Obtaining a Loan in Today's Real Estate Environment

January 31, 2012


When chatting with folks about the current real estate market, I am frequently queried about the difficulty in obtaining a loan to purchase a property. Questions asked are: Are lenders making loans? Do I have to put 20 percent down? Less often do folks ask about what their credit score needs to be.


First, there is money available for loans and lenders are making loans. Buyers are still using the FHA insured loans because they require only a 3.5 percent down payment. Conventional loans may require 20 percent down. The down payment on a conventional loan will depend on the lender. In obtaining any kind of loan, the borrower's creditworthiness is crucial.


Credit, income and assets are all examined. The lender will want to know that a prospective borrower has enough money in the bank to close escrow. These funds must be in an institutional account, not in a safe at the potential borrower's residence. Monetary gifts from relatives may be O.K. but they, too, will have to be documented.


Income is a big factor. Most lenders now require two years of tax returns from every loan applicant. You will probably need 30 days of pay stubs so don't throw them away.


Credit needs to show a minimum of 1 620 FICO score for most lenders to consider you a viable customer for a loan. There are sources where folks can obtain a copies of their credit reports. It is often useful for a prospective homebuyer to get a copy and to know how the credit looks.


In today's lending environment, there are more hoops for a potential borrower to go through but there are good loans available and the interest rates are at all time lows.

What is a Supplemental Tax?

January 30, 2012


In 1983, then Governor George Deukmejian singed the Supplemental Real Property Tax Law.


This was a follow up for real property taxes after Proposition 13 was passed. As usual, the state felt that they were missing income when real property was sold or when permits showed that the real property was being improved.


As you know, Proposition 13 fixed the real property tax assessment at the purchase price or at the value on February 28, 1975. It allowed for a 2% increase per year. As property was sold, the assessed value became the selling price. However, according to California law the assessed value changes as of date of change of ownership. Depending on when the change of ownership occurred, the change in the assessed value for the computation of real property taxes might not be done until the beginning of a new tax year.


The Supplemental Real Property Tax Law filled the gap by permitting the taxes to be computed immediately upon change of ownership with the new owner receiving a supplemental tax bill. This bill may often have a different due date that the traditional November 1 (December 10) or February 1 (April 10).


Often homeowners do not understand this bill. Sometimes they fail to pay it and like any real property taxes it can accumulate late penalties.


Any time a homeowner receives a bill from the tax collector, they should check it out. It may or may not be due and payable. It could also be for a former owner as the Assessor's office is often very late at getting these bills out.


It is good policy to always check out communications received from governmental entities. Often your professional real estate agent can answer questions or direct you to the appropriate source.

So You Want to Modify Your Loan

January 27, 2012


This weekend, today through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. the Ontario Convention Center is hosting the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America's American Dream Tour. The organization is a nonprofit that claims it can get the job of loan modifications done in a day. WOW, what a concept!


According to a press release, there will be dozens of employees from Bank of American, Wells Fargo, J.P. Morgan Chase and other loan servicers to meet with the folks who arrive to seek a loan modification . Bruce Marks, is the CEO of the organization and he predicts that 55 percent of attendees will be able to reach some type of mortgage solution, such as a lower interest rate, a forbearance agreement or even principal reduction.


The event is free to attend. However there may be membership fees required for some services.


For information http://www.naca.com/

Let's Join the Investors

January 25, 2012


I recently read an article that foreign investors have been looking at the U.S. real estate market as a "stable place" to invest. As the European markets teeter on the edge of the euro crisis, these international investors have been turning to the U.S. housing market.


NAR's 2011 Profile of International Home Buying Activity shows foreign households bought $82 billion dollars worth of residential real estate last year, up from $66 billion in 2010.


Real estate is a long term investment. Historically it has been the source of wealth for many investors as well as many folks who purchased homes for the purpose of living in them for a long time. In recent times, home buyers seemed less likely to stay in a property long enough for it to appreciate over time.
What is a long term investment that these foreign buyers are considering? Five years, ten years?


If buying now is such a good deal that these foreign investors are putting their money in residential real estate, it may be a lesson for potential home buyers that now is the time to be serious about buying. (It does begin to look as if buyers are getting that message as we are seeing more folks at open houses and more folks writing offers.)

Update Your Home in 2012

January 24, 2012


As you set goals for 2012, add some goals for improving your home. Some improvements are really simple and not very costly. Others are more expensive, but are beneficial in the long run.


Let's start with the new push for energy saving devices. You do have some time as the new state regulations are not effective until January 1, 2017. However, if you do a remodel after January 1, 2014, the water-conserving fixtures must be a condition of permit approval. So why not set a personal timeline to change out your plumbing fixtures? Saving water also saves on your water bill. Low flow faucets and low flush toilets have been available for some time. Their design has also improved. Some areas of Southern California already have the installation of these fixtures as part of the sale process. Get a head start; begin the change out now.


Another improvement that can be easily accomplished is the changing of hardware on doors and cupboards. Visit some model homes or hardware stores and checkout all the new styles. Just new hardware on kitchen cupboards can make a big difference in the look of the kitchen.


Lighting styles can also update a look and make a room brighter.


Then there is always paint. Check out the newer colors, but remember that white is always an acceptable option.


You know your home and can probably set you goals based on what would make the most sense for your lifestyle.

Time to Check Your Roof

January 23, 2012


It is predicted that we will have rain today but that it will clear up later in the week. If the weatherman is correct, this week will be a good time to to a visual checking of your roof. A leaking roof, if not attended to, can cause future problems such as dry rot in the eaves and in the under wood surface. If the leak really intrudes, your interior ceilings and walls may show stains.


We have so much great, sunny days that it is easy to forget that our roofs do age. Even cement tile roofs can leak if the roof valleys get block with debris and force the water under the tiles. Flat roofs and roofs with very little slope can be especially vulnerable as water can puddle on the surface.


It is a good idea to have a professional roofer do a check. It would probably only cost $75 to $150 for the inspection and it could save you from future problems.


Just as doing routine maintenance on your car, routine maintenance of the components of your home can save you headaches down the road.

Something Special This Weekend

January 20, 2012


For all art lovers, this weekend the William E. Leonard Art Collection of the National Orange Show will be on exhibit in its entirety. I thank Sun Newspaper columnist for including this information in his column this morning. Mr. Weeks noted that in 2001, Dr. Ernie Garcia , former dean of the College of Education at Cal State San Bernardino undertook a ten year effort to reassemble and refurbish the art collection.


Beginning in 1949, the national Orange Show began the collection with an All California Juried Competition. This collection is a historical showing of many artists who continued their careers and gained recognition throughout the United States. Since 1970, the collection was largely ignored and it required a great deal of tenacity to locate and reassemble the pieces.


The National Orange Show Gallery is on the northwest of the administration building at the National Orange Show Events Center, 689 S. E Street in San Bernardino.


The grand opening hours are 10:30 am to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

From the C.A.R. Newsline

January 19, 2012


The California Association of Realtors sends out an e-newsletter every week that updates members on a variety of issues. Yesterday's e-newsletter had a section entitled "Tip of the Week: Unexpected IRS refund". I thought it was worth quoting.


"If you receive an 7unsolicited email that appears to be from the IRS requesting that you file a "tax refund request", do not fall victim to this identity theft scheme.


Numerous people are receiving unsolicited email informing them that a $9,390.55 IRS tax refund is due to them if they complete a tax refund request form. The email code will be forged to appear as if it originated from a trusted source, usually the IRS or an IRS tax preparer, but viewing the "message header" or "message source" will reveal its origin to be something else, and the link will not lead to a trusted domain, but one controlled by the identity theft criminals.


If you file a tax return and a refund is due, you will automatically receive your refund. You will never be contacted by the IRS, and there is no tax refund request form. Never disclose personal information to any unsolicited inquiry, as compelling as the story may be."


If you have questions or concerns about any IRS tax refund you may have due, you should access the official IRS web site. http://www.irs.gov/


Sorry folks, no $9,390.55 refund.

Curb Appeal - Garage Doors

January 18, 2012


If you are tuned into your car radio you hear a lot of ads - restaurants, loans, and of late, garage doors.


Vendors of garage doors seem to be offering sales to start the new year. Garage doors come in many styles and in more colors than just the basic white and off-white. They have become an attractive addition to a homes curb appeal. The lift-up garage doors of the 1950s through the 1970s have gone out of style. No more do garage doors have those huge springs that if they got too old would snap and sometimes damage any contents in your garage.


Once electric garage door openers became a common installation, the roll up doors also became more desirable. Buyers consider these new roll up doors a definite plus for any home.


It is now mandatory that electric garage door openers have sensors that cause the door to stop descending and automatically reverse if the door touches anything. No longer to objects or persons get squelched by a descending door. Also, no longer does the door get crunched when it encounters a sold body.


A new garage door and a new opener are definitely worth the investment which should generally be under $600. If you google "garage doors" you can find where your local dealers are and what kind of incentives they might be offering.

The Time To Sell Is NOW!

January 17, 2012


Two weeks into 2012 and the real estate market is moving! Historically, January and February are excellent months for real estate activity. Buyers have decided it is time to purchase a home. With interest rates lower than they have been for more than fifty years and FHA loans with only a 3.5% down payment requirement, the Gen Xers are out in full force. Unfortunately, there is no "glut" of homes on the market in our area. Our "for sale" inventory is low and buyers do not have much of a selection. They wait hungrily for new listings to appear and all of a sudden, agents are seeing multiple offers on those new listings. WOW!!!


On the other side of a real estate market, namely the sellers' side, sellers are still holding back. Some because they are still upside down, owing more than a possible selling price. Some because of a hope that if they wait a bit longer, the price of homes will go back up.


Homeowners who have been considering putting their homes up for sale this year should do it now. Why? Because there is a plentiful supply of prospective buyers with lender pre approval letters in hand. Another possible reason is that the news media keeps telling us that lenders will be putting "glut" of foreclosed properties on the market by mid year. Of course, we have been told this for the past several years, but right now, the low inventory is definitely advantageous if you want to sell.

Sellers, Who Will Be Buying Your Home?

January 16, 2012


A quotation from Bernice Ross, a writer for Inman News, cited these statistics: "You can no longer ignore the fact that 60% of today's buyers were born after 1964. In fact, 54% of first time buyers are in the 25-to-34 age group."


The percentages are certainly interesting and illuminate a target market for real estate sales. It is my guess that even in other times, the age group for first time home buyers was pretty much the same.


As a seller, noting that 60% of home buyers were born after 1964, raises the awareness that these buyers came to adulthood in an age of huge technological advances. They use the Internet to search data on every subject including houses. Today, it is possible that buyers have already zoomed into your neighborhood on Google Maps or some other satellite picture. They can check a variety of sites that will give them estimated values for your property. These potential buyers have become very knowledgeable by the time that they call a real estate agent to set an appointment to view the property. Today's buyers are serious when they make the appointment.


It might be wise for sellers to do some of the same Internet searching to understand what buyers are learning.

Calling all Train Enthusiasts

January 13, 2012


One of the most loved events of the Inland Empire is "Train Days" at the San Bernardino County Museum. It will occur this weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Model train owners will set up their layouts, their artifacts and hands-on activities for all ages.


Most Train Days activities are all included in the regular admission to the museum. Tickets will be sold for the miniature train rides set up in the museum's courtyard.


The displays of model train layouts will show how much design and detail goes into their creation.

Also, just a reminder that the Museum will be open on Monday and some of the train layouts will still be there.

For addition information: 909-307-2669 or http://www.sbcountymuseum.org/

How Many Closed Transactions Over $400,000?

January 12, 2012
Here are the last of the numbers that I have been tracking as I follow our Inland Southern California real estate market. Back in 2006 several of the fourteen communities that I follow had median prices of $400,000 plus. Now median prices are mostly in the $200,000 range with very few single family home sales with a $400,000 or better reported selling price. Just for the record, here are the numbers for the twelve months of 2011.
Banning/Beaumont..............Jan/0......Feb/0......Mar/0......Apr/1......May/0......June/0
................................................July/1......Aug/1......Sept/0......Oct/0......Nov/0.......Dec/0
Bloomington..........................Jan/0.....Feb/0.......Mar/0.....Apr/0......May/0......June/0
................................................July/0.....Aug/0......Sept/0.....Oct/0.......Nov/0.......Dec/0
Colton....................................Jan/0......Feb/0......Mar/0......Apr/0.......May/0......June/0
...............................................July/0......Aug/1.....Sept/0......Oct/0........Nov/1........Dec/0
Fontana.................................Jan/3......Feb/2......Mar/4......Apr/3........May/0......June/4
...............................................July/3......Aug/1.....Sept/5......Oct/3.........Nov/0......Dec/0
Grand Terrace......................Jan/0......Feb/0.....Mar/0......Apr/0.........May/0.....June/0
...............................................July/0......Aug/0....Sept/0......Oct/1..........Nov/0......Dec/0
Highland...............................Jan/0......Feb/2.....Mar/0......Apr/0.........May/0......June/1
...............................................July/2......Aug/1....Sept/2......Oct/0..........Nov/0.......Dec/1
Loma Linda..........................Jan/0.......Feb/0....Mar/0......Apr/1..........May/0......June/0
..............................................July/0.......Aug/0...Sept/0......Oct/0..........Nov/1........Dec/4
Mentone...............................Jan/0.......Feb/0....Mar/0......Apr/0..........May/0......June/0
..............................................July/0.......Aug/0...Sept/0......Oct/0..........Nov/0........Dec/0
Moreno Valley.....................Jan/0.......Feb/0....Mar/0......Apr/0..........May/0......June/1
..............................................July/0.......Aug/0...Sept/0......Oct/0..........Nov/0........Dec/0
Redlands..............................Jan/7........Feb/6....Mar/5......Apr/7..........May/8.......June/8
..............................................July/4.......Aug/11...Sept/3.....Oct/6..........Nov/4........Dec/2
Rialto....................................Jan/0.......Feb/0.....Mar/0.....Apr/0..........May/0......June/0
..............................................July/0.......Aug/0....Sept/0.....Oct/0..........Nov/0........Dec/0
Riverside..............................Jan/11......Feb/10...Mar/15....Apr/23........May/18....June/25
..............................................July/21.....Aug/27...Sept/25...Oct/16........Nov/14......Dec/18
San Bernardino...................Jan/0.......Feb/0.....Mar/1......Apr/0..........May/0......June/1
..............................................July/0.......Aug/0....Sept/0.....Oct/2...........Nov/2.......Dec/0
Yucaipa/Calimesa...............Jan/2.......Feb/2.....Mar/3.....Apr/6...........May/5......June/4
..............................................July/1........Aug/6...Sept/2.....Oct/1.............Nov/1.......Dec/0
As you can note, Riverside continues to have transactions in the $400,000 range. The other two communities are Redlands and the Yucaipa/Calimesa markets. For the remainder of the area, there are zero to one or two transactions in the higher end of their markets. However, sales did improve over 2009 and 2010.

Median Home Prices 2011

January 11, 2012




The year 2011 is now history. What did median home prices do each month? Here are the numbers. You will need to add three zeros to the numbers.




Banning/Beaumont........Jan/175......Feb/155......Mar/155......Apr/155......May/148......June/165




...........................................July/161.....Aug/165......Sept/151......Oct/159......Nov/155.......Dec/233




Bloomington....................Jan/165.....Feb/130......Mar/149......Apr/150.....May/125.......June/150




...........................................July/155....Aug/140......Sept/150.....Oct/145......Nov/145........Dec/145




Colton...............................Jan/93.......Feb/122......Mar/149......Apr/110......May/117........June/130




..........................................July/110.....Aug/120.....Sept/116.......Oct/95........Nov/131........Dec/115




Fontana...........................Jan/194......Feb/195......Mar/211.......Apr/200.....May/185.......June/215




.........................................July/205.....Aug/200....Sept/200......Oct/210......Nov/200.......Dec/244




Grand Terrace................Jan/203......Feb/195.....Mar/200......Apr/205.....May/180.......June/165




.........................................July/220.....Aug/215.....Sept/222......Oct/200.....Nov/190........Dec/192




Highland.........................Jan/162......Feb/180.....Mar/155.......Apr/165.....May/185.......June/182




.........................................July/163.....Aug/200....Sept/165.......Oct/170......Nov/170........Dec/165




Loma Linda....................Jan/250.....Feb/219.....Mar/220.......Apr/200.....May/235.......June/250




.........................................July/220....Aug/250....Sept/210.......Oct/195......Nov/192.........Dec/210




Mentone.........................Jan/157......Feb/80......Mar/85.........Apr/154......May/95..........June/95




.........................................July/144.....Aug/159....Sept/93.........Oct/80/150..Nov/120......Dec/128




Moreno Valley...............Jan/155......Feb/154....Mar/148.......Apr/148.......May/148.......June/153




.........................................July/157.....Aug/159....Sept/155.......Oct/152.......Nov/150........Dec/152




Redlands.........................Jan/218.....Feb/203....Mar/205.......Apr/202......May/220.......June/225




........................................July/205.....Aug/215....Sept/196.......Oct/189.......Nov/190........Dec/206




Rialto..............................Jan/160......Feb/165....Mar/152.......Apr/160.......May/164.......June/158




........................................July/165......Aug/170...Sept/161.......Oct/160........Nov/150.......Dec/152




Riverside........................Jan/180......Feb/195....Mar/187......Apr/160........May/190......June/189




........................................July/190......Aug/200...Sept/195.....Oct/190........Nov/187........Dec/187




San Bernardino............Jan/122.......Feb/105....Mar/95........Apr/109.......May/105.......June/99




.......................................July/123......Aug/100....Sept/104.....Oct/108.......Nov/104.........Dec/102




Yucaipa/Calimesa.......Jan/210.......Feb/190.....Mar/181.....Apr/198.......May/180........June/188




.......................................July/195......Aug/212.....Sept/165.....Oct/180......Nov/177..........Dec/170




Please remember that these numbers are not arrived at by any recognized calculation. They simply reflect the selling price of the property at the halfway point of what has been reported sold through the CRMLS. They only tell us that half of the homes sold were sold for more or for less.

Closed Sales - January thru December 2011

January 10, 2012


As promised in yesterday's post, here are the numbers for the closed sales for the 2011 year.


Banning/Beaumont.........Jan/93.......Feb/84.......Mar/147......Apr/129......May/121......June/147


............................................July/152....Aug/114.....Sept/134......Oct/126.......Nov/110......Dec/119


Bloomington.....................Jan/25.......Feb/15.......Mar/20.......Apr/32.........May/11........June/32


............................................July/25......Aug/18......Sept/20.......Oct/27..........Nov/23........Dec/19


Colton................................Jan/42.......Feb/36.......Mar/28.......Apr/44..........May/46.......June/35


...........................................July/49.......Aug/50......Sept/41.......Oct/44...........Nov/45........Dec/36


Fontana............................Jan/212.......Feb/177.....Mar/165.....Apr/246.........May/211.....June/287


..........................................July/228......Aug/239....Sept/242.....Oct/227........Nov/232......Dec/244


Grand Terrace.................Jan/6...........Feb/9.........Mar/11........Apr/10..........May/8.........June/13


..........................................July/10.........Aug/11......Sept/11........Oct/8............Nov/5...........Dec/9


Highland..........................Jan/47..........Feb/37......Mar/55.......Apr/62..........May/56........June/54


..........................................July/55.........Aug/62.....Sept/66.......Oct/48..........Nov/63.........Dec/55


Loma Linda......................Jan/22.........Feb/12......Mar/15.......Apr/12...........May/22........June/18


..........................................July/14.........Aug/15......Sept/13.......Oct/26...........Nov/11..........Dec/19


Mentone...........................Jan/5...........Feb/6........Mar/12.......Apr/4.............May/11.........June/7


..........................................July/11.........Aug/6........Sept/11.......Oct/8.............Nov/14...........Dec/13


Moreno Valley.................Jan/191.......Feb/159.....Mar/273....Apr/246........May/232........June/269


..........................................July/249......Aug/253....Sept/236....Oct/198........Nov/220..........Dec/225


Redlands..........................Jan/54.........Feb/44.......Mar/55......Apr/67..........May/67...........June/75


..........................................July/56........Aug/78.......Sept/65......Oct/65..........Nov/49............Dec/56


Rialto................................Jan/104.......Feb/66.......Mar/132....Apr/116.........May/108.........June/116


..........................................July/111........Aug/121.....Sept/109....Oct/100........Nov/83...........Dec/102


Riverside..........................Jan/309.......Feb/257.....Mar/368....Apr/383........May/418........June/398


..........................................July/371.......Aug/451.....Sept/411.....Oct/344........Nov/343.........Dec/397


San Bernardino...............Jan/289.......Feb/141......Mar/213.....Apr/220.......May/202........June/230


..........................................July/197.......Aug/192.....Sept/182.....Oct/180........Nov/179..........Dec/215


Yucaipa/Calimesa...........Jan/50........Feb/41........Mar/66.......Apr/58..........May/50...........June/68


..........................................July/49.........Aug/76......Sept/67........Oct/62..........Nov/59............Dec/70


Just a reminder. In general properties go into escrow forty-five to sixty days before they close.


For instance: the January and February numbers represent activity in the market in November and December.

December Closed Sales - 2011-2003

January 9, 2012


For those of you who have an interest in the sales reported through the CRMLS for the months of December for the past nine years. The volume reflects more consistency than will be shown when I post the median prices for the years 2011-2003. With the exception of the year 2007, the volume does not change significantly.


Banning/Beaumont...........2011/119......2010/132......2009/134......2008/134......2007/37


..............................................2006/62.......2005/99.......2004/70........2003/66


Bloomington......................2011/19.........2010/23.......2009/34........2008/38.......2007/8


.............................................2006/25........2005/27.......2004/30........2003/26


Colton.................................2011/36.........2010/48.......2009/53........2008/63.......2007/6


.............................................2006/29........2005/51.......2004/54........2003/57


Fontana..............................2011/244.......2010/257.....2009/284......2008/388....2007/75


............................................2006/182.......2005/241.....2004/243......2003/250


Grand Terrace...................2011/9............2010/16.......2009/9..........2008/6.........2007/3


............................................2006/7............2005/16.......2004/9..........2003/6


Highland...........................2011/55...........2010/61.......2009/49........2008/62......2007/21


...........................................2006/39..........2005/70.......2004/59........2003/61


Loma Linda......................2011/19...........2010/15........2009/19........2008/17.......2007/5


...........................................2006/8............2005/4.........2004/14........2003/13


Mentone...........................2011/13...........2010/7..........2009/3..........2008/3........2007/2


...........................................2006/1............2005/12........2004/4..........2003/13


Moreno Valley.................2011/225........2010/291......2009/341......2008/506....2007/102


...........................................2006/167........2005/306.....2004/286.....2003/276


Redlands..........................2011/56...........2010/61........2009/59........2008/56......2007/32


..........................................2006/45..........2005/70........2004/91........2003/91


Rialto...............................2011/102.........2010/102......2009/110......2008/141.....2007/42


.........................................2006/72...........2005/130......2004/116......2003/117


Riverside........................2011/397..........2010/458......2009/474.....2008/498.....2007/153


........................................2006/262..........2005/470......2004/376.....2003/365


San Bernardino.............2011/215..........2010/204......2009/283.....2008/276......2007/73


.........................................2006/152.........2005/271......2004/246.....2003/276


Yucaipa/Calimesa.........2011/70............2010/60.......2009/58........2008/54........2007/24


.........................................2006/50...........2005/59.......2004/67........2003/58


Tomorrow I will post the numbers for the twelve months of 2011. You will be able to judge how this real estate cycle is progressing.

A Charles Dicken's Weekend

January 6, 2012


This weekend Riverside, California will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of writer Charles Dickens. There will over 150 costumed performers portraying the characters from Dickens' novels. Musical acts, a marketplace with all sorts of "Victorian" items. There will be a workshop where you can create a Victorian hat with your choice of fabrics, flowers, feathers or whatever catches your fancy. Cost can be $5 to $15. Books, music, original art, original apparel, and lots of unusual items.


At 6 p.m. this evening at the Riverside Convention Center, 3443 Orange Street, for the price of $75 you can experience the Pickwick Pub Fundraiser.


Tomorrow is the official opening of the Festival at the Convention Center. Entrance to the Festival is Free. At 9:45 a.m., the Gordon Highlanders will hoist the Union Jack and at 10 a.m. Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens and Mr. Pickwick will open the Festival.


For detailed information on the web, http://www.dickensfest.com/

Don't Throw Away Those Beautiful Poinsettias

January 5, 2012


It always seems a shame to throw away those beautiful poinsettia plants after the holidays. They are really capable of surviving as an outdoor plant in our Southern California climate. However, since they were probably cultivated in a greenhouse environment, they need a little special attention if they are to succeed as a garden plant.


If you want to try to nurture your holiday poinsettias so that they will survive and bloom next year, here are some tips.


1. Put your potted plant outdoors in the pot when temperatures are 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The plant needs to get accustomed to the outdoors.


2. Pick a spot near a southern wall.


3. Dig a hole slightly larger than the pot and put a layer of rich soil that will drain well. Fill the hole up to one half inch of the main stalk of the plant.


4. Water well and often to be sure that the plant roots do not get dry.


5. Do not fertilize until at least March. Then use an all purpose garden fertilizer.


6. Cut the plant to about eight inches so that it will bush out.


7. Once October arrives, you will need to make sure it has dark nights with no artificial lighting.


The first four steps are the beginning. If you truly want to accept the challenge of having it bloom for the 2012 holidays, I suggest you google "Planting Poinsettias" for detailed instructions.


Seeing these bright red bushes in gardens is a beautiful sight!

Listing, Pending, Back-up January 1, 2012

January 3, 2012


Here is a posting of the numbers for active listings, pending sales and those reported in the "back-up" category. These are the numbers taken from the CRMLS on January 1, 2012. When compared to January 1, 2011, they reflect a significant drop in the number of active listings. The number of pendings and back-ups has not changed as much, but the drop in the active listings has made the ratios of those in escrow to actives become higher.


For those of you who follow the numbers, here they are for 2012.


Banning/Beaumont..............List/437.......Pend/169........Back-up/104.......Ratio/.625


Bloomington..........................List/59.........Pend/43..........Back-up/18.........Ratio/1.034


Colton.....................................List/92.........Pend/85..........Back-up/35.........Ratio/1.304


Fontana..................................List/552.......Pend/429........Back-up/205.......Ratio/1.169


Grand Terrace.......................List/36.........Pend/21...........Back-up/5...........Ratio/.722


Highland................................List/134.......Pend/100........Back-up/52.........Ratio/1.134


Loma Linda...........................List/34.........Pend/30..........Back-up/16.........Ratio/1.353


Mentone................................List/29.........Pend/17...........Back-up/7...........Ratio/.828


Moreno Valley......................List/667.......Pend/415........Back-up/196.......Ratio/.916


Redlands...............................List/231.......Pend/103........Back-up/41..........Ratio/.623


Rialto.....................................List/293.......Pend/187........Back-up/72.........Ratio/.884


Riverside...............................List/1095.....Pend/677........Back-up/350......Ratio/.920


San Bernardino....................List/614.......Pend/361........Back-up/106.......Ratio/.761


Yucaipa/Calimesa...............List/203.......Pend/88.........Back-up/57..........Ratio/.714


The total number of active listings in 2012 in the fourteen communities that I tract is 4476 compared to 5824 in 2011.

"Just Imagine..."

January 2, 2012


I just finished watching the 2012 Rose Parade and really enjoyed the many interpretations of this years theme "Just Imagine". I thought it might be interesting to "Just Imagine" some developments that could make 2012 a much better year for buyers, sellers and real estate professionals - maybe even for lenders and investors.


Just imagine that the financial world push the "reset" button and adjusted mortgages to fit the current decline in value of most homes. Loans for the homeowners who wish to stay in their homes could be modified to meet this current value. Sellers who wanted to sell, but who owe more than the mortgage could "short sell" in sixty to ninety days. Buyers could know that they could purchase a "short sale" property and not wait months and months to know if the lender would accept their offer.


Just imagine that after three plus years, lenders finally developed a workable process for dealing with mortgages that no longer produce income for the lender/investor and begin to receive regular payments on the newly adjusted mortgage balance.


Just imagine that rather than giving lending institutions monies to use as they see fit, the institutions apply the funds to help all their "underwater" borrowers.


Just imagine that the year 2012 will see folks regaining a sense of responsibility that translate into a stable economic environment.


I could imagine much. I hope some of my imaginings come to fruition.