We all love to save money! Some of these you may have already incorporated, but I bet you did not know some of these helpful hints!
Via Karen Rittenhouse (Triad Residential Solutions):
30 Ways to Save Money on Utilities
1. Check it out! In many area…
Homes For Sale Santee ~ Shadow Hill
At the far east end of Santee at the base of Rattlesnake Mountain sits the neighborhood of Shadow Hill. This neighborhood consists of older homes built anywhere from the late 50′s to the early ’70′s. Although these …
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Est.Square Feet: 1,020 Year Built: 1993 Great move-in ready end unit two story home with private yard and dual master suites. Over 1000 sqft of living space on two levels. Bedrooms and 2 bathrooms are upstairs with a half bath downstairs. NOT A SHORT SALE…Very move in ready
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Est. Square Feet:800 Year Built: 1948 Cute-as-a-button two-bedroom, one-bath home on lot with mature landscaping. Perfect for the first-time home buyer.
Sales Price: $355,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bath: 2 Year Built: 1996 Est. Square Feet: 1,472 Another Crown Hills beauty! NOT a short sale or bank owned! Open floor plan with breakfast area in kitchen, pantry, fireplace in living room, indoor laundry room. Front yard landscaping is drought tolerant, “Sage & Songbird” like. Crown Hills features community [...]
1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 830 Sq. Ft Year Built 1974 Peaceful park setting makes this spectacular 1bd+2 extra rooms a gem. All one level. Kitchen is absolutely stunning complete w/ custom maple cabinets w/ pullouts and lazy susans, beautiful granite, stainless steel and tile. Laminate wood flooring, recessed lights, forced air and heat, washer/dryer in [...]
Mortgage And Real Estate Fraud Continues
Reports of mortgage fraud; from appraisals being inflated to falsification of income documentation. Real Estate fraud; from straw buyers to short sale fraud. Foreclosure scams. Craigslist scams. Loan Modificati…
Homes For Sale Santee ~ Dakota Ranch
As one of the most highly desirable neighborhoods in Santee, Dakota Ranch lives up to it’s reputation! Located high on the hill between Cuyamaca and Magnolia, the homes in this community are Santee living at it’s fi…
This is some really great information to determine if a condo project has FHA approval. The condo’s on this list will still qualify for FHA financing through December 31 as long as they meet occupancy of 51%, 10% reserves and no litigation. The project…
Loan Modification ~ Don’t Be A Victim
There is constant talk that the economy is getting better. However, even today there are many that are losing jobs, taking employment with a lower pay scale than previously and still unable to afford their mortga…
Homes For Sale Santee ~ The Lakes
Located on the east side of Santee just off Magnolia is a quaint development of homes known as The Lakes.
With a beautiful park like setting, these 2-4 bedroom townhomes range from 1015 square feet to 1350 square fee…
Short Sale vs. Foreclosure ~ How it Affects Your Credit Score
Many homeowners are still facing tough financial situations. Although there have been positive reports on housing and employment, families are still struggling in todays economy. San Diego has been one of the hardest hit and with the announcement last week of General Dynamics laying off over 1200 employees from NASSCO in July, many will still face the challenge of meeting obligations.
There are many misconceptions as to which may affect your credit score in a more detramental way. Short 
Sale or Foreclosure. According to Fair Isaac, the developer of the software that calculates a score, if the mortgage debt is delinquent, the delinquincy is what causes the credit score to decrease. Both a Short Sale and a Foreclosure are considered “not paid as agreed” and will be scored accordingly and equally.
If you are faced with the potential of being in a position of not being able to make your mortgage payment, the first step would be to contact your lender immediately to see what the alternatives are. Many lenders are participating in new government backed program which was enacted as of April 5, 2010 for Loan Modifications and Foreclosure Alternatives.
If you need assistance or have questions on Loan Modification please give me a call. If you and your lender have determined a Short Sale as the alternative, I am available to assist you through the process.
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to Subscribe to All Possibilities Throughout San Diego or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Selling Your Home ~ The Listing Agent
So you have decided to sell your home. For what ever the reason, you have determined now is the time. How important is it when making a decision on a Listing Agent? In my opinion, this decision is the most 
important in the process. If your Listing Agent does not do a good job, your house will not sell.
Don’t be fooled by an agent who is willing to list your home for the highest price. By overpricing your home, it has the potential of sitting on the market for an extended period of time. You want to SELL your home, not just LIST your home! Ask for the numbers that support the sales price. A good Listing Agent will be able to provide you comparable sales in your neighborhood that justify your asking price. The same goes for a home priced too low. This may guarantee a quick sale, but have you gotten a fair price?
What should you look for when interviewing a Listing Agent?
By taking the time to understand the process and finding a Listing Agent that will work for you will enable you to sell your home for the highest price possible while keeping the transaction on course. An experienced Listing Agent will properly advise you with all the required disclosures while keeping real estate transactions from falling apart, or being brought into court. When selling your home, make sure you have a Listing Agent that will work for YOU, not their pocketbook!
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to Subscribe to All Possibilities Throughout San Diego or contact me at 619-838-4408.
The Termite Report
One of the inspections you will most likely get when purchasing a home is a Termite Report. Also called a Wood Destroying Pests and Organisms Report. This report is designed to tell you if the home you are about to purchase has termites or other pests; such as beetles; that may damage the structure.
What are termites?
Termites are small, ant-like insects that feed off of the cellulose in wood. These little pests will burrow and tunnel through wood, eating their way through your home. If they go untreated, they can cause complete destruction of the wooden structure. Not good news.
There are different types of termites. Subterranean Termites which live and move in the ground. Any earth to wood contact provides the perfect setting for the termites to make a buffet of your home. There are also Dry Wood Termiteswhich will colonize in non decayed wood which has a very low moisture content. They will obtain entry to the wood, the queen will lay the eggs and the damage begins. There are also Damp-wood Termites and Powder-post Termites but the most common in California are the Subterranean and Dry Wood Termites.
How are they treated?
There are different types of treatment for each of the different types of termites. The treatment will also depend on the seriousness of the infestation. There are both chemical and non chemical treatments for termites. Fumigation is the most common and effective way to eradicate Dry Wood Termites, although 
microwave and heat are also effective as non chemical treatment.
Subterranean Termites are treated with a soil treatment that requires application directly to the soil in, under and around the structure. Often times the soil treatment may only be applied where the infestation is found and not around the entire building. You may want to get clarification on which procedure is being used to treat the Subterranean Termites found in the report.
Understanding the Report
The scope of the termite report is to identify for the client any condition or damage which is related to termite infestation, wood destroying beetle infestation and fungus infection. Fungus infection is also known as Dry Rot and is caused when the moisture content of the wood exceeds 20 or 30%. This creates a 
fungi that feeds off the cells of the wood. Fungiis treated with borates which are injected into the wood. This treatment will kill the fungi, however, it does not add strength to damaged wood. Most often time the Termite Company will recommend replacement of wood infected with Dry Rot.
Any items found with damage will be identified as either Section 1 items or Section 2 items. Section 1 items are any conditions existing from termite damage, water damage, Dry Rot or active termite infestation. Section 2 items are identified to alert the client of a situation that could lead to future 
damage. Most lenders will require any Section 1 item to be corrected prior to the close of escrow. VA loans will require clearance of both Section 1 AND Section 2 items.
Once the problem has been identified as either Section 1 or Section 2, the company that has prepared the report will usually recommend the proper work necessary to remedy the problem right under the item found. The remedies may include fumigation, localized treatment, wood replacement and further inspection.
Once you have received the termite report, be sure and take the time to review and understand the process necessary to correct the problem. If you have any questions, please be sure and speak to your REALTOR® to help you understand the work being performed. Depending upon how the purchase contract has been written will determine who is responsible for paying for what work to be done. Most times the seller will agree to correct Section 1 items and the buyer would then be responsible for any Section 2 items 
they would like corrected. Prior to the work being completed, make sure all parties understand which items are going to be repaired. If you have determined that you would like the Section 2items completed, make sure that is communicated prior to the work being ordered complete.
After the work has been performed, the Termite Company will go back out to the property and inspect the work that has been completed properly and issue a Termite Clearance.
The Termite Report is an important part of your inspection process. Understand the treatments, the necessary repairs and the type of warranty offered after any work has been completed. Your investment is worth it! Get a Termite Report!
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Homes For Sale Santee CA ~ Mission View
Mission View is a new home development located on the West end of Santee. 31 homes nestled among 
the hills provide spectacular views while offering beautiful Tuscan and Spanish architectural design. Each of the homes have been have designer selected exterior color schemes with concrete tile roofs.
Mission View offers three different floor plans offer up to 6 bedrooms with square footage from 2630 to 3355. Optional studies, bonus rooms and lofts. 3 bathrooms in each along with a 3 bay garage. Bullnose corners, woodburning fireplace, and gourmet kitchen with Whirlpool Stainless Steel appliances will provide the perfect setting for family gatherings or entertaining. Backyards are fenced with a gas stub and waterproof electrical outlet for your backyard kitchen. RG-6 quad shield cable outlest and CAT5E phone outlets will provide you with technology throughout your new home.
Located just off of Mission Gorge in Santee you will have easy access to both the 52 and 125 freeways for your easy commute. Walk to Mission Trails Regional Park and Carlton Hills Golf Course. Minutes from Santee Towne Center where shopping at Costco, Target, WalMart, Lowes, and Khols will provide you with everything you could need to set up your new home.
Prices of the homes in Mission View start in the low $500,000′s with amazing amenities built in to the base price. Energy Efficient features standard on every home including dual glaed vinyl windows, 75 gallon EE water heater, insulated water circulation system and gas forced-air heating with setback thermostat. There is also optional solar panels available.
If you are looking for homes for sale in Santee, check out Mission View. You will not be disappointed!
Mission View not for you? There are many beautiful homes for sale in Santee. Take a look around Let me make the home of your dreams a reality.
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Have you been waiting for the sun, moon and stars to align before buying your home in San Diego California? Well the time has come….Don’t miss out on not only the Federal Tax Credit but the California Tax Creditas well. Janet Guilbalt provides us with some great information for potential California Home Buyers!
If EVER there was a reason to get off the fence and BUY YOUR HOUSE in California, this is it. We’re talking a once in a lifetime, 24 karat golden opportunity to have the government subsidize your home purchase for up to $18000 in tax credits.
But the window of opportunity is EVER so brief if you are going to attempt to double dip and get both the state and the federal tax credits.
Here’s how the double dip works: The federal home buyer tax credit for first time buyers states you must be in contract to buy your house by April 30th and close before June 30th to be eligible for the credit.
But a newly enacted California stimulus for home buyers actually OVERLAPS the federal first time home buyer tax credit!
You can also receive $10,000 in tax credits as a first time buyer, from the State of California for transactions that CLOSE after May 1.
If you have followed me so far (and there are 18,000 reasons to pay attention and follow) you have probably figured this out:
- By being in a RATIFIED CONTRACT before April 30, you can qualify for the $8000 first time homebuyer tax credit from the Federal government (as long as it closes by June 30)
- By CLOSING that RATIFIED CONTRACT after May 1, you can qualify for the $10,000 first time homebuyer tax credit from the State of California.
ADVICE:
Already in contract and set to close at the end of April? A delay of close until May 3 will not endear you to your Realtor or to your seller, but could qualify you for $10,000 in tax goodies (May 1 and 2 are a weekend).
If you are NOT already in a contract, you are going to need to contact a mortgage professional and get thoroughly pre-approved NOW. Make sure closing the loan before June 30th will be possible based on your situation. (60 days is NOT unreasonable for most loans).
Once preapproved, seek out a great Realtor who knows the ropes, will work FAST, and will work as a team with your chosen mortgage professsional.
Disclaimers: As a mortgage professional, I am not qualified to give tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor. Be aware there are income limitations on the federal tax return, and there could be other factors that limit your ability to receive the tax credits.
For more information, a speedy preapproval, or a referral to a great Realtor, call me at 925-552-3867.
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Thank you again to Thomas Lloyd for providing this helpful information on protecting yourself when buying property in Mexico. Enjoy!
As we all approach retirement, we often dream of someday owning a piece of Paradise, somewhere in Florida, Arizona, Hawaii, or even retiring in Puerto Vallarta; someplace with a climate conducive to kicking back and enjoying life to its fullest, year round.
To more than 50,000 retirees, Puerto Vallarta, located on the Mexican Riviera along the Pacific Ocean at the same latitude as Hawaii but six hours closer and with a lower cost of living, has been selected as their primary or part time retirement destination. Unlike the arid zones of Arizona, magnificent ocean views are available everywhere in Vallarta. Unlike the flat land and low elevations throughout Florida, the Sierra Madres provide the back drop to all of the Vallarta area providing a beautiful array of tropical flora and fauna.
The city of Puerto Vallarta lies on the innermost part of the 25 mile diameter Banderas Bay. The total land perimeter of the bay is approximately 60 miles, however only about 40 miles of shoreline is available for foreign ownership. This available land extends from Mismaloya, 10 miles south of Vallarta, to 25 miles north of Vallarta near Punta Mita in the state of Nayarit. An additional stretch of Pacific Ocean shoreline extends about 15 miles north of Punta Mita with certain portions available for foreign ownership, thus providing the total Greater Puerto Vallarta area roughly 55 miles of beachfront property.
With Greater Vallarta s large area of magnificent land, its climate similar to that of Hawaii, and a pro-growth Mexican government with many new investment incentives, the area has virtually exploded with new residential construction and consequently, with new Mexico real estate agencies. Aside from re-sales, these listing Mexico Real Estate agents, are currently marketing in excess of 100 new condominium complexes containing more than 7,000 new condominiums under various phases of construction. An additional 20,000 condominiums are in the conceptual or planning stages and are scheduled for construction during the next 15 years.
In order to promote these Puerto Vallarta real estate properties, there are currently over 80 listing agencies serving the area with approximately 500 agents, all having a fiduciary duty to the developers and property sellers. That being said, in order to avoid a conflict of interest, they must pay their dedication and loyalty to those with whom they have contractual agreements and represent; the developers and sellers. Of course, these Mexico real estate agents will do everything within their power to sell one of their own listings first, prior to considering the listings of others, in order to satisfy their clients as well as double their own commissions.
Now that we have established that the area in and around Paradise is huge, the quantity of new villas and condos is overwhelming, and 500 Mexico real estate listing agents are putting forth their best effort to please their clients, the sellers; certain questions
arise. How in the world do visitors to the area go about locating their retirement in Puerto Vallarta destination without searching through 80 agencies What assurances do the prospective buyers have that they are getting exactly what they want, in the location that best suits their objectives, and at the best price available How, in Mexico where all legal contracts are in Spanish and the Mexico real estate laws are somewhat different, can the prospective buyers be assured that they are being treated fairly when the Mexico real estate listing agent is representing the developer or seller
To answer those questions and for numerous other reasons, the use of a Mexico buyer’s agent is a prerequisite for any foreigner considering the purchase of real estate in Puerto Vallarta. There are a few agencies in the Greater Vallarta area that claim to be Mexico buyer’s representatives; however most of them also have listings within their agencies. In order for prospective buyers to be absolutely confident that they are receiving 100% loyalty and dedication, they should attempt to employ the services of an agency with absolutely no listings, no biases, and no ulterior motives; one who knows the area well, that has access to all listings, and that has the legal team, property inspectors, appraisers, mortgage bankers, Mexico escrow agents, etc. working on the buyer’s behalf.
Agents that exclusively represent buyers are quite common in the US and Canada, however they are few and far between in Mexico Such agents do request signed contracts with the buyers stating that they are acting on the buyer’s behalf, however there is generally no charge to the buyer since commissions are shared by the listing agent.
Listed below are some of the benefits associated with using an Exclusive Buyer’s Agent in Mexico:
Exclusive Buyers Agent- Represents no sellers and has no listings
EBA- Avoids dual agency and conflicts of interest
EBA- Owes complete fiduciary duty and loyalty to buyer
EBA- Maintains buyer information as strictly confidential
EBA- Has access to all properties on the market
EBA- Is unbiased in showing all properties available
EBA- Conducts an objective comparative market analysis
EBA- Thoroughly researches property pros and cons
EBA- Obtains appropriate inspection reports and appraisals
EBA- Strives ethically to gain bargaining advantage for buyer
EBA- Negotiates for buyer to optimize purchase agreement
EBA- Obtains most favorable legal and financial professionals
EBA- Prepares contracts in Spanish with accurate English translations
EBA- Works with 100% buyer dedication throughout entire process
EBA- Charges the buyer no fees for representation services
EBA- Often saves the buyer time, money, and provides peace of mind
In summarizing, the prudent buyer will always locate and use a Mexico Exclusive Buyer’s Agent when searching for his/her retirement residence in Mexico; where caveat emptor, or buyer beware, is the rule to follow. In so doing, the retiree will be assured a stress free and enjoyable first retirement experience in Paradise.
“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”
Thomas Lloyd, graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. Mexico Real Estate Degree & Professional Identificacion Number S.E.P. #5978657. He is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate
Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!
Please feel free to subscribe to my blog or contact me at 619-838-4408.
Stephanie Reynolds 
Colleen Mitchell 
