Real Estate Agent In Valencia, Ca

Real Estate Agent In Valencia, CA

If you are looking for a real estate agent in any area of Santa Clarita, don't hesitate to contact me at anytime.  I have been in real estate since 1996 and have closed over 1,500 successful transactions.  I have grown up, went to school, worked, and lived in Santa Clarita since 1982.

From home buyers to home sellers I am ready to service your needs to the highest possible level.  From buying or selling a home from $50,000 to $50,000,000, I know that all of my clients needs are different and I will do everything I can to service those needs.

Real estate can be a confusing and stressful process for many people, I am here to help with the processes and make sure we have the smoothest transaction possible all put in basic terms.

My clients not only are my clients, but become my friends, to remain your Realtor for life!

3% Down Payment Plan Raising Concerns?

In their latest Housing Market Insight & Outlook report, Freddie Mac revealed that recent low down payment initiatives have raised concerns that we may be returning to the same lax mortgage qualifications that caused the housing crisis from which we are just now recovering. The report went on to explain that today’s underwriting guidelines are nothing like those that existed just prior to the housing meltdown. “Pre-crisis underwriting allowed layered risk, that is, the combination of multiple features that amplified credit risk. Low down payments often were combined with variable-payment loan structures, property-based underwriting, and questionable appraisals. These risk factors, along with the ‘irrational exuberance’ of some borrowers, led to large losses during the crisis.” What is layered risk? In the pre-crisis environment, many mortgage loans incorporated several additional features besides low down payments that multiplied the total risk of the loans such as: variable payment options, underwriting based on the property not the borrower, questionable appraisal processes. Borrower expectations were also overly optimistic at that time. Freddie Mac highlights the difference between then and now by using a table in the report: By removing the “layered risk”, we can be confident that low down payment programs will not impact the market the way mortgage underwriting impacted the market a decade ago. And the report explains: “Previous research has found that reduced down payments can increase the relative probability of homeownership among some groups by over 25 percent.” Bottom Line We believe the report’s conclusion says it all: “As long as the underwriting process bars the return of the layered risks prevalent in the pre-crisis era, lower down payments are not a cause for concern.”

Real Estate Agent In Saugus, CA

If you are looking for a real estate agent in any area of Santa Clarita, don't hesitate to contact me at anytime.  I have been in real estate since 1996 and have closed over 1,000 successful transactions.  I have grown up, went to school, worked and lived in Santa Clarita since 1982.

From home buyers to home sellers I am ready to service your needs to the highest possible level.  From buying or selling a home from $50,000 to $2,000,000, I know that all of my clients needs are different and I will do everything I can to service those needs.

Real estate can be a confusing and stressful process for many people, I am here to help with the processes and make sure we have the smoothest transaction possible all put in basic terms.

My clients not only are my clients, but become my friends, to remain your Realtor for life!

Real Estate In Santa Clarita

So I took a small break from blogging the past few months as number one the market was busy and the time wasn't there for writing everyday.

But the constant question is, "How is the real estate market?"

My answer is always, as a buyer or as a seller?

Right now, if you are buying a home in Santa Clarita, there are 731 active listings! That is up about 10%. Only 305 of those listings are priced under $500,000.  As a buyer, interest rates are still low which will keep your payments lower!

As a seller, prices are up, up, up! This is great if your home ever experienced a decrease in value or if you owed more money than what it is worth that may not be true anymore! If you would like to know the value of your home, please CLICK HERE

Either way, we still have a great real estate market in the SCV! For more information on buying or selling your home please don't hesitate to contact me directly, 661-702-4767

Foreclosures, Short Sales Not Dead!

"FORECLOSURE ACTIVITY INCREASES 3 PERCENT IN APRIL TO 18-MONTH HIGH DRIVEN BY RISING BANK REPOSSESSIONS!"

A recent report released by RealtyTrac, the nations leading source for comprehensive housing data,  shows foreclosure filing are up 3 for the previous month and up 9% from a year ago! CLICK HERE TO READ REPORT!

Don't freak out! There are a lot of other indicators involved.

I personally believe this has to do with the auction schedule that was occurring the previous 24 months and banks putting holds on many properties and now following through with the foreclosure process.  As well, many homeowners loans were adjusting the past 24 months, home owners couldn't get used to the adjustment and allowed their homes to get to the foreclosure point.

The interesting thing is a total of 51,773 US properties started the foreclosure process for the first time in April 2015, which is down 3 percent from the previous month and down 5 percent from a year ago.  There are many statistics you can read in the report above.

Nonetheless, short sales and foreclosures are not dead! Banks are still working with people whose loans are adjusting and are just to much to meet the demand of the household finances.  The great thing is consumers have choices now! IF you have equity in your home and have a decent credit score, I can help you get your home refinanced into a better more affordable loan.  If the issue is no equity and loan adjusting to a payment that is too much for the household, banks will still work with you on a short sale and save your credit from a foreclosure.  

Call me today and let's figure it out whatever your situation! 661-702-4767

Santa Clarita New Construction!

If you are planning on selling your home over the next two years, now may be the time to act. Demand is high, supply is low and many homeowners are benefiting from an almost auction atmosphere with several buyers fighting for their house in the current multi-bid environment. Higher prices and less stringent contingencies are making it easier for the seller and their family. However, there may be more (and better) competition about to hit the market in the form of newly constructed homes. This may put an end to the buyers’ frenzy over the limited inventory of existing homes which has been below normal levels for over a year. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors(NAR), the forecast for new housing starts and sales will increase significantly over the next two years:

• NAR is forecasting 1.1 million new housing starts in 2015, jumping to 1.4 million in 2016.
• New home sales are projected to increase from the 437,000 in 2014 to 570,000 this year and 720,000 in 2016.

Bottom Line

In major urban areas across the country, building cranes are again stretched across the city skyline. In many suburbs, you can again hear the thumping of a carpenter’s hammer in the background. Those are the sights and sounds that inform us that it may be time to sell. 

If you are considering a move to new construction check out my website for connection to all of the new construction builds in Santa Clarita CLICK HERE

More Consumers Putting Less Money Down To Buy Homes!

A recent post by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that in the months of December 2014 through February 2015, there was an increase in the number of first-time buyers making a down payment of 6% or less as compared to last year:

• 2014: 61% of first time home buyers
• 2015: 66% of first time home buyers

While the number of small down payments is lower than it was in 2009 when 77% of down payments were 6% or less, it does show the recent decisions by both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to offer 3% down payment options to certain buyers is impacting the market. FHFA Director Mel Watt recently explained why Freddie and Fannie made this decision:

“The new lending guidelines by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will enable creditworthy borrowers who can afford a mortgage, but lack the resources to pay a substantial down payment plus closing costs, to get a mortgage with 3% down. These underwriting guidelines provide a responsible approach to improving access to credit while ensuring safe and sound lending practices.”

This is great news to millions of purchasers that have been denied the opportunity to own their own home because of the almost impossible burden of saving for a 20% down payment.

Will these programs create future challenges?

Certain pundits fear that low down payment programs will create a wave of foreclosures down the road. Mr. Watt also addressed this concern:

“To mitigate risk, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will use their automated underwriting systems, which include compensating factors to evaluate a borrower’s creditworthiness. In addition, the new offerings will also include home ownership counseling, which improves borrower performance. FHFA will monitor the ongoing performance of these loans.”

Also, the Urban Institute revealed data showing what impact substantially lower down payments would have on default rates in today’s mortgage environment. Their study revealed:

“Those who have criticized low-down payment lending as excessively risky should know that if the past is a guide, only a narrow group of borrowers will receive these loans, and the overall impact on default rates is likely to be negligible. This low down payment lending was never more than 3.5 percent of the Fannie Mae book of business, and in recent years, had been even less. If executed carefully, this constitutes a small step forward in opening the credit box—one that safely, but only incrementally, expands the pool of who can qualify for a mortgage.”

Here are the direct links to the guidelines for each program:

Fannie Mae 3% Down Program Freddie Mac 3% Down Program Remember, as with any new program, there will be some confusion. 

If you are considering purchasing a home, please don't hesitate to contact me directly, I will put you in touch with a lender to find the best loan option, with the least amount of down payment you are looking for, 661-702-4767. This market isn't going to last forever!

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Lagging Supply of Homes...Cause of Real Estate Slowdown?

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released the results of their Existing Home Sales Report. Despite the fact that properties are selling faster than they have at any other time since July of 2013, existing home sales declined 3.3% from March. NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun explained the main reason for the slow:

"April's setback is the result of lagging supply relative to demand and the upward pressure it's putting on prices.”

One major news organization actually used this headline about the decline:

Existing home sales crater in April, falling 3.3%

Well, they certainly haven’t cratered! April marked the second month in a row that the annual sales pace remained above the five million mark (5.04 million) throughout the US. Year-over-year sales have increased for seven consecutive months and are still 6.1% above a year ago. Every month, SentriLock, LLC provides NAR Research with data on the number of homes shown to potential buyers. This data is referred to as ‘Foot Traffic’ and is a great predictor of future sales and buyer demand. In April, buyer demand remained at the same level experienced in March.

So why did sales go down?

Buyers who are ready and willing to make a purchase are entering a market where their dream house may not have been listed yet. They can’t find it! Or if they find it, it happens to catch the eye of other buyers and an auction like environment’ begins.

Housing inventory declined from last year and supply in our market is VERY tight. This is causing bidding wars, faster pace price growth and properties selling at a quicker pace.  It is also causing sellers to overprice their homes and some homes sitting without showings.  

Bottom Line

So how do you make sense of everything that’s going on in the housing market when there are so many conflicting headlines on the same report? John Burns, real estate expert and CEO of John Burns Real Estate Consulting gives this advice:

“The bottom line is this: don't make decisions based on newspaper articles. Read the actual press release, including the methodology, and make sure the results jive with other data points and qualitative feedback you receive.”

If you are one of the many homeowners out there realizing that now may be the time to list your home for sale, or one of the many renters debating a purchase, sitting with a local real estate professional who takes the time to find out what’s really going on in the market, should be your first step! Don't hesitate to contact me today for a free confidential consultation.

Interest Rates 1985 to 2015

Wow! What do you think about this? You could afford more home today then in 1985 considering interest rates are 9% lower! 

Where Are Home Prices Headed?

Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey. Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists about where prices are headed over the next five years. They then average the projections of all 100+ experts into a single number. 

The results of their latest survey

• Home values will appreciate by 4.3% in 2015.
• The cumulative appreciation will be 19.4% by 2019.
• That means the average annual appreciation will be 3.6% over the next 5 years.
• Even the experts making up the most bearish quartile of the survey still are projecting a cumulative appreciation of 11.8% by 2019.

Individual opinions make headlines. 

I Need Your Listing!

Though the real estate market has improved, we still have one item holding it back from a full recovery – a robust supply of homes for sale. Demand has increased dramatically. At the same time, housing inventory is decreasing especially at the lower price points. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently revealed that there is a pent-up seller demand caused by the uncertainty created by the housing crisis of the last decade.

What does that mean to you?

Houses listed today sell quickly. With prices still below peak values of 2007 in many parts of the country and mortgage interest rates at historic lows, this may be the perfect time for your family to make the move to the dream house you always wanted – whether that’s a larger home or that vacation/retirement home you have been looking at.

What does that mean to the economy?

Housing has always been an essential part of the U.S. economy. As I have reported before, real estate not only provides housing for families. It is often the greatest source of wealth and savings for many. The recent increase in real estate sales has led to an increase in real estate prices. This has increased the value of everyone’s' home, whether they are selling or not. This leads to an increase in consumer confidence which in turn leads to an increase in consumer spending. Plus, each home sale automatically puts money into the economy. NAR compiled data from research conducted by the Bureau of Economic Analysis & Macroeconomic Advisers on the economic impact of a home purchase. After reviewing the data, they concluded that the total economic impact of a typical home sale in the United States is an astonishing $52,205. The more homes that sell, the better the economy.

Bottom Line

In order for the U.S. economy to get better, we need to sell more homes. Perhaps, it makes sense for one of those homes to be yours. If you have considered selling but are still a little nervous, now might be the time to sit down with and discuss the sale of your home! OR visit www.SellingSCVHome.com for your homes value!

Pets Need Help Adjusting Too!!

Moving can be stressful for every family member – including the four-legged ones. The tough part is you can't explain to your dogs and cats what's happening. Every animal reacts differently to new living quarters, and temperament has a lot to do with it. Some pets take a move in stride, while others exhibit anxiety or insecurity for days or weeks.

Here are some things to consider as the big move approaches and after you're in your new home:

1. A little help from the vet
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on easing the transition. If your pet is generally anxious or high-strung, perhaps it's worth asking whether a mild calming medication might be right for your pet for the first few days after the move. It's not uncommon for vets to prescribe gentle stress relief for travel. Your veterinarian may also suggest additional vaccinations depending on the area and climate you're moving to.

2. A pre-move home tour
If possible, take your pet to the new home for a visit before the official moving day. That way, it will be familiar with the house, yard and even new smells when you actually move in.

3. Time to explore
After you move in, give your pet time to explore the house gradually, rather than letting it loose immediately to roam at will. Limit it to one area – perhaps the kitchen – for a few hours until it calms down. Show the pet where you've placed its familiar items like the food dish, water bowl and bed. You might want to keep a dog on a leash when first allowing it to tour the greater part of the house. If you have a fenced yard, avoid letting pets out unsupervised for several days until you're sure they can't climb or dig out from under the fence.

4. The benefit of pet walks
Take your dog for walks and good sniffing around the entire neighborhood. While you acclimate to your new location primarily by visual cues, dogs depend on their olfactory sense. Leave and enter the new home by different doors during the early walks, so your dog develops a good sense of direction and knows exactly where home is.

5. How cats handle moves
Territorial by nature, cats often experience more issues with moving than their canine counterparts. Keep your cat safe in its carrier upon arrival, placing it in a quiet area. When the hubbub dies down, let it out in an enclosed room away from main traffic areas. Provide your cat with familiar objects, such as a bed, litter box and toys. Spend lots of time with it and encourage it to explore the room, perhaps by strategically placing cat treats. Outgoing, friendly cats might be ready for further exploration within a day or two after arrival, while shy cats might take much longer.

6. Additional supervision
While you have a million things to do after moving into a new house, try to have at least one family member home at all times during the first week or so. Have meals at home and establish a routine for your furry friends as soon as possible. Feed pets and take the dog for walks at the same time as you did at your old home.

7. Update pet IDs
Because accidents happen, update your pet's identification information before you move. Your new municipality might require licensing within a certain time frame, but you need updated tags from day one of your move. If your pets are microchipped, contact the registration company and give them the new information. This way, if Fluffy or Fido slip out the door, anyone who finds them can easily return them to their new home.

April 2015 US Economic Housing Market Outlook

The April 2015 U.S. Economic & Housing Market Outlook from Freddie Mac revealed that they are optimistic about the real estate market in 2015. As a matter of fact, the sub-title of the report was “Great Expectations”. What made Freddie Mac so optimistic? Here are a few highlights from the report:

“For the remainder of the year we should see a resumption of solid economic growth and acceleration in housing activity. Notwithstanding a disappointing March jobs report the acceleration is already underway.” “With spring upon us, housing markets are poised to accelerate and we expect the best year for home sales since 2007. Despite harsh winter weather to start the year, home sales through February are only off from the 2013 pace by 7,000 sales... Pending home sales were up 3.1 percent in February to the highest level since June 2013. This marked the fourth consecutive month for rising pending home sales showing positive momentum in general for the housing market.”

Their projections…

“By the end of the spring home buying season in June, we should be well above the pace of home sales for any year since 2007.” “We are as optimistic about trends in housing markets moving forward as we have ever been since the depths of the Great Recession.”

Regarding prices…

“Due to strong growth, we are expecting house prices to increase 4.0 percent in 2015.”

But there were some warnings…

On available supply:

“With low mortgage rates, improving labor markets, and rising demand, one key issue for housing over the next two years will be the lack of supply of for-sale and for-rent homes.” “Many metro areas that have seen robust job growth and population increases are facing shortages of available for-sale inventory.”

On interest rates:

“However, by the end of the year long-term interest rates should only increase modestly, ending the year at about 4.3 percent for the 30-year fixed rate mortgage.”

Note: Freddie Mac worded this as being not that crucial. However, a 4.3% mortgage rate is about a .75 increase over current rates.

Bottom Line

Things are looking good for the real estate market. If you are thinking of selling, contact an agent to discuss how this applies to your neighborhood.

What Lenders Are Looking For...

The Four C's

Low mortgage rates are helping to bring home ownership within reach for some borrowers. But qualifying for a mortgage remains a big challenge for many, as tight underwriting standards persist in the wake of the financial crisis.

family sales and relationship management for Freddie Mac, explains how your clients can be better prepared to qualify. Boyle writes at the mortgage giant’s website about the four C’s that lenders are evaluating when deciding whether to grant a borrower a loan. They are:

• Capacity: “Your current and future ability to pay back the loan,” Boyle explains. “Lenders look at your income, employment history, savings, and monthly debt payments, such as credit card charges and other financial obligations, to make sure that you have the means to take on a mortgage comfortably.”
• Collateral: The value of the home that you intend to purchase.
• Capital: “The money and savings that you have on hand plus investments, properties, and other assets that could be sold fairly quickly for cash,” Boyle says. “Having these reserves proves that you can manage your money and have funds, in addition to your income, to help pay the debt.”
• Credit: How well you’ve done paying your bills and other debts on time.

The down payment is also an important piece that lenders consider, Boyle adds. In 2014, buyers put down an average of 14 percent on their home purchase, according to a report by RealtyTrac. Freddie Mac’s new Home Possible Advantages down an average of 14 percent on their home purchase, according to a report by RealtyTrac. Freddie Mac’s new Home Possible Advantages mortgage allows qualified borrowers to put down as little as 3 percent. But those who put down less than 20 percent should expect to pay a higher interest rate as well as pay mortgage insurance, Boyle says.

If You Wait A Year To Buy A Home...

Some Important Points To Consider:

• The latest Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey reports the 30-year fixed rate at 3.7%.
• Freddie Mac's projection for Q2 2016 is that the rate will be 4.7% (a full percentage point higher)
• The Home Price Expectation Survey predicts that home prices will appreciate by 4.4% during this same time

The impact waiting a year to purchase your dream home can make on your monthly payment is significant. Contact a local real estate professional today to discuss your options before the experts' predictions become reality!

Is Getting A Mortgage Getting Easier?

There has been a lot of discussion about how difficult it is to get a home mortgage in this market. There is no doubt that the process is not as easy as it was eight to ten years ago and that’s probably good news. However, it does appear that availability to mortgage money is increasing with each passing day. The Mortgage Bankers’ Association publishes the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI). According to their site the index is “a summary measure which indicates the availability of mortgage credit at a point in time”. As we can see from the graph below, mortgage availability has been increasing dramatically over the last six months.

 Accompanying the latest index was this comment from Mike Fratantoni, MBA's Chief Economist:

"A number of factors contributed to a loosening of credit in March: Freddie Mac's introduction of their 97 LTV program (Fannie Mae's was implemented in December) [and the] additional loosening of parameters on jumbo loan programs… Although credit remains tight by historical standards, this increase in availability, coupled with low rates and job market strength, should lead to stronger home purchase activity this spring."

Bottom Line

If you have remained on the sidelines regarding home ownership because you were concerned about your ability to qualify for a mortgage, it may be time to get into the game.

3 Questions If You Are Considering Buying A Home

If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are surely getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in real estate. Let’s look at whether or not now is actually a good time for you to buy a home. There are 3 questions you should ask before purchasing in today’s market:

1. Why am I buying a home in the first place?

This truly is the most important question to answer. Forget the finances for a minute. Why did you even begin to consider purchasing a home? For most, the reason has nothing to do with finances. A study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University reveals that the four major reasons people buy a home have nothing to do with money:

• A good place to raise children and for them to get a good education
• A place where you and your family feel safe
• More space for you and your family
• Control of the space

What non-financial benefits will you and your family derive from owning a home? The answer to that question should be the biggest reason you decide to purchase or not.

2. Where are home values headed?

When looking at future housing values, Home Price Expectation Survey provides a fair assessment. Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over 100 economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists about where prices are headed over the next five years. They then average the projections of all 100+ experts into a single number. Here is what the experts projected in the latest survey:

• Home values will appreciate by 4.4% in 2015.
• The cumulative appreciation will be 19.3% by 2019.
• Even the experts making up the most bearish quartile of the survey still are projecting a cumulative appreciation of over 11.7% by 2019.

3. Where are mortgage interest rates headed?

A buyer must be concerned about more than just prices. The ‘long term cost’ of a home can be dramatically impacted by an increase in mortgage rates. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors and Freddie Mac have all projected that mortgage interest rates will increase by approximately one full percentage over the next twelve months.

Bottom Line

Only you and your family can know for certain the right time to purchase a home. Answering these questions will help you make that decision.

Desire For Vacation Homes Growing!

The National Association of Realtors just released their 2015 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey which revealed that vacation home sales boomed in 2014 to above their most recent peak level in 2006. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said favorable conditions are driving second-home sales:

“Affluent households have greatly benefited from strong growth in the stock market in recent years, and the steady rise in home prices has likely given them reassurance that real estate remains an attractive long-term investment. Furthermore, last year’s impressive increase also reflects long-term growth in the numbers of baby boomers moving closer to retirement and buying second homes to convert into their primary home in a few years.”

The report shows:

• Vacation-home sales catapulted to an estimated 1.13 million last year
• This was the highest amount since NAR began the survey in 2003
• Vacation sales were up 57.4% from 717,000 in 2013
• Vacation-home sales accounted for 21 percent of all transactions in 2014, their highest market share since the survey was first conducted

Bottom Line

If you have been considering that waterfront condo in Florida, that ranch in Wyoming or that special getaway you someday will retire to, maybe now is the time to act. Prices are good and mortgage rates are at historic lows. Contact a local real estate professional to help you put your dreams to a plan.

*Large Down Payment?*

My clients always ask, "What is the best way to structure my loan."  I can't answer if they want to go interest only, balloon payment, or conventional loan, but I can help guide when they ask about a down payment.

A home buyer can put down from as little as 3 percent to as much as you want on your home purchase, if you have money in the bank, you know what you can afford monthly for your house payment without being strapped.  If you put down less than 20 percent on a home, you will be hit with Mortgage Insurance, which I have seen be as low as $150 per month up to $500 per month.  It all depends on the amount of money you put down and your credit scores.

Let me give you a scenario. I have a client who wants to buy a home for $450,000. They have $100,000 in the bank and are considering their down payment.  If they put down 5%, they will have money still in the bank to do other things with, like buy a new car or a boat cash.  Because they have good credit rating their PMI insurance would only change by about $125 per month.

Light bulb! Why would you want to take all of that money and invest into something that is going to decrease in value? My recommendation is to put 10% down on the home which is $45,000, and purchase a small income producing property for $250,000, down payment of about $50,000,  and make money on that down payment every month, plus save for your future!  Somebody else will be paying your mortgage off and soon enough you will have equity in the home to make the next home purchase.

I understand a boat, a car, a vacation are all fabulous and wonderful things to do, but why wouldn't you want to spend your money and produce more of it!  If you buy the boat, car, motorcycle on credit, (which if you can't qualify for, you should not be buying anyway!) you will have a payment, but maybe your income producing property will cover it each month and soon enough will be paid off by somebody else! In a few years or even months, you can re-finance the loan and take money out to buy the next property, and the next, and the next.  Soon enough you will be a real estate millionaire and be able to purchase whatever you want.

So bottom line, my advice is to keep as much money in your pocket to purchase income producing properties!

*Just A Fun Fact*

WHAT'S THE FACT? HOMEOWNERS MAY MAKE BETTER DRIVERS!

Does owning a home mean you're a better driver? A new study by Insurance.com found homeowners file fewer auto-insurance claims than renters, on average.

Those who are most likely to file an auto claim are drivers between ages 18-24 who live with their parents, according to the analysis.  About 24 percent of drivers in this segment have filed a claim in the past three years compared to 19.7 percent of renters ages 18 to 24 and 17.6 percent of homeowners in that same age bracket.  Similar differences were found with older drivers among those who co-habitate, rent, and own.

Popular Design Trends for 2015

*POPULAR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2015*

Gold fixtures (YES GOLD FIXTURES!), wallpaper, and cowhide accents were named among the most popular design trends in 2015, according to 2015 Zillow Digs Home Trends Forecast, a report that combines data from a survey of leading interior design experts and an analysis of the most popular photos on Zillow Digs.  

Gold Fixtures: Reminiscent of the 80s and early 90s, this retro statement hardware color will make a comeback in 2015 with a new modern twist: bright gold with a sleek finish for extra shine.

Cowhide: Cowhide is the ideal accent texture for 2015's modern, yet approachable design aesthetic.

Wallpaper: From digital prints to textured wall coverings, wallpaper is primed and ready to take off in 2015.

Blue Accent Colors:  Blue will be the most popular accent color. Pops of indigo blue or deep navy will become a staple in home design this year.

Modern/Mid-Century Modern Elements: Mid-century modern elements will weave their way in to 2015 home decor-from architecture to furniture-and will be one of the biggest up-and-coming design styles for 2015.

FHA Lowers Its Mortgage Costs

DID YOU KNOW?

FHA LOWERED IT'S ANNUAL PREMIUMS?

The Federal Housing Administration recently reduced the annual premiums borrowers will pay by half a percent.  This action is projected to help over 250,000 home buyers over the next three years! Could you be one of them?

The FHA's mortgage insurance premiums are reduced from 1.35 percent to .85 percent. The reduction on mortgages could save an average California borrower $1,500 per year on a $300,000 loan.  More on a higher loan!

IF you didn't buy due to higher premiums now is the time to get pre-qualified, call me today to get started! 661-702-4767
Or 
Click Here For A FREE List of Homes that my fit your home buying criteria

Five Spring Home Buying Strategies

The spring home-buying boom is underway, and this year buyers in some markets will face an increased amount of competition due to low housing inventory. In fact, the most recent existing-home sales report from the National Association of REALTORS® cautions that "Insufficient supply appears to be hampering prospective buyers in several areas of the country and is hiking prices."

Real estate professionals around the country are echoing the concern about the lack of available housing options. "The [housing] recovery appears slow due to a lack of inventory and a low participation rate among first-time buyers, but it’s still a competitive seller’s market," says David Yocum, a Redfin agent from Chicago.

In order to be successful in competitive markets, buyers need to be strategic in how they approach finding their dream home. Here are five tips they can incorporate into their home buying process that will prepare them with all of the information they need.

Step Away from the Computer

Despite the fact that 90 percent of home buyers start their search online, buyers should also consider getting outside and canvassing their desired neighborhoods. In a low inventory market, it's important to to be proactive and not waste time weighing options, because by that time, the property might be off the market. "In our market we hope for a burst of new inventory in the spring, but that doesn't always happen,"  "Even if that burst comes, demand will outstrip supply, so buyers have to be in a position to make a decision quickly."

Get to Know the Current Housing Market

Every housing market is different, so it's important to do research on the market and neighborhood trends. Finding a good real estate agent and keeping up with local real estate news is crucial for buyers to understand the nuances of their local housing market. "Buyers need to get up to speed quickly on market values so they know the right decision when it presents itself," says Yocum. "The more quickly buyers can educate themselves, the more successful the home search will be."

Grab Those Low Mortgage Rates—Before it's too Late!

While mortgage rates continue to hover below four percent, buyers might not be able to enjoy these low rates forever. "With all indications pointing to a rate increase from the Federal Reserve this year – perhaps as early as this summer – affordability concerns could heighten as home prices and rents both continue to exceed wages," says NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun.

Create a Dynamic Team

The fast pace of the most competitive housing markets means buyers have to be in a position to make an offer at a moment's notice. Before making an offer, buyers need to ensure they've lined up a real estate professional, a lender, a lawyer, and a home inspector. They will also want to be pre-approved for a loan and ready to complete a mortgage application as soon as they find a property.

Be Prepared for Bidding Wars

Buyers should be strategic when maneuvering a bidding war. Some agents suggest that buyer clients include an escalation clause, while others suggest they examine the deal and identify areas where they could be more flexible, in terms of contingency clauses. However, Yocum warns that "all of these [contingency clauses] have various levels of risk that not all buyers are willing to accept, and you should consult with your team before [removing] any of them."

New Home Construction in Santa Clarita

If you are considering purchasing a new home, please call me for a free Santa Clarita new home tour before visiting the sites, it is completely free to you!

Kensington at River Village 

Providence at River Village

Williams Homes in Stevenson Ranch

Canyon Crest in Saugus

Canyon Heights in Saugus

River Village Valencia

Aria Valencia WestCreek

Claridad Valencia WestCreek

Toscana Valencia WestCreek

Capri Valencia WestHills

Mosaic Valencia WestHills

The Bluffs in Saugus

Don't Go To New Construction Without Agent Representation

If you are considering purchasing new construction, please contact your local real estate agent first.
Buying a new construction home may seam easy enough to do on your own; in fact, it can be even trickier than buying an existing home.

When buying a new construction property, the hurdles are large and plentiful.  Having someone who knows how to jump all of the hurdles and even jump some for you makes the process easier.  When it comes to buying a new construction property, it is definitely to your advantage to use a buyers agent and it 

costs you nothing!!

There is quite a bit of new construction available in the Santa Clarita Valley, contact me today for a list of available projects.

Loan Program Update

There are some pretty good loan programs out there that many buyers and agents are not aware of. 

FHA Sapphire. 

FHA Sapphire is a regular FHA loan with higher than usual FHA rates, but the buyer is only required to put down .50% instead of 3.5%. The program allows us to credit the buyer 3%-5% depending on the program they choose to help with closing costs, and the remainder of the down payment. It does have income limits and the maximum loan amount will be $417,000.00. The .50 down from the buyer can be a gift. The income limits are $78,315.00 in Los Angeles County, $97,635.00 in Orange County and $102,005 in Ventura County. Please also note that the buyer will have to pay 1.5 points on the loan and the rates are typically .50% higher for the 3% Grant and 1.0% higher for the 5% grant. This is a great product for first time home buyers that are struggling to save up a down payment. We can refinance the buyers in as little as 7 months to lower their rate back down. The Grant does not have to be repaid!

What do you have to lose?

Call Me And List Your Home Today!

Hurry Up!! Call your Agent and List your House!! That headline might be a little aggressive. However, as the data on the 2015 housing market begins to roll in, I can definitely say one thing: If you are considering selling, IT IS TIME TO LIST YOUR HOME! I realize that existing home sales stumbled in January compared to December. But, if we compare the current September-January time period to the same period a year ago, we can see that existing home sales have outpaced last year every month with the January sales numbers 200,000 homes greater than last January:  Pending home sales (houses going into a contract) as reported by the National Association of Realtors have also done much better in the last five months compared to a year earlier:  And, buyer demand is continuing to skyrocket:  At the same time, the amount of housing inventory coming to the market compared to last year is plummeting: Bottom Line With demand increasing and supply dropping, this may be the perfect time to get the best price for your home.