & Parking

Saturday 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Sunday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Free parking will be available at the Community Center on Market Street and at Wm. S. Hart Museum on Main Street. Get directions to the festival using Google Maps.

NO NEW 21-DAY TURNAROUND REQUIREMENT FOR SHORT SALE APPROVALS

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:17:00 +0000

NO NEW 21-DAY TURNAROUND REQUIREMENT FOR SHORT SALE APPROVALS

Recently enacted Senate Bill 306 does not require lenders to review short sale requests from sellers and their agents within 21 days. The new California law, which addresses certain escrow procedures, has been mischaracterized by some practitioners as landmark legislation calling for a 21-day turnaround for short sale approvals.

The new law inserts a short payoff amount request into the existing payoff demand law which generally requires a lender to respond to a request for a payoff demand statement within 21 days from when it is requested, typically by escrow. The new law essentially requires, after a short sale has already been approved, for the lender to respond to a request for a short-pay demand statement within 21 days. The lender’s response to escrow can be a short-pay demand statement or even, depending on the circumstances, a written statement electing not to proceed with the proposed transaction.

Another provision of SB 306 may also cause confusion. In practice, a lender may approve a short sale subject to its review of a closing statement prepared by escrow, but the lender does not review that closing statement promptly. Under the new law, if a lender fails to approve the closing statement within four days, the closing statement shall be deemed approved, but only if it is "not clearly contrary to the terms of the short-pay agreement or the short-pay demand statement provided to the escrowholder." The new law does not bind a lender to a short payoff amount in an offer that the lender has not approved.

Senate Bill 306 contains other technical changes in real estate related laws, such as, but not limited to, the following:

Expanding the existing requirement for a lender to contact certain borrowers to explore options for avoiding foreclosure at least 30 days before filing a notice of default, to include not only owner-occupied residences, but also owner-occupied residential property with two-to-four dwelling units.
Extending the existing requirement for a lender to record a notice of sale from 14 to 20 days before a trustee's sale. This provision does not change existing law requiring a lender to wait at least 20 days after mailing a notice of sale before conducting a trustee's sale.

This new law comes into effect on January 1, 2010. The full text of Senate Bill 306 is available at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0301-0350/sb_306_bill_20090806_chaptered.pdf.

If your considering a short sale please let me know and I will review all of your options that you have and also advise you as to how this law change will effect borrowers who are struggling to make their payments.

Short Sales will be around for a while... get used to them!

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:36:00 +0000

Today’s short sale buyer may be at an advantage purchasing a short sale property compared to a
foreclosure because if the borrower stills owns the home, he or she is likely to take better care of it. Patience is now required until the approval process is updated and efficiency improves from banks, lenders and investors; who approve the net acceptance price for opening and closing short sale escrows. We have closed new listings in less than 90 days with efficient servicers. Other properties can take over a year with changes in condition, occupancy and legal status.
We love helping our sellers, and buyers with shortsales. Our short sale department is tenacious and efficient. And so is our probate, relocation and foreclsure department.

David Hoshaw
Broker, CRS, GRI, e-PRO
Weichert, Realtors - Hoshaw & Associates
28009 Smyth Drive Santa Clarita, CA 91355

661-287-4466 ext. 226

david@scvRealty.com

www.scvRealty.com

For another take see this article....
Short Sales Spread across Real Estate Market, Leaving Frustration in Their Wake

By Mary Ellen Podmolik

ECONOMISTS ENCOURAGE TAX CREDIT EXTENSION

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:53:00 +0000

When Congress passed an $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers last winter, it was intended as a dose of shock therapy during a crisis. Now the question is becoming whether the housing market can function without it.

As many as 40 percent of all home buyers this year will qualify for the credit. It is on track to cost the government $15 billion, more than twice the amount that was projected when Congress passed the stimulus bill in February.

In the view of the real estate industry and some economists, all that money is well spent. They contend the credit is doing what it was meant to do, encouraging a recovery in the housing market that is gathering steam. Analysts say the credit is directly responsible for several hundred thousand home sales.

Skeptics argue that most of the money is going to people who would have bought a home anyway. And they contend that unless it is allowed to expire on schedule in late November, the tax credit is likely to become one more expensive government program that refuses to die.

The real estate industry, including the powerful 1.1 million-member National Association of REALTORS®, wants Congress to extend the credit at least through next summer. The group hopes to expand the program to $15,000 and to allow all buyers, not just those who have been out of the market for at least three years, to qualify. The price tag on that plan: $50 billion to $100 billion.

Continue reading on nytimes.com

Bank owned homes in Santa Clarita and Sylmar CA

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:57:00 +0000

The latest bank owned properties available for sale. For more information, or to view them please contact me asap.

Sincerely,

David Hoshaw
Broker, CRS, GRI, e-PRO
Weichert, Realtors - Hoshaw & Associates
28009 Smyth Drive Santa Clarita, CA 91355

661-287-4466 ext. 226

david@scvRealty.com

www.scvRealty.com

Address: 22817 22819 14TH STREET, SANTA CLARITA, CA
Rooms: 8 Bed: 3 Bath: 2.0 Price: 179,900.00

Address: 20940 JUDAH LANE 17, SANTA CLARITA, CA
Rooms: 6 Bed: 3 Bath: 3.0 Price: 199,900.00

Address: 25235 WHEELER ROAD, SANTA CLARITA, CA
Rooms: 7 Bed: 3 Bath: 2.0 Price: 326,900.00

Address: 13040 DRONFIELD AVE APT 5, SYLMAR, CA
Rooms: 3 Bed: 2 Bath: 1.0 Price: 68,900.00

Address: 14425 FOOTHILL BLVD UNIT 9, SYLMAR, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 135,900.00

Address: 15122 ROXFORD STREET UNIT 4, SYLMAR, CA
Rooms: 6 Bed: 3 Bath: 3.0 Price: 222,900.00

Address: 13265 RAVEN STREET, SYLMAR, CA
Rooms: 7 Bed: 3 Bath: 2.0 Price: 269,900.00

Address: 28440 MIRABELLE LN 449, SANTA CLARITA, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 235,000.00

Address: 16726 GAZELEY STREET, CANYON COUNTRY, CA
Rooms: 4 Bed: 1 Bath: 1.0 Price: 198,900.00

Address: 24159 DEL MONTE 385, VALENCIA, CA
Rooms: 2 Bed: 1 Bath: 1.0 Price: 192,900.00

Address: 23515 LYONS AVENUE 247, SANTA CLARITA, CA
Rooms: 6 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 136,900.00

Address: PALOMITA DRIVE VALENCIA AREA, SANTA CLARITA, CA
Rooms: 5 Bed: 3 Bath: 2.0 Price: 323,900.00

Address: 15148 POPPY MEADOW ST, CANYON COUNTRY, CA
Rooms: 7 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 313,900.00

Coming Soon Address: 15412 CALLE SAN LUIS POTOSI, SANTA CLARITA, CA
Price to be determined

Santa Clarita Valley Home Prices Bottoming Out

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 01:40:00 +0000

Santa Clarita Valley Home Prices Bottoming Out

Single-family homes sales during July in the Santa Clarita Valley held even with activity reported a year ago and gained 16.3 percent over this June.

235 homes closed escrow, down two sales or 0.8 percent from a year ago, but up 33 sales from this June. The 237 sales were the second highest monthly figure since the low point of this market of 99 sales was reported in January 2008.

88 condos changed owners, up three sales from a year ago and off a single transaction from the 89 closed escrows reported this June. Condo resales also have been gaining momentum since the low-water mark of 31 transactions in January 2008.

Buyers interest in puchasing has increased across the board, with homes priced under $500,000 receiving the most activity and multiple bids common.

"Inventory is half of what is was in 2008 while the pool of prospective buyers continue to expand as financing and low interest rates are available today. Plus the $8,000 federal tax credit for qualified first time buyers.

Active inventory is 807 listings as of the end of August off 54.6 percent from the 1,778 listings of July 2008. At the current pace of sales, the activity inventory represents a mere 2.5-month supply. A year ago the supply at the then current pace of sales was 5.5 months. A balanced market occurs when there is a 5- to 6-month supply.

The median price of the 235 homes that sold last month in the Santa Clarita Valley was $410,000, down 7.0 percent from a year ago and equal to the median reported in June.

The median has been above $400,000 in all but one month since the low point for this cycle of $385,000 was reported in December 2008.

Price declines from the prior year have been getting smaller with July being the second consecutive month the decline was in single-digit territory after 16 months of double-digit drops with the largest being 27.0 percent in December 2008.

The 88 condos that changed owners last month had a median price of $218,900, down 23.2 percent from a year ago and off 5.8 percent from the June 2009 median.

The median has been steadily rising since the record low median of $205,000 was posted this January.

Pending escrows - a measure of future resale activity - increased 11.0 percent from a year ago. There were 425 open escrows at the end of July; a year ago there were 385

"The competition in the lower price ranges and increasing sales in higher priced properties have the effect of stabilizing the median price. There’s still unknown certainty out there, but prices appear to have bottomed out.

Message

David Hoshaw
Broker, CRS, GRI, e-PRO

Weichert, Realtors - Hoshaw & Associates

28009 Smyth Drive Santa Clarita, CA 91355

661-287-4466 ext. 226

david@scvRealty.com

www.scvRealty.com

A Down Payment Anomaly

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:25:00 +0000

Despite home buyers being advised to issue down payments of at least 20 percent, many home buyers are finding that smaller down payments result in better interest rates—but also higher payments.

Rules put in place in late 2008 by Fannie Mae and similar rules adopted by Freddie Mac are less favorable to borrowers who put down 20 percent to 25 percent--partially because the GSEs consider these borrowers to be more of a credit risk since they are not required to purchase private mortgage insurance.

According to Fannie Mae, borrowers benefit from this industry practice because they are able to leave themselves a financial cushion by not issuing larger down payments, and can instead save the extra money for emergencies.

It is important to note though that smaller down payments mean higher monthly payments because the loan itself will be larger.

To read the full story, please click here

Message

David Hoshaw
Broker, CRS, GRI, e-PRO

Weichert, Realtors - Hoshaw & Associates

28009 Smyth Drive Santa Clarita, CA 91355

661-287-4466 ext. 226

david@scvRealty.com

www.scvRealty.com

Find Your Next Home

Know the Value of your Property?

CA median home price is $285k, Affordiability Index rises to 67%

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:37:00 +0000

Fast Facts
Calif. median home price - July 09: $285,480 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region July 09: Santa Barbara So. Coast $885,000 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region July 09: High Desert $110,650 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - Second Quarter 2009: 67 percent (Source: C.A.R.)
Mortgage rates - week ending 9/3/09 30-yr. fixed: 5.08% Fees/points: 0.7% 15-yr. fixed: 4.54% Fees/points: 0.6% 1-yr. adjustable: 4.62% Fees/points: 0.6% (Source: Freddie Mac)

www.scvRealty.com

Find Your Next Home

Know the Value of your Property?

Become our fan on Facebook

Walkable neighborhoods command price premiums

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:19:00 +0000

Walkable neighborhoods command price premiums
A new study says that homes located in more walkable neighborhoods command a price premium over similar homes in less walkable areas.

The study, “Walking the Walk: How Walkability Raises Home Values in U.S. Cities” was commissioned by CEOs for Cities and conducted by Joe Cortright using data from Walk Score.

Key findings include:· In 13 out of 15 metro areas higher levels of walk-ability were directly linked to higher home values.

· In the typical metropolitan area, a one point increase in Walk Score was associated with an increase in value ranging from $500 to $3,000. Gains were larger in denser, urban areas and smaller in less dense markets.

· In the typical areas studied, the premium commanded for neighborhoods with above-average Walk Scores ranged from $4,000 to $34,000.

More info

Santa Clarita CA - Enterprise Zone Breakfast Program

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:08:00 +0000

CITY HOSTS ENTERPRISE ZONE BREAKFAST PROGRAM
A Program to Help Businesses Keep More of What They Earn

The City of Santa Clarita will host a free Enterprise Zone Breakfast Program on Tuesday, August 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at City Hall’s first floor Century Room. The informational workshop will include a complimentary continental breakfast and provide local business with information on how to reduce their State Income Tax. A representative from the City’s Economic Development Division will facilitate the program.

The workshop will show local businesses how they can benefit from the Santa Clarita Enterprise Zone program on their 2008 State income taxes and where to go for additional information. Businesses located in the Zone may be able to reduce their State income tax by up to 50% or more.

“Whether you own a business in the City of Santa Clarita or are looking to relocate to the City, this no-cost Enterprise Zone Breakfast workshop is a great way to learn about valuable incentives available through the Enterprise Zone program,” said Mayor Frank Ferry.

City Hall is located at 23920 Valencia Boulevard. For more information on the Enterprise Zone Breakfast Program or to RSVP for the Breakfast workshop, contact the City’s Economic Development Division at (661) 286-4065 or visit www.SCEnterpriseZone.com

New Foreclosure, Bank owned homes available now

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:43:00 +0000

Weichert, Realtors - Hoshaw & Associates

Freddie Mac Selling Agent Select Property Report

As a Selling agent Select agent for Freddie Mac we can help you negotiate the best possible purchase price for these homes. Don’t see your future home on this week’s list? Just let us know where you want to live and we will help you find and get settled into your next home.

Contact me directly or your Weichert, Realtor with any questions

661-287-4466 x 226 or david@scvrealty.com

Ask about the special promotions available to buyers of these homes.

Address: 22817 22819 14TH STREET, SANTA CLARITA, CA

Rooms: 8 Bed: 3 Bath: 2.0 Price: 213,900.00

Address: 13040 DRONFIELD AVE APT 5, SYLMAR, CA

Rooms: 3 Bed: 2 Bath: 1.0 Price: 92,900.00

Address: 13100 BROMONT AVE UNIT 13, SYLMAR, CA

Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 0.0 Price: 105,900.00

Address: 12918 N FOUR PALMS LANE, SYLMAR, CA

Rooms: 5 Bed: 3 Bath: 3.0 Price: 251,900.00

Address: 13265 RAVEN STREET, SYLMAR, CA

Rooms: 7 Bed: 3 Bath: 2.0 Price: 289,900.00

Address: 23365 CALLE ARINO, SANTA CLARITA, CA

Rooms: 5 Bed: 3 Bath: 2.0 Price: 283,900.00

Address: 18053 SUNDOWNER WAY 628, CANYON COUNTRY, CA

Rooms: 7 Bed: 3 Bath: 2.0 Price: 133,900.00

Address: 28021 SARABANDE LANE 1204, CANYON COUNTRY, CA

Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 152,900.00

Address: 15148 POPPY MEADOW ST, CANYON COUNTRY, CA

Rooms: 7 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 313,900.00

The following Properties are not on the market yet, but will be coming soon to the market; please contact me for information.

Address: 27069 CROSSGLADE AVE UNIT 5, SANTA CLARITA, CA

Rooms: 4 Bed: 2 Bath: 2.0 Price: 0.00

Address: 19303 FOUR OAKS STREET, SANTA CLARITA, CA

Rooms: 0 Bed: 0 Bath: 0.0 Price: 0.00

Address: 24159 DEL MONTE 385, VALENCIA, CA

Rooms: 2 Bed: 1 Bath: 1.0 Price: 0.00

Address: 28634 AVOCADO PL, SANTA CLARITA, CA

Rooms: 6 Bed: 3 Bath: 3.0 Price: 0.00

Contact me directly or your Weichert, Realtor with any questions
661-287-4466 x 226 or david@scvrealty.com

Sizes of homes are shrinking along with the purchase price.

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:26:00 +0000

Valuable information to for buyers and sellers.

Statistics from the National Association of Homebuilders show that the square footage of homes has shrunk in recent years. This is a trend that is likely to continue given the current economy.

This may be an opportune time for owners of smaller homes to sell, according to a recent article published in Realty Times, which provided these tips for giving a small home big appeal to buyers:

Accentuate storage space. A buyer must sense that a smaller home has enough storage space to accommodate their everyday needs. Clear out the attic and/or basement if the home has them. In addition, built-in furniture or custom closets also provide convenient, hidden storage.

Create an office niche. Home offices are very popular, but a smaller home might not have an extra room to use for this purpose. Using a decorative screen around a small desk or tucking one away beneath a staircase shows buyers how they can still have a home office in a small space.

Make the most of space. In the kitchen, clear appliances from the counters and mount them under the cabinets for a clutter-free look. Avoid crowding a small living room with an oversized couch, and instead consider several comfortable chairs that may fit better and open up the room.

Final Link in Cross Valley Connector Set for Completion in March 2010

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 00:07:00 +0000

The City of Santa Clarita will begin the first of 12 large concrete pours for the Golden Valley Road Bridge, the final link in the Cross Valley Connector, this Friday, August 9. The pour will begin at 4 a.m. and is expected to last until 2 p.m.

The Golden Valley Road Bridge is scheduled for completion in March 2010. The 8 ½ mile Cross Valley Connector is the City’s major road project to ease traffic valley-wide through the seamless connection of Newhall Ranch Road and Golden Valley Road. The Connector will also provide a direct connection between the I-5/SR-126 and the SR-14/Golden Valley Interchange.

For more information on the Cross Valley Connector, contact the City’s Public Works Department, at (661) 255-4953 or visit http://www.santa-clarita.com/connector . Residents can also sign up for the Cross Valley Connector (CVC) RSS Feed, available at the above provided web address, for up-to-the-minute news on the project.

3-year descent in home prices appears to be at end

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 01:06:00 +0000

According to recent reports and forecasts by housing analysts, the three-year descent in home prices appears to be at an end. Eight cities, including San Francisco, showed price increases in May, up from four in April, and one in March, according to Standard and Poor’s/Case-Shiller Index. For the first time since early 2007, the index of 20 major cities was virtually flat, rather than down.

· Earlier reports show that sales of existing homes nationwide rose last month for the third consecutive month, while sales of new homes increased in June by the largest percentage in eight years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) and the U.S. Commerce Dept., respectively.

· Although some skeptics believe the market is pausing before home prices decline further, the median price in California’s housing market appears to be stabilizing. June marked the fourth consecutive month of rising home prices and the second largest gain on record for the month of June, based on statistics dating back to 1979. The year-to-year decline in June also was the smallest in the past 16 months.

· The S&P/Case-Shiller price index for 20 cities showed a half-percent gain when May was compared with April. It was the first month-over-month increase in the index in 34 months. “It is very possible that years from now we will say that April 2009 was the trough in home prices,” said Maureen Maitland, vice president for index services at Standard & Poor’s.

· One explanation for the increase in median prices is the rise in demand from buyers, especially first timers taking advantage of the $8,000 federal tax credit, which expires in December. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) is lobbying for the tax credit to be extended and to be replaced with a $15,000 credit for all buyers.

· Another factor in the market’s resurgence is the prevalence of foreclosures, which make up about a third of all existing home sales. “Although another surge of foreclosures is expected later this year, demand remains strong, so the market may be able to absorb more distressed properties without significantly impacting the median price,” said C.A.R.’s Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young.

To read the full story, please click here

Buying your first home may be easier than you think.

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:48:00 +0000

New $8,000* Tax Credit

For 2009, Congress has enacted an $8000 credit specifically to help first-time homebuyers. To qualify, you can earn no more than $75,000 as an individual or $150,000 as a married couple that files a joint tax return. If you do qualify, you will be able to deduct the full $8,000 from your federal tax liability. Or, if you owe less than $8,000, the government will subtract the amount you owe from $8,000 and send you a check for the difference.

Only first-time homebuyers who purchase their principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009 are eligible. You will also be considered a first-time buyer if you have not had any ownership interest in such a home in the three years previous to the day of your 2009 purchase.`
For detailed information about the tax credit, click on, First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit.

For more information about the $8,000 tax credit, please email or call our office now. You will be put in touch with a local Weichert Sales Associate who can also tell you about our informative homebuyer seminars and help you get started on your way to homeownership.

info@scvrealty.com

661-287-4466 x226

www.iSellSantaClarita.com

MID-YEAR MARKET SUMMARY

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:40:00 +0000

MID-YEAR MARKET SUMMARY

The California housing market showed more signs of emerging from the worst of the market downturn in June as the median price rose for the fourth straight month and sales registered significant year-to-year and year-to-date gains.

At $274,740 in June, the median price rose to its highest level so far this year and stood 4.2 percent higher than the May revised median price of $263,600. The median remained well below levels of a year earlier, however, with a 26.4 percent decrease from the June 2008 median of $373,100. Year-to-year changes have been less severe in recent months and the June decrease was the smallest since February 2008.

June sales dipped 6.0 percent from revised May sales of 546,750 homes to a June sales figure of 514,110 homes, but showed a 20.1 percent increase over prior year sales of 427,910 homes. This was the smallest percentage gain in a year, and smaller gains are expected through the rest of the year. Still, sales in the first half of the year exceeded the same period a year ago by 50.6 percent and annual sales for all of 2009 are expected to be 25 percent ahead of last year’s pace.

With an unsold inventory index in June at 4.1 months, the supply of homes has decreased steadily since the start of the year when the index stood at 6.6 months. The index is now 3.5 months lower than a year earlier and well below the peak of 16.6 months in early 2008. In fact, low inventories may constrain sales and contribute to upward pressure on home prices through the rest of the busy season.

LED ZEPAGAIN HITS THE STAGE THIS SATURDAY AT CENTRAL PARK

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:12:00 +0000

LED ZEPAGAIN HITS THE STAGE SATURDAY AT CENTRAL PARK
City’s Popular Concert Series Continues with Led Zeppelin Tribute Band

The City of Santa Clarita’s 2009 Concerts in the Park series continues, July 18 with a performance by “Led Zepagain,” bringing the sounds of Led Zeppelin to life at the Central Park stage at 7 p.m. The Concerts in the Park Series is free to attend and will continue every Saturday evening at 7 p.m. through August 29.

Hailed as “the greatest Led Zeppelin tribute band going,” Led Zepagain consistently sell out shows at some of California’s biggest clubs & casinos, including the House of Blues in Hollywood and Anaheim, The Galaxy Theater, The Coach House and Pechanga Casino.

“Community members can get ready to rock and roll when Led Zepagain hits the stage this Saturday for the second performance of the 2009 Concerts in the Park series,” said Mayor Frank Ferry. “Whether you’re a long-time Led Zeppelin fan, or just love great, high-energy music, Led Zepagain is sure to offer a performance to remember.”

The Concerts in the Park series is held at Santa Clarita’s Central Park and is one of the City’s most popular summertime traditions year after year. The 2009 talent lineup features returning favorites and first-time bands, with seven remaining dates providing non-stop fun for the whole family.

Central Park is located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road. For more information on the 2009 Concerts in the Park series, please contact the City’s Arts and Events office at (661) 286-4018 or visit www.santa-clarita.com/concerts.