http://www.findavalleyhome.com/ A variety of articles to help consumers make the right decisions in real estate. en-us Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:48:12 -0700 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss OmniUpdate (OU Publish) http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/internet/April-10-08-222.php The Southern California real estate community has a new tool in its arsenal to better serve its clients. Marking its debut in the 2nd quarter of 2008, California Real Estate Technology Services -- known as CARETS -- is a first-of-its-kind, region-wide Multiple Listing Service database available to real estate practitioners serving a wide geographic area -- from Santa Clarita Valley to the north, to most Southern California coastal cities to the west, and from Palm Springs/Palm Desert region to the east, to San Clemente to the south. The alliance represents nearly 120,000 real estate professionals. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:48:11 -0700 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/finance/April-10-08-111.php Something is happening in the residential real estate market -- movement. It's too soon to say that the tide has turned, but it sure is beginning to feel that way. Part of the reason a growing number of prospective buyers are acting and dismissing reports of doom and gloom is because there has been a revival in an all but forgotten housing mainstay -- FHA-insured loans. FHA loan limits have nearly doubled. And, in an era of tighter loan qualification rules, FHA loans are a blessing for buyers with little money for a down payment. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:41:08 -0700 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/internet/Uploads-3-31-08-555.php The Southern California real estate community has a new tool in its arsenal to better serve its clients. Marking its debut in the 2nd quarter of 2008, California Real Estate Technology Services -- known as CARETS -- is a first-of-its-kind, region-wide Multiple Listing Service database available to real estate practitioners serving a wide geographic area -- from Santa Clarita Valley to the north, to most Southern California coastal cities to the west, and from Palm Springs/Palm Desert region to the east, to San Clemente to the south. The alliance represents nearly 120,000 real estate professionals. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:43:35 -0700 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homebuyer/Uploads-3-31-08-444.php What is an e-Pro? And, why should home buyers or sellers use one? When searching on the Internet, consumers want quick, efficient searches that hone in on pertinent, useful real estate information. They want to get things done quickly and without hassle. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:39:01 -0700 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/internet/Uploads-3-31-08-3333.php What is an e-Pro? And, why should home buyers or sellers use one? When searching on the Internet, consumers want quick, efficient searches that hone in on pertinent, useful real estate information. They want to get things done quickly and without hassle. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:35:28 -0700 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homebuyer/Upload-3-31-08-222.php There is much hand wringing, gnashing of teeth and off-the-chart hyperbole by the media and everyone on the backyard cocktail circuit about the current condition of the housing market. At the risk of sounding incredibly Pollyannaish, Los Angeles real estate will always be in demand, no matter where we are on the up- or down-cycle. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:30:48 -0700 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homeown/uploads-3-31-08.php the Assessor's Office says that this year it will be proactive in reviewing single-family homes and condominiums that were purchased between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2007. The assessor will look at sales of comparable properties that sold near the lien date, Jan. 1, 2008. If the market value is less than the assessed value indicated on an owner's 2007-08 tax bill, the assessed value will be reduced accordingly. An application will not be necessary. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:22:51 -0700 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homeown/Jan-9999.php Home owners facing mortgage payment problems too often are easy prey for con artists and senior citizens in particular need to be extremely vigilant. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:55:03 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/internet/Jan-999.php Nearly half - 44 percent - of a Realtors' business originates from the Internet, a recent survey conducted by the California Association of Realtors reported recently. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:48:20 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/mediation/Jan-888.php The use of mediation to settle disputes has grown throughout society, but its use in real estate disagreements has exploded, so much so that it now is included in purchase agreement documents. Why? David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:39:34 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homeown/Jan-777.php Prioritizing which bills to pay and which ones can wait a while longer is one of dozens of tips discussed in a brochure designed to offer practical advise to anyone confronting the prospect of losing their home through foreclosure. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:35:03 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homeown/jan-666.php Whether it's soaring up or settling down, residential real estate invariably is a topic of discussion almost everywhere and at any time of the day or night throughout Greater Los Angeles. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:30:38 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homebuyer/Jan-555.php The National Association of Realtors recently launched a new web site, www.HousingMarketFacts.com, as a part of a public awareness campaign to promote the possible benefits of home ownership and to counter news about the housing market slowdown, Inman News reported recently. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:26:46 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homeown/Jan-444.php If a property suffered damage of $10,000 or more as a result of the brush fires in Los Angeles County, the owner is eligible for a reduction in property taxes. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:22:24 -0800 http://www.findavalleyhome.com/consumers/homeown/Jan-333.php Typically, an application is required to initiate a review of a property's value by the Los Angeles County Assessor. However, the Assessor's Office says that this year it will be proactive in reviewing single-family homes and condominiums that were purchased between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2007. David Walker <Davidr7944@aol.com> Thu, 17 Jan 2008 20:17:42 -0800