For those who want more statistics

November 30, 2006

Approximately a month ago, a new web site was launched which uses the Google Maps platform to pinpoint data about specific geographic areas. On this site a user can find data about home prices, apartment rental prices, cost of living, commute time, and other demographic data.
Other informatin on the site includes political affiliation, ethnic composition, population density, unemployment, tax rates, household income, elementary school rank, crime and lifestyle. Areas on the map are color coded.

Just type in the city and state and click go. In a flash the lifestyle data pops up with median age, percent of families with children and household income.

Travis Chow, a Neighboroo founder said he has been intrigued with trends for a long time. "I always wanted to know more about the neighborhood," he said. " My passion has always been trends and data."

One word of caution: the site is in its beta testing phase and has received feedback that some data is inaccurate.

The site does not require registration and is free to the user.

Property Taxes

November 29, 2006

Property tax bills are out and the first intallment was due November 10, 2006 with the installment being delinquent on December 11, 2006 (You get an extra day because the 10th falls on a Sunday.).

In San Bernardino County you can pay your taxes on line. Just Google "San Bernardino County/CA" then go to "government" and then Treasurer/Tax Collector. On the left site of the page is a menu. Click Pay Proerty Taxes On Line. A screen will appear for you to type in your property address. Then click SEARCH. Your bill will appear. You then can "add to cart". You then have the option to "e pay". You can pay with bank account or credit card. In both cases there will be a "convenience charge". You can then decide whether you want to pay on line or send in your payment.

This is a good way to discover if you have a "defaulted bill" Unfortunately the Supplemental tax bills are sent out once and never show up again. However, until they are paid they accumulate monthly interest. Sellers are often dismayed to find they owe this monies which may have been small, but with interest it can grow. As far as we have discovered, there is no way to eliminate this liability except to bite the bullet and pay it.

Whats the best asking price for your home?

November 28, 2006

In determing your asking price it is important to consider why you have chosen to put you home on the market. In most cases, the higher the asking price, the longer it takes a home to sell. Here are some important considerations in determing your price:

If you are relocating, what's the timing of your move? Is there a company buyout? Are you trying to better that?

Have you found another property, the purchase of which is contingent on the sale of your home?
Is the home you are selling your principal place of residence? Do you have an alternate residence giving you more flexibility?

Are home sales in your area currently increasing, decreasing or remaining stable?

No matter what the market conditions are the well priced homes do sell.

Holiday Homes

November 27, 2006

Home Sellers during the holidays have an opportunity to increase the charm and appeal of their property. This is the season for outdodor lights, scented greenery, santas, elves and the trimmings that shout good times, good friends and good family.

If you need to sell, don't forgo putting up that tree. Just as the decorations add a festive atmosphere for your family, they also create a warm and welcoming atmosphere to potential buyers. And there are buyers still looking for the "right" property!

Of course, home sellers always need to keep the property "crisp and clean". Your real estate agent is a good resource for "staging" your property all year long. The agent can tell you how to unclutter, but still have that "WOW" appeal.

Buyers are waiting.....for what?

November 26, 2006

Several recent news articles suggested that home buyers are sitting on the sidelines and putting off any decision to purchase a home. In a recent survey of 22 visitors to an open house, I posed the question:"What would be necessary for you to write up an offer to purchase a home?" Approximately half of those surveyed said that they would need to find the "right" house. About one quarter of those surveyed were out looking at properties but had decided that they would wait until the prices came down. Many of these cited news articles which stated homes would be less expensive in 2007. The last one quarter were "just looking."

We invite your comments.

Cheer from the Economy

November 25, 2006

Cheer #1
Mortgage Broker, Financial 2000, anounced their interest rates for this weekend. A 30 year conventional conforming loan can be obtained with 0 points, a 1% origination fee and 5.85% interest rate fixed for 30 years. Now could clearly be the time to lock in your loan! To reach a loan rep at Financial 2000 call 909-855-0585 or 909-227-2222 nights and weekends. During normal business hours Monday thru Friday call 909-748-7110.

Cheer #2
The U.S. leading index, a key barometer of economic conditions, increased for the second consecutive month in October, The Conference Board recently reported. This upward trend is one more sign of a stablizing economy.

Cheer #3
The value of high-end homes in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego posted record highs in the third quarter of 2006, according to the First Republic Prestige Home Index, which tracks homes valued at more than $1 million in key California markets. While the appreciation is in single digits, it is a sign of a steadying real estate market.

2006 Holday Season begins

November 24, 2006

Today at 6:00 P.M. PST, the annual lighting ceremony will take place at the historic Mission Inn in Riverside, California. Literally millions of lights, decor and animated figures will adorn the Mission Inn. There will also be craft vendors, live music and an ice skating rink. Viewing the displays is free, but should you want to take a spin around the ice rink, it will cost you $10 per hour + $3 to rent skates.

The decorations will continue nightly until January 1, 2007. The Mission Inn is located at 3649 Mission Inn Avenue in Riverside. For more information you can call 951-784-0300.

The Living Desert at 47-900 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert is also having a "Wildlights Holiday Festival" today through December 31, 2006. It is open from 6-9P.M. PST with the last entrance at 8:30 P.M. It will feature animal shows, woodburning fires and hot cider and an early visit from Santa. The cost is $7.25 for adults and $5.50 for children ages 3 -12.

Homeowners seem to have caught the spirit and yard lighting is appearing around the Inland Empire. This holiday season promises to be well lit.

Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty gives thanks

November 23, 2006

The agents and staff of Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty give thanks for clients, customers, friends and relatives who have been a part of all our lives. To take a day to remember all our blessings was established by William Bradford, governor of the Plymouth Colony in 1622. It has been a uniquely American tradition and amid all the feasting we do pause and give thanks.

I share 2 quotations:
"Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitide and new beginnings."
J. Robert Moskin

"Said old Gentleman Gay, "On a Thanksgiving Day,
If you want a good time, then give something away."
Marion Douglas

The Agents at Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty collected monies and adopted families to provide Thanksgiving Dinners for others.

Sorting through the news about Real Estate marketing conditions

November 22, 2006

One news report says home prices are stable. Another report says home prices are declining.
Another says home prices are up year over year. How does the prospective buyer or seller make a decision about buying or selling in the current confusion concerning the state of the real estate market?

The National Association of Home Builders said it has determined in a survey that prospective home buyers' top priorities when considering a home purchase are price, interest rates and their housing needs. This report concluded that the final decision rested on whether the buyer can afford the new house, how it will impact their budget, their lifestyle and perhaps, their long term wealth. There is no doubt that media reports cause buyers and sellers to evaluate a housing move at this time, but ultimately it seems that finding the "right house" is still the top consideration.

Thanksgiving for Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty Agents

November 21, 2006

Monday noon, the agents at the Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty Orange Tree Lane office enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving buffet courtesy of Community Title. Creatrice Catering (951-682-3742, Suzanne) provided ham and chicken, stuffing, potatoes, corn and salad which were festively displayed amongst pumpkins, colored leaves and orange, yellow and brown table cloths. The cheesecake and cookie desserts disappeared rapidly!

Amazingly, there was ample food leftover and a quick call to Inland Harvest (909=335-7327) brought two volunteers to pick up ham, chickcen and corn to deliver to non profit agencies that feed the homeless and low income families. Currently more than 70 agencies are receiving food from Inland Harvest. These agencies include the Salvation Army, Frazee Community Center, Central City Lutheran Mission, West End Hunger and Option House.

Inland Harvest is happy to pick up your leftover foodstuffs. Just leave a message with your name, address, phone number and a brief description of the type and amount of food. Also the best time for volunteers to come by is helpful information. Rather than throwing food away, you
can participate in feeding hungry people.

Stable Interest Rates

November 20, 2006

For Buyers contemplating the purchase of a new home, Financial 2000, a Mortgage brokerage company, posted the following rates:

FHA/VA - 30 year fixed - interest 6.125% - 0 Points/ 1% Origination fee
Conventional Conforming - 30 year fixed - interest 6% - 0 Points/ 1% Origination fee

Financial 2000 as a mortgage broker can assist buyers in finding the most suitable financing to fit their individual needs. Their loan representatives are available during normal business hours at 909-748-7010 and in the evening and weekends at 909 -855-0585.

You can use this little guide for figuring what your principal and interest payment could be:
For every $1000 of loan amount @ 6.125% interest it will cost you $6.08 .
For every $1000 of loan amount @ 6% interest it will cost you$6.00.

Example: 300,000 loan @ 6% = 300 x $6.00 = $1800 for your principal and interest payment.

Rates have remained wonderfully stable in 2006 allowing prospective purchasers to obtain great loans.

New Web Site

November 18, 2006

Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty launched a new web site today. Check out the site and give us feedback. The designers collaborated to add information about our agency, about our properties in the Inland Empire as well as general information about the region.

On another subject..............

Our next door neighbor, the San Bernardino County Museum is hosting their annual Wild Life West Art show. Featured in the show is the the winner of the Federal Duck Stamp contest. There are 30+ artists in attendance. The festival will be held today and Sunday. Come by while you are in the area and check out our corporate office .

November 17, 2006

Thank you to those who atatended our Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty Real Estate Fair yesterday, Thursday evening. Also a big "thank you" to the title reps, loan officers and escrow personnel who prepared handouts and attended to answer questions.

Congratulations to our agents, Judi Abbott and Teresa Rocha. Judi's guests, Joseph and Carolyn Soli, and Teresa's guest, Kim Mast, were the winners of the drawings for the two cruises.

We have received feedback from the public that welcomed an opportunity to interact with real estate professionals about the state of the current real estatae market in the Riverside, San Bernardino area.

We hope to have another fair in 2007.

First Impressions Count

November 16,2006
First Impressions Count!

If you are thinkng of putting your property up for sale make sure that the outside of your home is looking as good as it can. We recommend that you go and stand outside and pretend that you are a prospective buyer. What do your see?

Also start checking other proeprties to see what catches your attention. Ask yourself which ones are the most appealing is a great way to determine the little touches that will make your property stand out.

Are the shrubs and trees trimed? Is the paint fresh and clean? Are there flowers blooming in the flower beds? These are just some items to check on. If the answer is no to any one of these, correct it before putting your home on the market. Let your perspective buyers see that your house has been looked after!

A professional real estate agent can be helpful in providing a list for you to use to insure that all your nooks and corners have been checked and freshened if need be. They understand that first impressions count and are ready, willing and able to be of assistance.

Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty invites your questions

November 15, 2006

An article this morning in the Los Angeles Times was headlined "Region's home prices hold firm."
"I think it's the beginning of a long-term stable market," said John Karevoll, DataQuick's chief analyst. The median price of all types of homes sold in October was $484,000, the same as September and 2.3% higher than a year earlier, DataQuick reported.

The number of units being sold has declined, but prices in the Riverside/San Bernardino market have remained relatively stable. Buyers now have a wide choice of properties and unlike the past several years, they can take their time before making their decision. However, our agents have found that properties well priced are still attracting multiple offers.

"The flattening market also could suggest a standoff between buyers and sellers. Sellers appear unwilling to lower their prices much further, leaving buyers in a position of either taking it or leaving it. In many cases, they are leaving it - explaining the slower pace of sales." says Annette Haddad in her editorial piece in today's LA Times.