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The Welcome Mat
Labor Day means a day off from work, and for home-improvement enthusiasts, that means an extra day to work around the house! We’ve got some great ideas to help you make the most of your time. You can do-it-yourself, but you don’t have to do it alone.This Issue
THREE Projects You Can Do This Weekend
When you make weekend projects easy, it can mean a big difference for your home and add up to big savings for you. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...in other words, make that fix now before it gets worse! read more
Energy-Efficient Replacement Windows Look Great and Save You Money
Want to save money on heating this fall? Now is the time to replace your leaky, drafty windows with energy-efficient ones such as Andersen’s 400 Series Tilt-Wash Double-Hung Insert Window. It’s an easy DIY project that doesn’t require any special tools. Plus, if you head to Home Depot, you can get 15% off on special orders for Andersen windows and patio doors read more
VIDEO: Gutter Maintenance Prevents a Host of Problems
Neglecting your gutters can lead to flooded basements and foundation collapse because the water accumulates where it shouldn’t go. Instead, keep everything flowing smoothly with these maintenance tips on replacing loose spikes, extending your downspouts and the best type of gutter guard for avoiding clogs. read more
Prepare Your Outdoor Spaces to Transition into Fall
Learn how to enjoy your deck or patio into autumn. Get tips on warming up outdoor spaces to extend their use when weather gets cooler, including how to keep them warm and well lit during the fall. read more
Enter the Dog Days of Summer Giveaway!
Want to turn your home into an oasis from the unforgiving, end-of-summer heat? Like our Facebook page and enter to win one of three incredibly cool prizes, including a ceiling fan of YOUR choice worth up to $1,200 from Kichler lighting. Plus, the more you share, the better your chances: for every friend that enters, you get 5 bonus entries! read more
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Friday, August 31, 2012
Weekend Warriors Rejoice! 8/31 Money Pit e-Newsletter
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
OKTOBERFEST!!
Please see message from my daughter Brittany to help her and the GI Joe's Search and Rescue team!
Subject: OKTOBERFEST!!
Hello Friends and Family!I'm selling tickets for Oktoberfest at Old World, Huntington Beach! They're only $5 and the money goes to pay for G.I. Joe Rescue - Joe Le Foundation swift water rescue certification. Tickets are good for 4 beer or wine samplings. Valid on the following dates: Tickets valid on Sept: 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 and Oct: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25We are now selling tickets to Oktoberfest at Old World in Huntington Beach! Tickets are ONLY $5 for (4) glass of wine or beer tasting. With the money that we raise, it will help members get their SAR certification and swift water training.If you are looking for a fun night out, check out Oktoberfest! If you would like to purchase tickets, please send an email to victoria.le@gij411.org or paypal to gijoele411@gmail.com. Once payment received, we will mail out your ticket(s). Thank you for your continuous support!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Housing market improved a bit in summer
advantagetitle posted: " Jonathan Ernst / REUTERS A U.S. flag decorates a for-sale sign at a home in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. By NBC News and wire services 08/22/12 More Americans purchased previously-owned homes in July, suggesting improve"
Housing market improved a bit in summer
Jonathan Ernst / REUTERSBy NBC News and wire services 08/22/12More Americans purchased previously-owned homes in July, suggesting improvement in the beleaguered housing market over the summer.Existing home sales rose 2.3 percent last month, with sales rising to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of to 4.47 million units, up from 4.37 million units in June, the National Association of Realtors said Wednesday. That was just below analysts' expectations of a 4.52 million-unit rate. Sales were 10.4 percent above the 4.05 million-unit pace in July 2011.Low interest rates and a modest improvement in the labor market helped home buying conditions, the NAR said.“Mortgage interest rates have been at record lows this year,” said the NAR’s chief economist Lawrence Yun, adding that the labor market was also showing signs of improvement.“Combined, these factors are helping to unleash pent up demand,” he said. “However, the market is constrained by unnecessarily tight lending standards and shrinking inventory supplies, so housing could easily be much stronger without these abnormal frictions.”The NAR said it is asking the government to expeditiously release the foreclosed properties it owns in inventory-constrained markets.Nationwide, the median price for a home resale was $187,300 in July, 9.4 percent higher than in the same month a year earlier.In June, sales declined 5.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.37 million.Wednesday’s housing number could be a sign of strength for the housing market, which is beginning to recover from the after-effects of the financial crisis.Recent data suggest that the housing market, which has suffered over the past six years, is perking up, with sales and prices becoming stable.But home building now plays a much smaller economic role than it did before the 2007-2009 recession, and a turn for the worse in the broader economy could easily undo housing's incipient recovery.“We think the housing sector has turned a corner and demand will continue to improve,” said Michelle Girard, a senior economist at Royal Bank of Scotland in Stamford, Ct.“The data also underscores the fact that improvement will be gradual. What would help the housing sector would be a stronger economy, better job growth, and easier financing conditions. I still think it's difficult to get a mortgage loan, that's hindering activity.”A separate report Wednesday showed applications for U.S. home mortgages tumbled last week, with demand for refinancing drying up as mortgage rates jumped to their highest level since late June.
No-fee mortgage option is on the way
advantagetitle posted: "By Jennifer Liberto @CNNMoney August 17, 2012 Richard Cordray, who runs the consumer bureau, announced new rules Friday that would limit fees on mortgages. NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Lenders would have to offer potential home buyers an option to get"
No-fee mortgage option is on the way
By Jennifer Liberto @CNNMoney August 17, 2012Richard Cordray, who runs the consumer bureau, announced new rules Friday that would limit fees on mortgages.NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Lenders would have to offer potential home buyers an option to get mortgages with no fees, under a rule proposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.Generally, homeowners pay fees and points in exchange for lower overall interest rates on mortgage loans."Consumers have a hard time comparing loans when they are dealing with a bewildering array of points and fees," said Richard Cordray, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, in a statement. "We want to provide consumers with clearer options and enable them to choose the loan that they believe is right for them."In the Dodd-Frank Act, Congress wanted to clean up the process of getting a residential mortgage, which was criticized as a contributing factor to the financial crisis. The idea was to ensure consumers understand the mortgage loans they're offered, as well as all the accompanying fees.While good news for consumers, the mortgage proposal is actually easier on lenders. Lawmakers banned extra fees and points on mortgage loans in cases when the originator makes a commission -- which happens with most mortgages.Under this proposed rule, the bureau would allow lenders to keep offering consumers options to reduce their mortgage interest through fees and points, as long as those fees and points actually reduce the overall interest rate on the mortgage. Lenders must offer the no-fee mortgages as well.A senior official with the consumer bureau explained that the rule was a balance between a blanket ban on fees and the current origination process, which has no rules for mortgage fees. Consumer groups and those in the lending industry weighed in, saying it would be better to keep giving consumers the opportunity to lower interest rates by paying more up front.
Fw: [New post] Home prices expected to climb slowly
advantagetitle posted: "August 19th, 2012, by Jeff Collins OC Register How’s the Orange County housing market doing these days? We asked four insiders to share their views after DataQuick reported that home prices had edged up 2.9% and sales were up 25.7%. Here are"
Home prices expected to climb slowly
August 19th, 2012, by Jeff Collins
OC RegisterHow’s the Orange County housing market doing these days? We asked four insiders to share their views after DataQuick reported that home prices had edged up 2.9% and sales were up 25.7%.Here are their responses …Us: What are the one or two most salient developments you’re seeing in O.C.’s residential market now?There is pent-up seller demand for many who do not have the equity with which to work. Only banks for whom equity is no issue have been the inventory drivers. It will be some time before prices inch their way up enough to allow many sellers to again participate in the move-up market. Patrick Veling, president of Real Data Strategies: Lack of inventory is the biggest market driver at the moment, and is inflating prices via heavy buyer competition.These numbers do show the influence of a similar lack of inventory of new homes. Where can you buy a new home in Orange County these days when you want to move in within 60 or 90 days?Lesslie Giacobbi, agent for Seven Gables Real Estate: The two most salient developments I am seeing is that there is very little inventory in resale homes. It is tremendously difficult to locate a home for a client, write your offer without competing against multiple offers, and getting your offer accepted.All agents are having a rough time finding properties. This is consistent with the 33% change of listings sold reported by DataQuick. As the inventory decreases, it is increasingly difficult.One of my biggest problems is selling some of the high-end housing and having an appraisal that does not come in. Not only does it not come in at sales price, but sometimes the appraisals are $200,000 and $300,000 short. While many of us do understand that it is often difficult to find comps, appraisers are not given enough latitude to really look at a property and what makes it so desirable that a buyer wants to pay a certain price for it.Mark Boud, president of Real Estate Economics: Increases in sales volume and significant declines in distressed housing inventory.Maria Elena Banks, president of the Orange County Association of Reators: This is shaping up as a once-in-a-decade opportunity to own a home in Orange County. Homebuyer confidence has returned for one, and low borrowing rates and (higher) rents are attracting investment at higher than normal levels.Us: Are home prices back up to 2010 levels because there are more standard sales (a change in the mix) or because home values truly are rising?Boud: Mainly because of a change in mix. As distressed inventory has declined, more ‘normal’ sales are occurring, bringing up the average, but not necessarily translating to the significant price appreciation levels associated with the percentage increases DataQuick shows.Still, prices are now stable throughout the county, and are beginning a mild upward trend.Banks: The fence is no longer a comfortable place to sit. Buyers are jumping off to follow investors, lured by low rates and the sense that prices will rise in the future as the economy improves.Much like stock prices, rising home prices now reflect an expectation that prices will in fact be higher down the road. Remember the advice Warren Buffet gave his investors earlier this year, which was essentially that held over time and acquired at low rates, houses are an even better investment than stocks.Giacobbi: There are more standard sales, fewer REOs, and also fewer short sales right now. This certainly accounts for some of the increase in pricing along with the competition in the market place. So the rise is due to both factors.Veling: The median price is driven more by changes in the mix of homes that are selling than by the actual value of any specific home or homes. However, consider that as the mix changes, values below the midpoint usually increase over time as sellers have opportunity to raise their prices. I believe that’s what we will soon see.Us: House sales are up way more than condo sales. Is that because supply is constrained for condos?Veling: SFRs (single-family residences) are still the product of choice. Condos and attached properties have all of the baggage of HOA fees and proximity to neighbors. In addition, financing them is not as easy as SFRs due to many projects not being on the GSA (Fannie and Freddie) approved financing lists resulting from heavy foreclosure activity and balance of owner-occupied to rental units.Giacobbi: House sales are up for several reasons: Houses have proven to be a better investment if people can afford them. In addition, there are many condos that are distress sales…short or REO.It is hard to do a short sale often with a condo, because the Associations are insisting on getting their back payments and much of the time there is simply not enough money to get them what they want. As a result, the condos go back to the bank. There is also a lot of litigation and additional HOA problems.Banks: Yes, there is very little inventory for condos right now in south Orange County. I believe it’s a result of investors choosing real estate as the option which best balances their risk and return. I also think that while many would prefer to buy a single family home, today’s tight credit market means that they only qualify for the relatively lower priced condo market.Boud: Condos have been ‘picked over’ quite a bit. Listings are down for condos, while resale listings for sfr’s remain relatively plentiful.Us: Just 93 new homes sold in July (vs. the average of 150 for the past year). How come?Boud: Because there is very low supply of new homes. This changes next year, with the introduction of Sendero and other master plans.Giacobbi: There are few new homes available on the market right now. For many buyers, they can buy a resale that is newer with all of the landscape completed, window covers, outdoor patios, BBQs etc. for the same price, already done.In most cases, especially the high end, you cannot begin to build (at the cost) you can buy an exact re-sale house for. So many sellers today bought three to five years ago, spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in improvements, and now are selling for less than their purchase. That is the reason we do not see spec builders building.Banks: New construction has been down due to the economy, but it is starting to come back.Us: What’s the outlook for the last half of 2012? Will the market gains hold?Giacobbi: I think the market gains will hold — so long as we don’t have other serious economic issues.Veling: The median price is likely to continue its slow climb. We will not see actual increases in specific property values unless the homes which sell are outstanding values compared to similar competing homes. That value is established by location, condition and realistic pricing that is not beyond what the neighborhood will bear.Banks: As long as the job market and local economy continues to gain momentum, the sales and prices trends will continue to move slowly higher, governed somewhat by the availability of credit and appraised values.Boud: Yes, but the improvements will continue to be very gradual and erratic.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Home sellers more successful with real estate agent
Home sellers more successful with real estate agentPosted by kpanchuk on 8/20/12 at 10:29amSome homeowners may have a strong preference for selling their own properties, but a new poll by HomeGain suggests having a real estate agents improves a person's odds of offloading their home.HomeGain is an online marketing solutions provider for real estate agents. The firm recently conducted a survey of 400 homeowners, asking them whether they attempted to sell their homes on their own or through an agent. About 66% of homeowners who utilized the services of a Realtor, for example, managed to sell their home — while only 30% of those who attempted to sell their own properties were successful.22% of those who attempted to list properties on their own eventually enlisted the help of a real estate agents. Of those homeowners, 55% were eventually able to sell. The survey period ran from July 31 through Aug. 10.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Save the date and spread the word
HelloAs some of you may know I am now the head of Public Relations for G.I. Joe-Joe Le Foundation Search and Rescue. We are a non-profit composed of volunteers that go out and search for missing loved ones. Our website is gij411.org and our facebook page link is located under my signature. The organization recently had a article featured in OC WEEKLY and was also the cover photo. As a young growing non-profit we can use donations, word of mouth, support at fundraisers and people willing to volunteer. Please feel free to forward this information on to anyone who may be interested and we would love to see you at one of our fundraisers! Below is our upcoming event!Please join us for a delicious fundraiser and explore the world of Afghan cuisine! Chili Chutney Restaurant – Authentic Afghan Food in a Family Atmosphere has just opened up a new location and has generously agreed to give proceeds back to G.I. Joe. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS EAT! That's right just go in Sept. 6th from 3-5pm with our flyer and 10% of your bill goes straight to G.I. Joe!
Their tasty dishes are all based on traditional home-cooked Authentic Afghan Recipes which are personally supervised by the Owner/ Chef Shalah Wadood for perfection. All prepared fresh and from scratch. Best of all are the exclusive Chili Chutney Hot Sauces that come in an assorted red, green and torshi flavor and are served in sample sizes with the entrees.
Meal prices range from $4.99 - $14.99. Casual Attire, Mouth Watering Food and plenty of parking.Great reviews on Yelp! Bring your kids, friends, neighbors, people you just met on the street and eat knowing you are helping a wonderful organization!! Sept. 6th 3-5pm
BRING FLYER AND PRESENT WITH BILL
24301 Muirlands Blvd # A, Lake Forest, CA 92630. Lake Forest Village Center.
California home sales and prices higher in July; median price reaches near-four-year high
July home sales and price report August 17, 2012California home sales and prices higher in July; median price reaches near-four-year highLOS ANGELES (Aug. 17) – California home sales and prices both posted strong gains in July, with the sales pace showing positive year-over-year growth for the fourth straight month and the median price reaching a near-four-year high, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) reported today.“It’s hard to generalize the state of California’s housing market because the markets are so diverse and are performing so differently,” said C.A.R. President LeFrancis Arnold. “REO-dominated areas such as those in the Inland Empire and Central Valley are experiencing sales constraints due to an extreme shortage of available homes. On the other hand, a robust economy in the San Francisco Bay area and a relatively larger inventory at higher price levels is helping to fuel sales and prices.”Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes reached a seasonally adjusted, annualized rate of 529,230 in July, up 2 percent from June’s revised 518,680 rate, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. July’s sales pace was up 15.3 percent from July 2011’s revised pace of 459,140 sales. The statewide sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2012 if sales maintained the July pace throughout the year and is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.July marked the fifth consecutive month that California’s median home price was up from both the previous month and year. The statewide median price of an existing, single-family detached home was $333,860 in July, up 4.2 percent from $320,540 in June and up 12.7 percent from a revised $296,160 in July 2011.The July 2012 median price was the highest since August 2008, when the median price reached $352,730. July also marked the fourth straight month that the median price has posted above the $300,000 level. For full details click here: http://www.car.org/newsstand/newsreleases/2012releases/julysales
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
What is Your Home Really Worth?
What your home is really worth - CNN Money
`NEW YORK (Money Magazine) -- When it comes to assessing a home's value, real estate agents and homeowners tend to be an optimistic bunch.
In the post-bust world, appraisers are a different story. They have to predict a realistic value for your home that the bank can use to extend credit to a borrower -- and that number can make or break your sale or refinance.
Appraisers say the following five areas are where homeowners often misjudge the worth of their abode.
1. The outside
The appraiser sees: Overgrown bushes and chipped paint.
What he does: Slices as much as 3% off the value of an average-size home.
Why: Curb appeal is primo. And an unkempt yard is a sign that there may be other issues.
A good-looking lawn and bushes imply that you also take care of the internal systems in the house," says Jonathan Miller, president and CEO of a New York City-based appraisal firm that works throughout the tri-state area.
Moreover, the more meticulous your neighbors are about grooming, the more your appraiser will downgrade the value of your home. "If a lot of the nearby properties are professionally maintained, the one that sticks out like a sore thumb will get a harder adjustment than in a subdivision where there's more variation," says San Diego appraiser Armando Ortiz.
2. Basic systems
The appraiser sees: A brand-new roof.
What he does: Nothing.
Why: Just as a knee replacement won't make you look 20 years younger, a new roof, furnace, or boiler isn't considered an improvement to your home. That said, if your roof is in disrepair, replace it: Signs of leaks or discoloration can knock a significant amount off the home's value.
"When people buy a home, they expect the roof to be working," says Columbus appraiser Mike Armentrout. "So while a new one isn't an added feature, it will help your chances of a sale."
3. The basement
The appraiser sees: A recently finished basement with a half bath.
What he does: Adds about 2% to the value of the home.
Why: Yes, your finished basement adds value -- but don't expect it to count like first-floor space.
The addition of a bedroom and quarter bath on the ground floor could increase your home's value by up to 20%, especially if you've got only one other bathroom.
"A below-ground basement normally isn't included in the square footage of the house," says Miller.
The same rule applies to outbuildings like a pool-house casita, painting shed, or studio.
4. The market
The appraiser hears: Two nearby homes just went into contract above their asking prices.
What he does: Nothing.
Why: While a broker might pump up a home's asking price based on the sense that the market is "hot," by and large, appraisers are bound by the data of recent comparable sales. What if prices are suddenly up in your area, and you're nervous that your house won't appraise for contract price? In that case, you might want to delay your appraisal until one of those recently contracted sales closes.
5. A remodel
The appraiser sees: An expensive, custom-made, built-in entertainment center.
What he does: Makes a negative adjustment to the valuation.
Why: "Cost doesn't equal value," says Miller.
Renovations that are at all trendy -- or not in keeping with the historical period of the home -- will be assessed at the cost of ripping them out.
Timeless improvements, on the other hand, such as a deep sink or new wooden cabinets in the kitchen, will add value. So if you're thinking of remodeling, ask a local real estate agent to tell you what's on the wish list of today's buyers.
Second quarter 2012 housing affordability
Second quarter 2012 housing affordabilityFor release: August 10, 2012Higher home prices reduce California housing affordability in second quarter 2012LOS ANGELES (Aug. 10) – Higher home prices offset record-low interest rates and lowered housing affordability in California in the second quarter of 2012, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) said today. The percentage of home buyers who could afford to purchase a median-priced, existing single-family home in California fell to 51 percent in the second quarter of 2012, down from 56 percent in first-quarter 2012, but matched the 51 percent recorded in second quarter 2011, according to C.A.R.’s Traditional Housing Affordability Index (HAI).C.A.R.’s HAI measures the percentage of all households that can afford to purchase a median-priced, single-family home in California. C.A.R. also reports affordability indices for regions and select counties within the state. The Index is considered the most fundamental measure of housing well-being for home buyers in the state.Home buyers needed to earn a minimum annual income of $62,390 to qualify for the purchase of a $316,230 statewide median-priced, existing single-family home in the second quarter of 2012. The monthly payment, including taxes and insurance on a 30-year fixed-rate loan, would be $1,560, assuming a 20 percent down payment and an effective composite interest rate of 3.92 percent. The effective composite interest rate in first-quarter 2012 was 4.16 percent and 4.85 percent in the second quarter of 2011.The San Francisco Bay Area experienced the largest quarterly declines in housing affordability, resulting from double-digit price increases with little movement in the interest rate. However, when compared with the previous year, changes to the affordability index were minimal, thanks to a near-one percent drop in the effective composite interest rate.At an index of 78 percent, San Bernardino County was the most affordable county of the state. At the other end, San Mateo County edged out San Francisco County (24 percent) to be the least affordable, with only 23 percent of households able to purchase the county’s median-priced home.See C.A.R.’s historical housing affordability data. See first-time buyer housing affordability data.http://www.car.org/newsstand/newsreleases/2012releases/2q2012hai
Friday, August 10, 2012
Renovate or Relocate? - 8/10 Money Pit e-Newsletter
Home Remodeling Repair & Improve Ideas & Solutions Radio & Podcasts Contact Us Community
Presented by:
The Welcome Mat
If you're thinking of upgrading your money pit or are in the market for a new house, check out our tips on a gadget that comes in handy with tricky projects, a smart renovation idea to increase home value and factors you should consider when buying a home. You can do-it-yourself, but you don't have to do it alone.This Issue
VIDEO: Inspection Cameras Help You See Through Walls
If you need to get to the bottom of a rustling sound in your wall, find a leaky pipe or locate a network cable that's giving you trouble, inspection cameras can help you do the job without having to tear the wall apart. Check out this video overview of several great models on the market. read more
Move or Improve?
Debating whether to move to a new home or improve your current money pit? Get tips on the important financial factors you should take into consideration when making your decision. read more
Transform Your Bath for a Fraction of the Cost
Bath renovation can increase your home's value, but complete renovations are expensive, messy and time consuming. Learn about a strategic partial renovation that is customized to your needs and can be installed in just one day, at a fraction of the cost. read more
Ask the Money Pit: What is Toxic Black Mold?
"What exactly is that dreaded 'toxic black mold' that seems to be in the news a lot?" read more
ON THE AIR: Tips on Buying a House
This might be the right time to buy a home. Get smart tips on how to buy a house. Plus get answers to your home improvement questions about venting attics, universal design for baths, eliminating bees, dealing with moles, cracked walkways, insulation options and more. read more
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