California Protects Your Privacy

Privacy Journal's list of 10 best states ranks California as #1 with the toughest privacy laws in the country. What does California do that other states don't?

1. Federal regulations require an 'opt-out' option giving consumers the ability to 'opt-out' of having companies share or sell their personal information. California puts the burden on the companies, requiring them to get the consumers permission to sell or share information.

2. Identity-theft victims can put a 'fraud alert' notification on their credit report, notifying potential lenders that someone may be illegally applying for credit in their names. California goes a step further and allows residents to “freeze” their credit reports -- essentially preventing lenders from accessing the files and granting credit.

3. Businesses in California are restricted in how they can use social security numbers. Businesses cannot post or display social security numbers, print them on ID cards, print them on materials mailed to customers, require them to be transmitted over the internet, or require them to be used to log into an internet site.

4. Businesses are required to shred all records containing personal information.

5. Businesses are required to alert their California customers if hackers or employees steal information that could be used for identity theft.

6. California has added privacy rights to its state constitution.

California is pro-active in the privacy protection it offer its residents, adding to our quality of life and ultimately helping to maintain our real estate values. Are you thinking of buying a home in Orange County? Real estate prices here have continued to appreciate in 2006 making it a great time to buy or sell. Visit EmailHome.info to receive a daily list of new homes for sale as they hit the market.

Consumer Confidence Grows

Consumer confidence grew in December according to the Consumer Confidence Index, which increased from 105.3 in November to 109.0 in December. While it is too early to tell, consumer's upbeat attitude and may be a signal that the increase in housing slump across the country is coming to an end.

Orange County prices have continued to rise in 2006, even though the number of sales fell compared to 2005, making this a great time to buy or sell Orange County real estate. Get all the tools you'll need to act effectively within the Orange County real estate market at our newest website, GuideToLocalRealEstate.com.

New Deduction For Mortgage Insurance

Home owners will benefit from a new tax deduction for private and government mortgage insurance premiums. Mortgage insurance is charged to borrowers with less than a 20 percent down payment on their home mortgage and are typically one-half of 1 percent of the mortgage amount.

Over the past few years, piggyback loans or second mortgages have become popular to avoid paying mortgage insurance. But with the new tax deduction, borrowers may want to crunch some numbers, taking a second look at this option.

Starting in 2007, mortgage insurance premiums will be handled the same as your interest deduction on your mortgage. Full story...

5 Tips For Selling In A Buyer's Market

BankRate.com has an informative article about how to sell a home in a buyer's market. Here in Orange County, the average sales price continues to rise, but homes are staying on the market longer and buyer's have more negotiating power than they have had in the past few years.

BankRate.com's tips include:

1. Prepare yourself mentally for what you're about to go through.
2. Get ready for picky buyers.
3. Educate yourself about your neighborhood's real estate market.
4. Hire an inspector.
5. Consider paying the buyer's discount points.

The article is definitely worth taking the the time to read it in depth. Then visit EmailHouseValue.info for your FREE home valuation.