http://www.findavalleyhome.com/ A variety of articles to help consumers make the right decisions in real estate. en-us Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:08:26 -0800 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss OmniUpdate (OU Publish) http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homeown/Reduce-Fireplace-Polution-2-20-08.php A wood-burning fireplace can cause pollution and be harmful to lungs. But with some small changes, a home owner can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help reduce pollution from a wood-burning fireplace: David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:08:26 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homeown/Wood-Burning-Fireplace-Rules-2-20-08.php In an effort to further clean up air quality, wood-burning fireplaces as of March 9 no longer will be legal in newly constructed homes within the jurisdiction of the Air Quality Management District. In many instances, they are already outlawed in remodels. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:05:50 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homebuyer/Affordability-Increases-2-20-08.php The percentage of households that could afford to buy an entry-level home in California stood at 59 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared with 33 percent for the same period in 2008, according to a report released Wednesday by the California Association of Realtors. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:02:15 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homeown/Additional-Survey-Findings-2-13-09.php Distressed properties sold during 2008 had a median sales price of $330,000, a median price per square foot of $197, and a median size of 1,600 square feet. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:58:19 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homeown/2008-Year-to-Remember-2-13-9.php Rising home sales, declining home prices, stricter loan underwriting standards, and the financial market meltdown made 2008 an extremely turbulent year for California's housing market. Goodbye 2008 and good riddance. Here's hoping that 2009 sees a more stable market and more prosperous times. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:55:26 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homeown/Loan-Mod-Help-2-13-09.php Consumer information sheets detailing the various mortgage modification programs available through large lenders and government entities are now available through the website of the California Association of Realtors. C.A.R. also has created an easy-to-use reference chart about available programs. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:50:48 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homebuyer/New-Laws-2-13-09.php Every new year typically comes with the implementation of a raft of new laws impacting every player and every sector of residential real estate. 2009 is no different as the following sampling of lawmakers' handiwork illustrates. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:44:44 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homeown/Vacant-home-Check-2-13-09.php In partnership with the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station's Crime Prevention Unit recently launched a program to safeguard vacant homes and commercial sites. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:38:33 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/using_realtor/Use-Realtor-2-13-09.php From educating home buyers and sellers about current trends in the housing market to supporting private property rights, Realtors and their local, state and national professional associations enable more Americans to achieve and protect the benefits of home ownership. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:35:12 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/finance/HUD-Campaign-2-13-09.php Over the next 6 months, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is launching a national consumer education campaign urging homeowners to seek free, HUD-approved housing counseling advice. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:31:00 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/finance/FICO-Scores-Matter-2-13-09.php How the world has changed! From simply needing to fog a mirror to qualify for a home loan to today's reality that forces prospective borrowers to leap multiple hurdles and clear dozens of obstacles, even if they have money in the bank, a solid job, and a six-figure income. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:26:20 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homeown/Scams-1-23-2008.php Notices from companies promising to help homeowners reduce their property taxes or win a loan modification are flooding mailboxes. Some of the offers are legitimate, but many are scams and consumers should be on high alert especially if they are asked to pay an advance fee. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:12:12 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/finance/Refi-Rules-1-23-2008.php How can it be a good thing that some prospective homebuyers and current owners are having a difficult time obtaining a loan or refinancing an existing loan? Because, unlike a short while ago, those who do wind up with a loan most likely will be able to afford it. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:58:27 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/finance/VA-1-23-2008.php Veterans sometimes forget to mention their service in the nation's military branches and that could be an unfortunate, costly oversight in a quest to buy a home. Veterans' Administration loans offer so many advantages that real estate professionals should ask every client if they have military service. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:47:52 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/finance/FHA-1-23-2008.php California is the No. 1 state in the nation when it comes to writing government loans. That's why real estate professionals recently filled the auditorium to capacity at the Southland Regional Association of Realtors to hear all about a very old loan program that now is leading the housing recovery -- FHA-insured loans. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:42:21 -0800