Making a Difference

I love the people that I work with or should I say "I serve with".  Century 21 Award in Eastlake is not just another real estate office.  Of course we are serious about real estate, but we are also serious about making a difference. 

A couple of realtors from our office led a military outreach by collecting items such as toiletries, games, snacks to our troops that were in Iraq.  Now, there is a group of people from our office that walks around the neighborhood asking people for a donation of canned food to be donated to a local organization to help out the homeless.

A handful of my officemates have also made donations to make the Backpack Ministry possible.  We are in the process of sending 300 backpacks to the children of the Philippines.  These bags are full of school supplies, canned food, Top Ramen noodles, and candies. 

A wonderful friend and co-worker has even made a donation for a homeless family (with a 5 month old girl) to have a place to stay for a couple of days.  Some have also given used clothes for our homeless ministry.  Another group from our office are also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and have participated in building several homes.

I respect my colleagues for their professionalism, but I love them more for their selflessness.  Our identity is not found in "our job", but it is found in who we serve.

First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit EXTENDED!

Yes, the first-time home buyer tax credit that was supposed to end by the end of November has been extended to April 2010. 

This is absolutely great news to many buyers that felt the pressure of getting into a home before the deadline.  I just hope that the banks will release some of the foreclosed properties out on the market now, so that the buyers can take advantage of this credit extension.

According to the IRS website-
Under the new law, an eligible taxpayer must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2010 and close on the home by June 30, 2010. For qualifying purchases in 2010, taxpayers have the option of claiming the credit on either their 2009 or 2010 return.

More info from the IRS

Tax Extension

Another Reason to Buy in San Diego!

*San Diego ranks 3rd on the America’s Best Cities for Home Sales. Another reason why you should buy! San Diego is one of the most desirable cities in the country and now finally affordable.
*Median home price: $377,300
March 2008 listings- 19,000 March 2008 Pending- 2,000
March 2009 listings- 15,000 March 2009 Pending- 6,000

Click on this link to read more about it Home Sales Rising!

First-time Homebuyer Credit

Hi there! Yes, it's true! First-time homebuyer can get a credit of up to $8,000 or 10% of the home's value (whichever one is less). The government is doing whatever it takes to get the real estate market moving, so why not take advantage of it.

To read more click on this link First-Time Homebuyer Credit!

Beware of Foreclosure SCAMS! You have to read this!

With the economy being the way it is right now, there are more and more scam artists out there who are looking to prey on people who are struggling to keep their homes. This is something that really bothers me...in fact it makes me mad! Why would they take advantage of people who are already hurting financially? I don't really know. The only thing I can do is give you some information and shed some light on this issue.

So here it is, if you are facing foreclosure, in simple terms,here's what you have to do:

1) Make sure you are prepared by having your financial information ready.
The bank will ask for:
* Hardship letter
* Most recent bank statements
* W2's
* They will ask for monthly financial information, your income and expenses(so get these ready: credit cards, utilities, car payments, etc.)
*The bank may even send you a package to fill out. I recommend filling it out completely and immediately. Make sure you keep a copy for yourself and if asked to fax, fax it atleast twice, this way you can make sure they receive it.

2) Talk to the bank! Depending on your situation, the bank may ask you to;.

*Modify your loan- this may help you catch up if the bank extends your terms or
lowers your interest rate.

*Special forebearance- if you have experienced a decrease in your income,the bank may(if you qualify) arrange for a repayment plan or a suspension of payment.

*Pre-foreclosure Sale or Short Sale- to avoid foreclosure, you may be able to sell
your home for an amount less than the amount you owe.

*Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure- to voluntarily give the property back to the lender.

Please DO NOT pay someone else or even a "loan modification" company any money. Why pay them when you can do this on your own. It will take a bit of your time, but it is worth it if you can save money and possibly save your home.

Please be aware of scams out there, believe me they are out there. Check out this info I got from the Attorney General's website;

Avoid Being a Victim!

Any questions, feel FREE to contact me, get it FREE! I don't charge to give people advice =)

Mortgage loan rates are at the lowest in 37 years

I was reading this article from www.cnnmoney.com that I thought I'd share with you guys. It says that the mortgage loan rate is currently about 5.1% (Please check out the link on the bottom of this page)

I have a lot of my buyers that are taking advantage of not only the low interest rate but also the great deals that we are finding right now.
A couple of years ago, I had buyers that avoided Chula Vista (Otay Ranch or Eastlake area) because they thought it was "impossible" to buy a house there because the prices were ridiculously high. Now, most of my buyers ONLY want to look in those same areas, why? Because now for only $350,000 they can finally have their "dream home". I also have buyers that moved out of San Diego a couple of years ago because they couldn't afford to buy here and now they are calling me to find them a great deal.

I personally think that San Diego is the place to be. I love it here, you can do so many things. Everything is literally "close by". If you want to go the the beach, only 20 minutes away. If you want to go to the mountains, maybe around 45 minutes away. You want to take the kids to amusement parks, there are several you can easily go to. AND should I even mention the weather!!! I think you already know.

If you ask me, should I buy right now in San Diego? My answer is "Why wouldn't you"


Mortgage Rates Hit New Low!

Should We??

If you have been asking yourself whether you should buy now or wait, answer the following questions;

1) Do you have good credit? (over 680)

2) Are you planning on staying in the home for several years?

3) Do you want to lock in a really good rate?

If you answered YES to all three of the questions, then what are you waiting for?

If you could finally purchase your dream home at a price you can afford, what are you waiting for?

If you are renting now, there's a good chance that your mortgage would be just a little bit more than your monthly rent. Then what are you waiting for?

Click on this link below to preview some of the homes available right now... one of them might be your dream home. What are you waiting for?

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