BR's RE BLOGATERIA!

February 28, 2007

February 10, 2007

We've been telling you all along that out of state investing has been booming. Here are 5 metro areas to consider. http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2007020901?OpenDocument

Investors: Check with your financial advisor an additional extension in the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 signed in December by the President may have additional tax benefits for offsetting expenses depending on when you purchase your property and when work is done.

The Act extends for two years (through December 31, 2007) the MACRS recovery period for qualified leasehold improvement property and qualified restaurant property. Effective for property placed in service after December 31, 2005. (Fifteen-Year Straight-Line Cost Recovery for Qualified Leasehold Improvements and Qualified Restaurant Property [Act §113; Code §168]) Courtesy BNA.com

Buyers: For those of you who don't have a large downpayment this change could help you with regards to PMI or Private Mortgage Insurance. Talk to your loan advisor or financial advisor on how this can help you get in the home your deserve. (Premiums for Mortgage Insurance
[Act §419; Code §§163, 6050H]) Courtesy BNA.com

February 1, 2007

The Federal Reserve held rates at 5.25 percent in today's session, offering positive signals about inflation. Check with your lender about how this effects your borrowing power. http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070201/BUSINESS01/702010343/1066

Got questions about the market, give us a ring @ (310) 200 2691 or email info@yoursbl.com

January 24^th 2007

December 28, 2006:

US homes sales are defying forecasts according to the National Association of Realtors. Wall Street & goverment data are optimistic for a postitive 2007. See the details here. http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/12/28/061228152253.vnuo4564.html

Sales of Previously Owned Homes Rise in November  http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/28/business/028cnd-home.html?hp&ex=1167368400&en=29c65a467efe16c0&ei=5094&partner=homepage

December 25, 2006:

Merry Christmas !!!

December 19, 2006:

Report Reveals 2.2 Million Borrowers Face Foreclosure on Subprime Home Loans.  http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061219/dctu021.html?.v=78

Florida & California lead the country in Foreclosure risk:                                       http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/local/sfl-ybrealpo18dec18,0,7839289.column?coll=sfla-features-recipes&track=mostemailedlink

December 14, 2006:

If you haven't finished your holiday shopping, you're almost in big trouble! Get out there and buy home related products to make your home more valuable. The latest reports have California sales volume down roughly 26-28% at this point but sales prices are up 1.7-2.4%. (depending on who's reporting results) Ultimately, the market has it's ebbs and flows, with a short term mortgage rate hike you may have missed your chance at the double wammy of lower prices and lower interest rates for the remainder of the year. That being said, there are still some great deals out there through the end of the year with foreclosure and short-sale opportunities on the rise. Give us a call for the details and you could have a great Holiday gift and equity stake to start the new year off right. Call us @ (310) 200-2691 or email us @ info@yoursbl.com

*Stats courtesy of CAR.org, KFWB.com & LAtimes.com

November 20, 2006:

We like to congratulate our friends on recent additions to their families. Congratulations to Vijay & Jayashree on the birth of their son Rishi, Matt & Stephanie on the birth of their daughter Ella, and Jarrod & Holly on the birth of their son Cameron recently. We know how important family is and are greatful for all our friends good fortune.

We like to wish all our friend, clients & colleagues a safe and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

November 5, 2006:

In case you missed it last night our partner and friend Beverly Schaeffer appeared on the The Learning Channel's FLIP THIS HOUSE ! last night. You can check out the epsiode which will rebroadcast here Beverly on Nov. 5th and 11th. See how even seasoned professionals can have set backs. It is how you deal with them that decides profit or loss.

To learn more contact us at info@yoursbl.com on how to reach Beverly or anyone else you see in the episode.

October 29, 2006:

Foreclosure rates are increasing in several states http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/29/business/main2135898.shtml. This combined with interest rates steadying and the soaring stock market makes an interesting time for investors. According to this CBS news story "Colorado, Nevada and Florida now have the highest foreclosure rates, while the number of foreclosures in California have tripled since the last year."  Courtesy CBS News.

If your thinking it's time to consider refiancing the short term loans you have, NOW is the time to start speaking with you loan brokers. If you need suggestion visit our trusted partners page http://www.yoursouthbayliving.com/TrustedPartners for 2 excellent options. Be smart, protect your equity and we'll help you get more with smart investing and management of your assets.

If you've got questions, we are just a phone call away.

October 8th 2006:

Traditionally, this is the beginning of the slow down period in the housing market. This year is no exception. Understanding how the bond market and interest rates work together is important to understanding values in this market. If you're not sure what your lender is talking about when they talk about the bond market and your loan rate read this http://news.morningstar.com/classroom2/printlesson.asp?docId=5375&CN=COM. The median price for homes in California rose to $576,360, up 1.6 percent from  one year ago according to the California Association of Realtors. It is a buyer's market in most cities in California. There are several exceptions in the South Bay and the rest of Los Angeles County, these tend    to be in the most desirable locations in these areas. Selling agents are offering "interesting" incentives to close deals in this market which makes for great opportunities or unrealistic expectations.

More mortgages = better credit
Consumers carrying a mortgage have an average credit score of 713, 55 points higher than the average score of those with no mortgage, finds a study by credit reporting company Experian Consumer Direct. Consumers with two mortgages have an average credit score of 739, 81 points higher than the score of those without. Experian didn’t suggest a reason for the difference but said, “Although consumers with mortgages have on average . . . more debt . . . [they] seem to be keeping their credit in check despite the additional financial responsibility,” says Ty Taylor, president of Experian Consumer Direct. * Courtesy Realtor.org

http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.NSF/pages/fasttakesoct06?OpenDocument

Keep reading these posts, call or write us and ask questions, we are here to help with straightforward answers. Give us a ring @ 310 200 2691 or email us at info@yoursouthbayliving.com to get all the details.

Aya at Lobsterfest..... HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

September 6th 2006:

Home Price gains were moderate according to The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight. http://www.ofheo.gov   On average, homes gained about 10 percent in the year that ended June 30. Equity gains in the western states were higher with Idaho and Arizona seeing in some cases more than 20% increases. Smart buyers and sellers are still making good, cost-effective deals. Interest rates have dropped again slightly and are still at historic lows. As we reach the end of the year, smart investors domestically and abroad are going to take advantage of the opportunities. We have to be in several states over the Labor Day holiday and there are some very interesting opportunities out there.                        

Give us a ring @ 310 200 2691 or email us at info@yoursouthbayliving.com to get all the details.

Source: Gannett News Service, Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight.

August 16th 2006:

THE MARKET continues to keep us on our toes. The latest numbers have much of California and 27     other states showing decreases in appreciation with Los Angeles County being one of the exceptions. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-homes16aug16,1,1446316.story. This being said, we are seeing deals being made in recent weeks that make sense. Sales in parts of the Southbay, Long Beach, Carson, Hollywood and Hancock Park have increased. This, is primarily in my opinion, to people seeing the "light" and sellers taking sales price offers that are more in line with market data. There is still time to get your home on the market before the seasonal market slowdown and make a sale. If you're buying, a purchase now still gets you in at historically low interest rates and will allow you several months of a tax break should you be making so much money that you need the help. Out of state deals are only going to get better as sellers need to get out from under the debt before the end of the year. 

A SIDE NOTE:  Many of you have asked about investment clubs and seminars. While we think that there are alot of great people out there and good information to gain, do your research to avoid     situations that can deplete your savings. Most probably missed this article this week but read it for         your own protection. "Judge freezes assets of man accused of $22 million con job" http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/3548307.html

Call or email us day or night for questions or to see properties anywhere in or around LA. We're always available and will be happy to speak with you about any aspect of the market !

This why we work so hard...

Aya Katherine @ 3 Months

August 1st 2006:

June 27th 2006:

THE MARKET is definitely different this year. Buyers are waiting longer to make decisions, and in the meantime rising interest rates are adding pressure to new home builders and first time buyer. That being said, this is still a great time to buy.

The South Bay unlike other markets in the US and even other parts of California is still strong. People love the beach, the good schools, safe neighborhoods and friendly neighbors. The properties that are priced right are selling quickly and usually with multiple offers. If your looking to buy what are you waiting for? If you’re paying rent you’re making the landlord wealthy at your expense. No tax breaks, equity growth, and no way to improve your financial standing in the long run. Call us; ask questions, there are no dumb questions in this business, only people that don’t want to tell you the honest truth. You’ll always get a straight answer from us.

If you are thinking of selling, this is the strongest time of year to sell. The kids are out of school, families are planning their next move or move up, and everyone wants to be near the beach in the heat of this summer. Be smart, get your home ready for sale, and don’t assume people will accept things unkempt or half done. It doesn’t take much to make an average home look great or a great home look even better.

Properties are sitting on the market up to 120+ days now throughout Los Angeles when they are over priced, or unpresentable. If you want your home to sell in a timely fashion and for market price do your homework. Ask a professional: What is the best way to get my home ready for sale cost effectively. There are helpful hints throughout this website and we are always available to answer your questions. 

Give us a call !