The Real Estate Difference!
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Direct: 951-255-3110
Office: 951-255-3110
Keller Williams
1385 Old Temescal Road
Corona, Ca.
951-255-3110
Today prompts us to remember those whose lives were taken on that tragic day 11 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001.
I know each of us remembers exactly where we were and what we were doing when tragedy struck our country.
I recall being at my real estate office – arriving early prior to our weekly sales meeting. I recall that a fellow office mate came through the office announcing that something horrible had happened. We had one small conference room at the back of our office that had a TV mounted high on the wall and I followed her into the room as she turned on the TV. What I saw was surreal and unbelievable. It was as if time stood still. And in fact – it did for me. As the news coverage ensued through the following days and nights, I was addicted to the unfolding news and current updates of the lives lost in New York and shocked by the afflictions suffered by many throughout our country. It was upsetting, scary and an event that has changed most of our lives forever.
What it taught me was to be grateful for every day I have to love others and share good. It taught me to come from a place of servitude. It taught me that life is short – and to make the most of it.
I am forever grateful to those that serve our country, those that protect us and those that aide us in our greatest times of need.
I WILL NEVER FORGET. UNITED WE STAND.
For information in regards to the 9/11 Memorial: Click here
A recent home price index that covers 80% of the U.S. housing market has reported that there was a 6.9% increase in the months of April, May and June 2012. Home prices are up 1.2% from a year earlier as well as new home sales up 25% in the same previous year recordings. In addition, foreclosure numbers are declining which may continue as home prices steadily recover and increase.
The consistently low interest rates are making it a good time to buy, sell and invest. Hopefully, these statistics prove to remain consistent leading us to a housing market recovery that our nation’s economy can greatly benefit from.
Contact me for real estate questions and assistance. Over 13 years in the industry taking your home investment seriously – and I am the Real Estate Difference!
The game of women’s golf has been on the rise over the past twenty five years, with the number of female golfers at 4.1 million in 1985 compared to 5.1 million in 2011. While golf has always been primarily a men’s sport it is quickly becoming a desirable sport for women as well. Currently, the Inland Empire is in the process of developing a new women’s golf group, the Riverside-Inland Empire Chapter of the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA). The EWGA is the largest women’s amateur golf association in the U.S. with chapters from coast to coast as well as in Canada and Italy. Today’s women want creative outdoor recreation and sports-filled lives centered on personal and professional growth. The EWGA provides an environment that fits just that. The association is open to all women – whether employed, self-employed, stay at home or retired.
In today’s economy, we are more selective on how we spend our money and resources. Perhaps if golf can be accepted as an escape from the daily grind, as an avenue for strengthening business and personal relationships and as a way of personal self-improvement both mentally and physically – the game will continue to grow for women. Out of 1000 career women surveyed from the EWGA database of women golfers: 73% agree that golf has helped them to develop relationships and network, 54% say golf has contributed to their being more assertive and 22% have closed business on the golf course.
The benefits of being a member of the EWGA truly outweigh the cost and the list is lengthy. A membership of $155/annually provides more rewards per dollar spent in the incentives received. One of the main benefits is the handicap service available through the member website powered by GolfNet, to help track and improve your golf game. The group is also set up to serve the needs of various golf skills through programs designed to help educate and train the woman golfer through a variety of clinics and lessons. Another great benefit is that the organized play opportunities are designed to fit the schedules of busy women and are held at different courses throughout the chapter coverage area to allow for an expanded experience of golf play. Furthermore, there are golf discounts at major golf stores, golf networks and golf courses. The local chapters also provide opportunities for service through volunteering and leadership roles that contribute directly in making a difference in women’s lives. In addition to numerous other benefits, the EWGA Championship is the largest women’s amateur golf tournament providing a competitive opportunity based on flights for players at all skill levels.
Additionally, the EWGA gives back to the community through fundraising efforts that are directed towards girls and women. Two examples in which funds are directed are the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf – a developmental program for young girls and Women on Par Scholarships granted to the non-traditional female student with a minimum of 30 years of age to help them further their education.
Women rely on friends during times of stress and instability. Studies have shown that women friendships help to deter the development of physical impairments and illnesses, contributing to more healthy and joyful lives. “These are the types of relationships we strive to create and build, the rewards far exceed the cost,” stresses Ysolette Nicoson, the EWGA Riverside-Inland Empire Chapter President. This chapter was formed to serve a local area need as no local chapter existed prior to a year ago. For more information on membership, please visit the site at: http://www.ewga-riverside.com or contact the EWGA Riverside-Inland Empire Chapter President, Ysolette Nicoson at 951-255-3110 or at president@ewga-riverside.com
A recent settlement was passed announcing a $26 billion foreclosure with five of the largest home lenders, of which 12 billion should be directed towards the state of California.
Most of the relief will go to those who owe more on their homes than what they are currently worth with banks having incentives to provide relief within the next 3 years.
There is also an allotment of 1.5 billion for homes foreclosed between Jan. 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2011, which breaks down to about $2000 each for homeowners who suffered foreclosure during that time.
It would be great to see American Home Owners experience the relief of this decision, but will it really come to pass?
Click here for the details: Billions in Relief
There are many people facing potential foreclosures in today’s economy. You may be facing some financial challenges or know someone that is struggling to make payments on their home?
Do you know how to avoid foreclosure AND potentially get some money back in your pocket? There is currently a program in place that provides some relief to short sale sellers by allowing them to collect $3000 upon closing of a short sale property to help aide them in their transition out of the house. It is called the HAFA program. As with any programs, the home seller does have to meet certain requirements. Please click on the link below to see the video for more information.
What is a MISMO? What is an HWJT? What about a CDA?
MISMO – Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization
HWJT – Husband and Wife as Joint Tenants
CDA – Commission Disbursement Authorization (bet you knew that one!)
There are many Title and Escrow Acronyms to be familiar with in the real estate business. For more, please check out this pdf flyer!
This chart below depicts the interest rates as reflected at www.freddiemac.com. The average indicated for 2010 is the average interest rate from January through December 2010. The chart easily explains why anyone in a purchasing position should take advantage of such an excellent opportunity in our housing market history – and buy now.
There are no guarantees that rates will continue to drop as they went down in October 2010 to 4.23% and up two months later to 4.71% in December 2010.
If you are considering making a home purchase – don’t hesitate any longer as early January is showing signs of interest rates creeping up already – as of today’s posting – rates are at 4.75%.
INTEREST RATES FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS
(shown as yearly average)
| 1990 | 8.05 |
| 1991 | 6.97 |
| 1992 | 6.54 |
| 1993 | 5.83 |
| 1994 | 5.84 |
| 1995 | 5.87 |
| 1996 | 6.41 |
| 1997 | 6.34 |
| 1998 | 6.03 |
| 1999 | 5.04 |
| 2000 | 8.05 |
| 2001 | 6.97 |
| 2002 | 6.54 |
| 2003 | 5.83 |
| 2004 | 5.84 |
| 2005 | 5.87 |
| 2006 | 6.41 |
| 2007 | 6.34 |
| 2008 | 6.03 |
| 2009 | 5.04 |
| 2010 | 4.69 |
2010 INTEREST RATES
(shown as monthly averages)
| Jan | 5.03 |
| Feb | 4.99 |
| Mar | 4.97 |
| Apr | 5.1 |
| May | 4.89 |
| June | 4.74 |
| July | 4.56 |
| Aug | 4.43 |
| Sept | 4.35 |
| Oct | 4.23 |
| Nov | 4.3 |
| Dec | 4.71 |
