Perfect Time to Prune Your Shrubs

March 31, 2008
I was reading that now is the time to prune trees and shrubs. Just as they are beginning to leaf out, pruning is considered to give them a good boost to future growth.
Here are a few tips from Lee Reich who wrote "The Pruning Book."
Use a light hand. Prune young trees as little as possible.
Cut away water sprouts and root sprouts.
Usually you can use a heavier Hand on bushes. Avoid hedge shears unless they are trained into formal shapes. Lop oldest stems to the ground to make way for young sprouts.
Fruits are special. Almost all fruit plants need regular pruning. The amount depends on where the plant bears its fruit. (Apple trees fruit on old growth, Peaches on new growth. Raspberry cane dies at the end of the second year, so completely cut away all old canes; let those that remain be six inches apart.)
For all plants - Don't cut unless you absolutely need to. Tailor each cut to where you want increased branching or shorten a stem or to thin the gnarl of branches.
The past weekend weather was so perfect, I actually did some pruning and cutting back and it was a s
satisfying chore.

City of Highland Citrus Harvest Festival

March 28, 2008

For 12 years the City of Highland has been the scene of the Citrus Harvest Festival. What began as a showcase for artisans is now the biggest event of the year. Tomorrow, March 29, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. visitors can enjoy arts and crafts, games, booths, food and a celebration of Highland's rich citrus heritage. The even takes place in the historic district located at the intersection of Palm Avenue and Pacific Street. Highlights include a walking tour of nine historic sites - six houses, two churches and a citrus=packing house. There will be a charge for the tour of $5 for adults and $4 for children and seniors. Everything at the festival is free, except for the two food courts and vendors. The festival will also include a car show organized by the Highland Kiwanis Club.

Other activities include a bounce house, pony rides, petting zoo, carnival games as well as pie eating, ugly dog, costume, citrus growing and baking contests.

Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty will have a booth and visitors can sign up for a drawing for citrus trees.

It looks as though the weather will be perfect and the day will be filled with family fun.

Is the Fed's Plan Having a Positive Impact ?

March 27, 2008

The months of February and March 2008 will go down in history for the actions taken by the Federal Reserve Board to alleviate the credit crunch in financial markets. With the downturn in housing sales and the subsequent necessary write offs of investor's losses, the Fed acted in a remarkably unusual fashion. The question is "What impact are all these "fixes" having on the real estate marketplace?"

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage application volume rose 48.1% last week following the Fed's move to cut two short - term interest rates. The MBA reported a seasonally adjusted 82.2% spike in the index that tracks refinance applications, followed by a 10.6% gain in the purchase-loan index.

While mortgage purchase applications have increased in the last few weeks, they are still below where they were at this time last year - and 2007 was not equal to applications in 2006.

The good news for potential buyers, and sellers also, is that mortgage monies continue to be available at reasonable interest rates 6% - 5.75% for 30 year fixed. It seems to me that the other good news is that when this particular downturn is over, there will be more disclosure and more understanding of the selling of mortgage backed securities (MBS).

The past several months have been a crash course in macro economics and a true eye opener about the global impact that the U.S. housing market now has in ways perhaps never before seen.

Do Swimming Pools Add Value?

March 26. 2008

It is springtime and homeowners often begin to plan for the coming hot summer. A swimming pool looks very appealing. The question often asked is "Does a swimming pool add value to my property? As always, the answer is "it depends." So what factors should be considered before a homeowner makes the plunge to install a pool?

1. Lot size - Pools rarely add value to small lots. The pool could take up most of the yard and if the pool is 2 steps from the family room slider, it often becomes a negative and will detract from the value of the home.

2. Maintenance - some buyers will steer away from properties with pools because they do not wish to take on the additional costs that are associated with pool maintenance.

3. Placement - If you are thinking of adding a pool to your property, it is important to consider where it will add the most positive impact. A pool placed smack=dab in the center of the yard can impact how much yard is left for other outdoor enjoyment. It may be more costly to create a space by installing retaining walls that increase the area for a pool. Nowadays, there are so many innovative designs for incorporating walls as part of the pool itself. Take the time to visualize the impact of your pool on the entire landscape design.

4. Price - Of course you can do a pool for a minimum price or you can go all out with the design. If your property is a high end property, a minimum pool with probably detract from your value.

The bottom line is that a buyer for your home will make the decision as to the value of your pool.

A pool is an amenity which is basically for the homeowner's enjoyment. However, the benefit seen by a future homeowner can usually be enhanced by solid planning and making the installation of a swimming pool compatible with the entire property.

Another Step Toward Clean Air

March 25, 2008

In the March 31, 2008 issue of Business Week Magazine I read about a new "recipe" for concrete. I quote from the article.

"Concrete is about to start helping in the fight against air pollution, thanks to a new recipe spiked with titanium dioxide, a compound that becomes chemically active in sunlight. Originally concocted for Italy's Italcementi for its bright, white , self cleaning features, the product, called TX active cement, also neutralizes air pollutants such as benzene, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and others.In the U.S. ...the first application may be to improve air quality at schools near highways. Working with the school districts in Los Angeles and elsewhere, architectural firm Fieldoffice has designed exotic-looking barriers to keep road smog and noise away from areas where kids live, study and play."

With the concern nowadays about improving our environment, it is encouraging to know that industries are working to find innovative solutions.

More About Electronic Waste

March 24, 2008

I mention Friday about the Electronic collection at Cajon High School in San Bernardino. As a coincidence. I heard a radio spot that I want to share with you.

Instead of waiting for a special day to turn in your old computers, TVs, cell phones, etc. Good Will Industries advertises that you can bring this used electronic equipment to any Good Will Outlet. What a wonderful convenience! No longer is it necessary to hold onto the stuff until the city or another organization has a recycle day.

I guess it is Spring cleaning time as I noticed that the University of Redlands is also sponsoring a junk collection day on Saturday, March 29 fro 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ease-e-Waste, an electronics collection and recycling firm is scheduled to be at the university during these hours. The company's truck is slated to be at the northwest campus parking lot near Brockton Avenue and University Street.

It is wonderful that we are all becoming more sensitive about e-waste.

Here Are a Few Opportunities

March 21, 2008

On Saturday, March 22, 2008, a Passport Day will provide passport service from 7 a.m. to noon at the San Bernardino Main Post Office, 1900 W. Redlands Blvd. First time applicants must show proof of U.S. citizenship and a valid form of photo ID. Photo service will also be available for $15. 909-889-4247.



A free electronic recycling event will be located at Cajon High School, 1200 Hill Drive in San Bernardino. The hours will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents may drop off old computers, monitors, television sets and other unwanted electronic items. The event will benefit the environment and the school's cheer team. 909-881-8120, EXT 5534.



You can create "Good Fortune Boxes" at an open studio on Saturday at the Art Depot, 16822 Spring Street in Fontana. The hours will be 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday. The open studio is free for all ages.



There will be a book sale on Saturday at the Norman Feldheym Central Library, 555 W. Sixth Street in San Bernardino. The sale is hosted by the Friends of the San Bernardino Public Library. There will be a members-only book sale from 9 a.m. to noon and from noon to 4 p.m. the dale is open for the general public. Memberships will be available at a nominal cost in the library's administration office before the sale and during the sale.



Author Ruth Strother of Riverside will be signing her new book, "W is for Woof: A Dog Alphabet" at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 27460 Lugonia Avenue (Citrus Plaza) in Redlands.



Have a great weekend !!

TV Shows About Real Estate

March 20, 2008

The real estate market may be having a downturn, but it seems that real estate TV shows are still as popular as ever. Jim Samples, HGTV president said "What's driving interest right now is that people are worried about it(real estate) - 'what's the value of my home? How can I increase interest in my home?" Nine of the top ten series deal with the housing market, including "House Hunters," My First Place," "hidden Potential," "Buy Me," and "Design to Sell."

Robert Sharenow, senior vice president for alternate programming at A&E, said he believes the market has made people more interested in finding out how to make the most of what they have.

TLC's new "Date My House" reflects how a seller's market has become a buyer's market.

The better home shows will focus on d0-it=yourself projects and how to increase the value of your property.

Thus far, the American public still has a continuing interest in the real estate market place. The ratings of the above TV shows are welcome evidence of the
of this interest.

IS It Time to Make YOur Move?

March 19, 2008

I recently saw an interesting statement in an op ed piece by Jonathan Clements in the Wall Street Journal. His piece began "Financial Lore says you should buy when there is blood in the street - which suggests that real estate is a bargain, because there is blood all over the neighborhood." Certainly for the stock market the statement may be very fitting. If you had bought Lehman Brothers on Monday and sold it on Tuesday this week, you would have made somewhere around 125% on your one day investment. Real Estate is a different ball game.

But it may be a good time to buy a home. While prices may not yet have bottomed out, they certainly are a bargain compared to two years ago prices. With the new, stricter loan qualification requirements in place, a potential buyer can learn whether the payments on his mortgage will be affordable over the next several years. For most buyers, it is the monthly payment that is the critical factor in determining whether buying is the right option versus remaining a rent payer. Even if the value of the home decreases, if the home is a great place to live and the payments are affordable, buying in a declining market is definitely worth considering.

Jonathan Clements offers this "Home Economics" lesson for buying a home.

"View it as a lifestyle choice, not an investment

Budget for costs such as utilities, property taxes, homeowner's insurance and maintenance.

Don't buy if it means cutting back on retirement savings."

This seems to me to be good advice.

Spring Has Sprung

March 18, 2008

When I lived in Ohio, we always knew Spring was here when we saw our first Robin Red Breast, a migratory bird that comes back after the cold winter. Here in Inland Southern California there is a different sign of Spring. The Citrus blossoms.

I remember when I first smelled the aroma of citrus blooms. 40 some years ago, I was driving in the San Fernando Valley when a wonderfully sweet aroma filled my senses. I had no idea what it was or where it was coming from. I subsequently discovered it was the orange groves that still bordered some of the main streets.

This past weekend, I smelled that smell. The mini grove just to the west of our office building, had begun to blossom. It is such a marvelous and joyful smell. I knew that another season was beginning.

It is one thing to loose all our wonderful citrus groves, but it will be far sadder to me to loose that wonderful citrus blossom scent.

Nehemiah and Hart (Programs for Buyers)

March 14, 2008

Back in the 1990s, Buyer assistance programs were created as a way to aid buyers who were short of the necessary funds to purchase a home. These programs almost completely disappeared when buyers were able to obtain 100% financing, often by using 20% first trust deed and a 20% second trust deed. Now that buyers must have a down payment and the closing costs, the Nehemiah and Hart programs have resurfaced. In fact, Nehemiah just won a lawsuit against HUD. FHA had prohibited the use of the down payment assistance programs, but the courts ruled that this prohibition was not legal.

HART stands for Housing Action Resource Trust, a California 501(c)(3) non profit and community development organization. As far as I have been able to determine NEHEMIAH is a name for a similar non profit.

These programs require the seller to make a contribution to the non-profit organization - generally in the amount of a down payment or a buyer's closing costs. The non-profit then contributes this amount to the buyer's funds necessary to close a sale transaction.

Often sellers will be reluctant to pay buyer's costs, but in this real estate sales environment, paying a buyer's costs directly or through HART or Nehemiah may be the only way that a seller will be able to sell the property. A buyer may offer the seller a higher sales price as a trade off for paying these costs. This can work in both buyer's and seller's favor provided the property can appraise for the higher price.

If you are a seller, or if you are a buyer, these programs may be worth explore with your lender. I know that our affiliated lender, Financial 2000, has information on these programs.

If You Really Don't Want to Remove Your Wallpaper...

March 13, 2008

As most of you may be aware, wallpaper is generally passe. However, there are still many homes that we are called upon to list for sale that have wallpapered walls - and the homeowner still loves. I remember a staging workshop that I attended in the 1980s in which Barbara Swartz showed her video about "Preparing Your Home for Sale." One scene, which was meant to be a bit tongue in cheek involved Barbara walking though the home making suggestions. The breakfast area had a fairly bright wallpaper with huge flowers. Barbara told the homeowner that it must be removed. The homeowner's reaction was "But I love it." It is Barbara's next line that I shall never forget "Perhaps we can carefully remove it, roll it up, and you can take it with you." This small example illustrates the need to remind homeowners/sellers that they are moving on.

However, some wallpapers are indeed still appropriate decor, but over time the seams have came apart. If the wallpaper is intact except for a few seams, here is a suggested way to repair these loose seams.

Apply a seam adhesive, which provides a solid bond and keeps the seam from lifting again. You can generally find this adhesive at paint stores and home centers for less than $10.

Squirt the adhesive directly onto the wall behind the loose seam, and then press the edges back into place. Use a roller and firmly press the paper against the wall and smooth out any air bubbles. Wipe away excess adhesive with a damp sponge.

This is an easy fix and will create the neat appearance that makes you home show well maintained.

Green Mortgages

March 12, 2008
With St. Patrick's day on the horizon and the current buzz word being "green", an article in the weekend USA Today magazine caught my attention. In "Money Smart" written by Walecia Konrad three types of "green" mortgages are described.
Some lenders are offering a$500 to $1000 discount on buyer's closing costs when the home being purchase is an energy-efficient property that incorporates the government's Energy Star standards.
Some lenders may qualify buyers for higher loan amounts by factoring in long-term savings on utilities and adding that amount to a buyer's qualifying income.
Some lenders incorporate the cost of energy-efficient upgrades (windows, heating/cooling systems and/or insulation ) when a buyer is purchasing an older home. If improvements are not completed prior to the closing, the upgrade funds are held in escrow.
Some states also offer incentives. You can go to http://www.naseo.org/ to find contact information for your state energy office. If you call the office, you should be able to obtain info on low-cost loans.
The Irish are smiling as the world goes "green'.

Real Estate Buying

March 11, 2008

Sometimes, in one of the on-line real estate newsletters, I read an article that is creative, fun and remarkably insightful. In January, the Inman Wiki had such an article. It was entitled "Buying a Home is Like Blind Dating".

The author decided to create a game in which the prospective buyer would look at each home as if it were a blind date. Here were the rules:

"1. If you don't like it from the curb, there is no point in going inside."...

2. Once you know you are attracted to a home you need to see if it is something you want to live with.....

3. If you want to pursue it...the next step is negotiation. If both parties don't come to an agreement it will result in moving on to something else....

4. Once you are attracted, could you see yourself living in the home, and have agreed on what both parties are willing to give you are ready to do deep inspection. This is when you hire an inspector and tell your friends. you will get feedback from both.

5. Once you have input back from the inspector, or other parties, it is really time to decide what you will do. Will you move forward or will you cut and run? Do you really like the house? Does it feel like home to you? If it does, it is time to make a commitment, buy the house and move in."

I liked the game and in many ways I thought it made some sense.

Redlands Educational Partnership (REP)

March 10, 2008
Sunday was the occasion of the 2nd annual REP fundraiser. Held at Redlands Country Club it was a day to celebrate art and the success of REP's mission to provide enrichment to the students of the Redlands Unified School District. Established in 1987 the Redlands Educational Partnership is a non-profit organization established to support art education in the schools and the community. The Foundation believes investing in the education of our children is the "best guarantee of economic growth and a healthy society.
The primary connection of yesterday's event was that all the artists, visual and musical were either teachers, retired staff, recent graduates and students all are or had been associated with the Redlands Unified School District. Many of the participants were first exposed to their medium through a class they attended in school. For more information about REP, you can go to http://www.rep4schools.com/
It was a beautiful day weather wise and a beautiful day seeing the art and listening to the music.

When Buying a Property, Always Have a Professional Inspection

March 7, 2008
I received an inquiry from my web site concerning professional home inspectors. Even though the laws of California require a seller to disclose any issues that might concern a buyer, very often a seller is unaware of some potential problems with the property. A thorough inspector will check every nook and cranny, every operating system and every detail of a property that could be of issue to a future homeowner. You will receive a written report and the inspector will review it with you. These professional inspections are particularly vital is you are purchasing a repo or a property at auction.
In the East Valley market area there are a number of inspectors that have been in the inspection field for some time.
Professional Property Inspections - 909-389-7577 - ppi.inspections@veriaon.net - member of 6 professional associations
WIN Home Inspection - 909-825-1289 or www.wini.com/colton
Pillar to Post - 909-335-2673 - chris.white@pillartopost.com
Pacific Inspection Service - 1-800-537-7404 - http://www.pacificinspectionservice.com/

At Last! HUD"s New Loan Limits

March 6, 2008

Mortgage brokers have been waiting for HUD to establish new limits for the loans that they guarantee. Yesterday these limits were announced for California. Today the limits will be announced for the rest of the country. These will be the new limits for FHA, Fannie and Freddie. There will be calculations which lenders will be doing to establish how these new limits affect individual borrowers. However, the chart that I found states that the median price in Riverside and San Bernardino counties is $400,000 making the FHA loan limit $500,000 and the conforming loan limit also $500,000.

We will be watching to see what impact these new limits have on home sales.

What's Going on at the San Bernardino County Museum

March 5, 2008
Last Friday evening I attended the opening of the "Feast for the Eyes" exhibit at the San Bernardino County Museum. It was a fun evening with a cooking demo from Casa Maya cafe. The exhibit located in the main hall of history has table settings of past eras and reflects the more formal life style of past generations.
The museum's curatorial staff has put together a series of exhibits showcases objects from the county's collection. In the Fisk Auditorium is the "All that Glitters" which showcases jewelry and clothing with lots of beads, sequins and lace.
Also in the showcases in the hall of history is the "Textile Traditions" with a modern interpretation of traditional textile and embroidery techniques.
A big event coming up this Saturday, March 8, 2008 is "Insectival" from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the Insect Olympics at 1 p. m. and at 2 p.m. CSI, Insects at the Scene of the Crime.
While you are visiting the museum, be sure to peek through and see the progress on the new Hall of Geological Wonders.
The San Bernardino County Museum is recognized world wide for its collections and for the professionalism of the curatorial staff. Another great asset for living in the Inland Empire.

Solds in the Inland Empire/02/01/2008-02/29/2008

March 4, 2008
The data I am using comes from sales reported in the IMRMLS. It does not include new home sales or for sale by owner sales. Also, it is possible that some agents have not yet inputted their transactions. However, in my attempt to track the market trends in 2008, I am researching and reporting the data available through the IMRMLS at the beginning of each month. If you refer back to my post of February 5, 2008 you can find the closed sales for January 2008.
I am posting the unit numbers for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 for the month of February. This shows a 5 year cycle.
Banning/Beaumont......2008/39 - 2007/48 - 2006/64 - 2005/71 - 2004/68 - 2003/50
Bloomington.................2008/4 - 2007/8 - 2006/19 - 2005/18 - 2004/16 - 2003/23
Colton............................2008/19 - 2007/20 - 2006/35 - 2005/34 - 2004/24 - 2003/38
Fontana.........................2008/66 - 2007/86 - 2006/168 - 2005/202 - 2004/170 - 2003/175
Grand Terrace..............2008/3 - 2007/6 - 2006/9 - 2005/7 - 2004/11 - 2003/4
Highland.......................2008/20 - 2007/22 - 2006/37 - 2005/56 - 2004/44 - 2003/57
Loma Linda..................2008/8 - 2007/13 - 2006/10 - 2005/8 - 2004/10 -2003/8
Mentone.......................2008/9 - 2007/4 - 2006/4 - 2005/7 - 2004/4 - 2003/6
Moreno Valley..............2008/106 - 2007/92 - 2006/189 - 2005/187 - 2004/194 2003/192
Redlands......................2008/18 - 2007/43 - 2006/50 - 2005/65 - 2004/39 - 2003/58
Rialto...........................2008/14 - 2007/46 - 2006/63 - 2005/96 - 2004/90 - 2003/83
Riverside.....................2008/104 - 2007/190 - 2006/281 - 2005/280 - 2004/305 - 2003/301
San Bernardino..........2008/60 - 2007/95 - 2006/162 - 2005/164 - 2004/197 - 2003/185
Yucaipa/Calimesa......2008/28 - 2007/32 - 2006/38 - 2005/47 - 2004/61 - 2003/40
It will be interesting to me to see how March unfolds. As you might note from yesterday's post of listings and pendings, transactions do seem to be increasing and we are noticing much more activity at open houses and in the number of phone inquiries. Of course, to be a successful real estate agent optimism is a necessary trait.

February Real Estate Statistics/Inland Empire

March 3, 2008

In my goal to follow the real estate market, I am using the IMRMLS to track what is occurring in our area. I am hopeful that the numbers will indicate when a turn around in the market occurs. On March 1, 2008, I counted the number of active listings and the number of listings presently reported in escrow. This data is about the number of properties and does not reflect the prices at which they are listed.

Banning/Beaumont - Feb. 2008/936 Active...In Escrow/103

Bloomingdale.......... - Feb. 2008/200 Active...In Escrow/18

Colton...................... - Feb. 2008/342 Active...In Escrow/44

Fontana................... - Feb. 2008/1815 Active..In Escrow/191

Grand Terrace........ - Feb. 2008/64 Active.....In Escrow/8

Highland................. - Feb. 2008/393 Active...In Escrow/35

Loma Linda............ - Feb. 2008/99 Active.....In Escrow/11

Mentone................. - Feb. 2008/62 Active.....In Escrow/7

Moreno Valley....... - Feb. 2008/2146 Active..In Escrow/380

Redlands................ - Feb. 2008/437 Active....In Escrow/47

Rialto..................... - Feb. 2008/854 Active....In Escrow/88

San Bernardino.... - Feb. 2008/2064 Active..In Escrow/165

Yucaipa/Calimesa - Feb.2008/444 Active.....In Escrow/57

It seems that, on average, about 10% of the total listings are presently in escrow.

As the year progresses, I shall be checking to see if the percentage in escrow increases. That will be a most positive sign.