Friday, June 30, 2006

Interest Rate Hike

The Federal Reserve Board has hiked rates for the 17th consecutive time over the past two years, bringing the Fed Funds Rate to 5.25%.

analysts say the hike won't have much effect on mortgages, but will effect home equity lines of credit which are directly tied to the federal funds rate.

It may be time to reveiw the debt you carry on your home. There may be less expensive options than the debt structure you have in place. If you need an introduction or an experienced, qualified, knowledgeable loan officer, give us a call or visit our website. We're glad to help.

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Tax Consequences For Homesellers On The Move

Thomas Musil's article in today's OC Register about the tax consequences when selling a home and moving out of the country is good information for all of us. It addresses the standard capital gains exclusion up to $250,000 per person and the 2 year eligiblity requirement. The article gives good information, but tax laws change and it is a good idea to consult your accountant or tax attorney prior to making a move.

If you are thinking of selling and would like a market evaluation on your home, visit www.EmailHouseValue.info. Your evaluation will be emailed to you...without having to talk with an agent.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Landscaping Improvements Pay Off Big

Money spent sprucing up the yard with trees, shrubs, lighting, and patios is well worth it — especially when it comes time to sell the home, a new study says. The report, by Arbor National Mortgage, found that 84 percent of real estate professionals believe a house on a treed lot would fetch at least 20 percent more than one on a lot without trees.

Another of the company’s surveys suggested that while shelling out for top-of-the line landscaping may only bring in an additional 4 percent to 5 percent, spending minimal amounts has a penalty. Homes with average landscaping sell for 20 percent more than homes with just fair landscaping.

The American Society of Landscape Architects suggests budgeting 5 percent to 10 percent of a home’s value for its initial landscaping. Before launching into a landscaping project, keep these pointers in mind:

1. If you can't afford to hire a landscape architect, check out the services offered by nurseries and big-box home improvement retailers, such as Home Depot. Many offer design services — sometimes without charge — if you are buy plants there.

2. You can save about half the cost of landscaping if you do the work yourself. But keep in mind that large trees are often killed when carried uncovered in the back of the buyer's SUV from the nursery to the house, not because they are planted poorly. Also, most nurseries won't guarantee plants they don't install.

3. If you're trying to stick to a tight budget, remember that a few larger plants will have a greater visual impact than many small ones.

4. Before planting trees, determine how large they will become and what leaf pattern will develop. If you plant a big tree too close to the house, the growing roots could cause the foundation to crack. And if you place it too near a sidewalk or driveway, root expansion could cause the pavement to buckle.

Source: Orlando Sentinel, Lew Sichelman (6/11/06)
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Want to know how much your new landscaping has increased the value of your Orange County home? Visit my website and request a Free home evaluation.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Acts Of Kindness

With all the news of pain, suffering and war that we are inundated with, it is refreshing to hear of acts of kindness. Local San Juan Capistano 11 year old, Joseph Palmer, who just had his first haircut in 2 years, is donating his cut locks to www.LocksOfLove.org. This organization donates hair pieces to disadvantaged children with long-term hair loss. Kudos, Joseph, for your generosity and thoughtfulness!!

Sunday, June 11, 2006

San Clemente Classic Car Show

What a blast from the past! Another great event on Del Mar Avenue on Sunday, June 11. It was good fun, food, music and maybe even some past memories for many.....

Are you old enough to remember riding in some of these great cars? Riding down to the Pier Bowl on the way home from High School....surfboard on the rack? Not much has changed over the years as far as San Clemente having some of the best surfing on the coast!

One thing is for sure, if you live in San Clemente..you will live it!

Do you remember the days of any of these classic cars and the fun you had on those Happy Days ?



It was a huge turn out on yet another day of perfect weather in beautiful San Clemente....everyone enjoyed the music, hot dogs, churros, chips and salsa as well as the farmers market.

This is just one of the many events that can be enjoyed when one lives in San Clemente!
For more information about San Clemente, you can visit here.

Cool Map Searching for Homes

Something new when you search for Orange County Real Estate... and this is pretty cool ! Search for Orange County homes and you can see where they are located on the local map.


Once you enter the city and your search criteria, you can view the properties by Map, Satellite or Hybrid view. Depending on which search you choose, you will be able to see street names, the terrain, as well as the surrounding area.
The view above is the standard Map search view....


This Map example view shows how you can zoom in and even use your mouse to move the map around to position it however you prefer. Once you zoom in, the street names show up so you can see exactly where properties are located.


This example view shows the Hybrid view (you can zoom in or out to see more detail) where you can view homes in an entire neighborhood, street names, etc.

If you are looking for Orange County Real Estate, the map program can be accessed by visiting GuideToLocalRealEstate.com. No sign-in is required to view pictures and property information.

Why not give it a try! Is it the latest technology for viewing homes for sale. It's FREE and no agent calls you unless you request more information!

Now, that is really cool!!

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Who Needs A Survey?

A property survey is a map of a property showing where structures, easements and boundaries are located. To most buyers, being required by the mortgage company to have an updated survey for closing just seems like a waste of money. And, who wants to spend more money than absolutely necessary?

But, a survey is like insurance. The chances of you ever really needing it are slim, but if you ever do need it, you will be glad you have it. CNNMoney.com has a great article about folks who wished they had a survey. Be sure to take a look.

Thinking of buying or selling a home?
Visit GuideToLocalRealEstate.com. Here you can look at all homes listed for sale in Orange County, even via satelitte at aerial map search and get a Price Valuation.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

What Is A Contingency Contract?

Sandra Nickel, Realtor in Montgomery, AL, has an excellent post on contingency contracts. What are they and should you as a seller accept one. It is short, sweet and informative.

Please contact us with any questions you have about contingency contracts or real estate in Orange County.

Friday, June 02, 2006

Painting Tips

Tis the season for do-it-yourself projects. The honey-do- list at our house is a mile long and I am always looking for a way to make the job I am tackling easier. Sam Miller, an excellent Realtor in Mount Vernon, OH has a post with interior painting tips. If painting is on your list of projects, take a look.
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If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, visit my website. Here you can view all local real estate listings.