Monday, December 13, 2010

Communication is the Key on Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID)


This excerpt from Housing Watch Dec. 6th 2010

In case you missed it, The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, released its recommendation last week, including the proposed elimination or limitation to the mortgage interest deduction ("MID") for homeowners.

In brief, the commission proposes to limit the mortgage interest deduction to only primary residences (today, they apply to second homes as well), and cap the deduction to $500,000 worth of mortgages (today, it's $1 million).

As you can imagine, the real estate industry is in quite an uproar over any changes to the mortgage interest deduction.

Ron Phipps, the President of NAR, has issued a pretty strong statement in opposition, calling the mortgage interest deduction "vital to homeownership and the economy" and vowing to "remain vigilant in opposing any plan that modifies or excludes the deductibility of mortgage interest". The National Association of Home Builders is also, as you can imagine, opposed to messing with the MID.

What could they be thinking??? The housing industry isn't taking a big enough beating?? Maybe the Bureaucrats are just trying to justify their existences!!

This is definity something to call your congressperson about.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Lighting Tips for the Holiday's

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Bank Owned Homes in Santa Cruz County.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.


Check out this article from the Wall Street Journal on home buying too!
http://www.car.org/media/pdf/consumer/Beyond_the_Headlines__091610.pdf
There's nothing much to say, just take a look at all the possibilities!
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management
831-429-9091 - Office 831-419-9091 Cell Call Now!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Mortgage Help for Home owners

From the Sacramento Bee



42,000 of California’s jobless will get help with mortgages
The U.S. Treasury Dept. announced yesterday it is providing additional funding to a California program to help homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments due to unemployment. The program, administered through the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) will assist struggling borrowers make up to six months of mortgage payments. Lenders will be asked to match the government contribution.



MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

The program aims to help 19,000 unemployed borrowers in California between its November launch and next July. An additional 23,000 borrowers will receive help over the next two years, according to CalHFA estimates.


To qualify for the program, borrowers must be unemployed and eligible for unemployment benefits, and live in the home tied to the mortgage. Borrowers must be fewer than 90 days behind on mortgage payments and meet low- and moderate-income guidelines. Income requirements can be found at http://keepyourhomecalifornia.com/income.pdf.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

First Time Home Buyer Program W/Housing Authority - Santa Cruz, Calif.







MCC First Time Home Buyer Program now available!


Great news! The Housing Authority of Santa Cruz County just released the MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) allocation for 2010. But there are only 7 available!!!

What does this mean for a new home buyer?

A first time home buyer may qualify for this tax credit of 20%. For example, on a $400,000 mortgage the buyer will recieve about $4,000 a year from the government! That's over $300 per month.This program is by far the best first time buyer program, and not only puts money back in the pocket of the home owners, but also helps them qualify for the new mortgage.

Call me for the details on income and sales price limits

Marlene Henderson, Realtor, Owner/Broker - Ca/Nv
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and
Property Management
Calif Lic. 00599374
831-429-9091 Office
831-419-9091 Air Phone

www.BestSantaCruzProperties.com










Saturday, July 10, 2010

Quintessential Tahoe Cabin on the Edge of Town and the El Dorado National Forest

Quintessential Tahoe Cabin

When a property comes on the market this special, I can't wait to let as many people know as I can.This cabin on the meadow has all the charm you could desire in a Tahoe Getaway property. No fuss, no muss just come relax and enjoy what Tahoe is all about! This Two bedroom, one bath cabin looks out on a meadow in the Eldorado National Forest. Edge of town location removed from the busyness South Shore can be. Call for more info 1-831-429-9091.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Lake Tahoe Hideaway

Some of these places are too good to keep to myself.

Imagine, the quiet, the smell of the trees, being able to bike or walk in outrageous areas, the Beautiful Lake close by.... ahhhh -tAHoe!


Call me if you want to know more about this sweet home 831-429-9091

Monday, June 21, 2010

GREAT Real Estate Opportunities



With all the incredible properties out there for sale, it is hard to not want to put everything out there. What I have done here is just put a sampling of properties I come across that I know are terrific locations and prices in locations that can't be beat. Most are Bank Owned (REO's) or short sales. The one auction coming up is A RARE situation in an incredible community at Lake Tahoe. If you have immediate CASH, have always been wanting that family compound built with true quality materials, architechturally stunning and the layout is so perfect, this is it!! CALL ME for the info packet, AUCTION IS JULY 15 on site. THE Back Road, Glenbrook - Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Don't worry there is only one, you won't get lost!!

I always post these great finds on my facebook page since that is the most accessable to the public. You can go on my website to further search the MLS system for more properties and better yet just call me so I can relay propertis that I may not have posted anywhere yet.
This all takes time and I am pretty busy with managing and inspecting too.


http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/MoeBEST-Henderson-Properties-and-Property-Management/139443654934?ref=ts

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Set yourself up for Success


Herb container gardening
My herb garden at home is a container garden. The doorway from our kitchen opens onto a paved area, so this is the perfect answer for my situation. All things being equal, I think this is probably the best style for me. I like the informal jumble of pots by the kitchen door, and I can bring my rosemary and lemon grass in for the winter with very little fuss. The different glazes and textures of the pots lend color to what could have been a very green garden, and containers allow me to adjust soil mixtures to suit specific plants. Window-boxes are another form of container with all the benefits previously mentioned, plus the added attraction of being just outside a kitchen window. To sum up, containers are easy and fun. I highly recommend this style of gardening, especially to those just starting out. Who knows what this could lead too! Tomatoes, pole beans, peas, corn :-), pumpkins. Really live it up!!
Happy gardening

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Santa Cruz Ca. Real Estate is Strong and here's the proof!

We all have been waiting to hear "Where is the Market Bottom". Do you see signs of recovery? How long before it's over?
The first thing you need to understand is, All markets are 'Local'. When you start paying attention to 'National Statistics' you are 'globalizing' when you need to be 'localizing'
With that said, let's dive in.
What's been feeding the supply and dragging the prices down? What caused the bubble? The pain and the crushing of peoples plans for their retirements?
There are so many factors and this had taken place over several decades of regulation and law changes by our Government, the Greed factor, dishonesty by many in several areas in our business sector to create the perfect storm of collapse.
In the past several years, the steady price decline has been punishing and only those that have had to sell, 70% being the 'distressed seller' (see past posts), the other 30% seeing signs in their portfolios of unease and deciding to make a move before they have too!!
Well, I can't say it is over and from what I hear at conferences and seminars all by noted professionals in my industry, we are about to see a new wave of properties coming on the market by the 'Banks' holding back REO's.
The bright side is that with this pent-up demand by those wanting to make a change, many renting to see which way the wind is blowing, Buyers are striking in a fevered pitch those REO's, short sales and many of the lower priced homes with multiple offers. The market is primarily focused on the $700,000. and below range and one can get a pretty nice property for that. If you check out the following published info you will get a feel for what is happening. The underlying facts to come away with, are that Santa Cruz is very desirable! No matter what the climate in the markets are, our little hidden gem, is still in demand.
To the 'Outsider' it offers World Class access to natural surroundings that enchant, enthral and effect one in a mystical way. The ability to fit in and grow into what you want to be anywhere in the county makes Santa Cruz such an attractive and receptive home.
To the 'Locals' the traditions, secret spots, natural beauty that is just normal to us, activities that are ingrained, the perfect weather and the varience of riches that keep many of us calling it home.

There is an ambiance to Santa Cruz. It has a draw that is world class and scenery that is UNBEATABLE! I have walked, hiked, run, swam, kayaked, biked, etc. many a spot, Santa Cruz is a destination place, that can satisfy so many pleasures. This demand will not go away any more than the sun will stop shinning.


http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_15156003

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Why not be Remarkable?



Why not be Remarkable?
Got these words of wisdom from someone a while ago and feel compelled to pass them on. We can never stop working on making us better to make the world a better place!


33 Ways To Be Remarkable and Stand Out




Live Your Own Life
There is nothing remarkable about someone who is constantly trying to be like other people. Be yourself and be the best you that you can possibly be.





Be Authentic
Mean the things you say and do. Authenticity is not very common these days but when it is there, it shines through your words and actions and is very powerful for creating bonds with others.





Come Up With Your Own Sayings
Come up with your own quirky and original sayings. People will take notice and it may even catch on. By coming up with your own original sayings you stand out from everyone else who just uses clichés.





Leave Others Better Than You Found Them
Make it a habit to leave people in a better state then you found them. Happier, healthier, stronger, wealthier. This is a major way of being remarkable.





Help People Without Wanting Anything In Return
Volunteer to help other people out. Give some of your time, money or resources to help a fellow human being and expect absolutely nothing in return.





Don’t Try To Be Perfect
Be creative and abstract instead of trying to live up to other people’s expectation of perfect. You can achieve great and beautiful things without them living up to the general consensus of perfect.





Face Your Fears
People who avoid things because they are scared will never be remarkable. Face your fears and conquer them. Do you think Lance Armstrong would have been remarkable if he had given up cycling after he had cancer?





Take The Plunge
Be that person who does what others won’t do. If others are too scared to attempt something that you are not scared to do, just go out and do it with all your passion and energy.





Question The Norm
Just because something is done by millions of people around the world in a certain way does not mean it is the right or the only way to do something. Question the norm and don’t be afraid to do something differently.





Expose Yourself
Get up on stage or in front of people. Risk putting your ideas and creativity out in public, available for criticism and humiliation. What if Jay Z would have been to scared to perform in public and kept all his talent and art to himself in his basement?





Start Your Own Tribe
Be a leader instead of a follower. Build up a community or tribe of like minded people who will follow you and use your power to make a difference for the better in this world.





Say NO To Things
If something goes against your principles or you don’t really want it, say NO. You might risk offending some people, but most will respect you for having strong boundaries and sticking to them.





You Are Enough
Have the mindset that you have all the assets to be remarkable. You have talent and you have a gift. Share it with the world.





Be Optimistic
Optimism and smiles are contagious. Make the world a happy and positive place.





Be confident
Know what you want and be confident that you are going to get it. I think that all remarkable people share the trait of confidence.





Be Humble
Arrogance and vanity are not traits to associate with people you respect and think highly of. No matter how good, famous or wealthy you are, stay humble with both feet on the ground.





Create something that brings joy to other peoples lives
Art, a painting, a video clip, a film, a song, a poem, a book and so on and so forth. Be artistic and express your talent in a form that it can be shared with everyone without the expectation of getting rich from it. It’s your gift to the world.





Invent something that everyone needs
The disposable razor or a cigarette lighter for example. There could be one little thing that seems so simple yet will make the lives of millions of people so much easier.





Take something that works and make it better
The Japanese are pretty good at this. They took a normal train and change it into the fastest train in the world (bullet train). Take a normal and existing concept and make an exceptional change to it.





Start a movement
People look for a leader, someone who takes charge and takes initiative. Someone who has good intentions and wants to make a big change for the better. Be that leader and start a movement to change something that is not right in this world.





Fight for peace and freedom
All around the world there is so much unnecessary war and suffering. It seems impossible for one person to make a difference, but if everyone thinks like that, things will never change. Stop a war or change violent policies of a country and you will be remarkable.





Preserve our planet
Rainforests are being destroyed, species wiped out, oceans overfished and beautiful ecosystems perish. Make a difference and start a movement to do something about the destruction of our planet.





Help the hungry
There are so many people dying of hunger all around the world every single day. Do something to make a lasting difference. One idea I had was to get every person travelling on a plane to forfeit their meal for the hungry. A combined effort by all passengers would result in thousands of meals a day that could be given to hungry people all across the world.





Push the limits (break a record)
If you can do something that nobody else has been able to achieve, then you will not only get noticed but you will certainly be remarkable. You may just be the psychological inspiration for many others to get past the level that was always thought of as unbreakable.





Revolutionize an industry
Waltz into an industry or niche with a great idea or new perspective and put that idea in motion. If you can improve or revolutionize the way an entire industry does something then you are pretty remarkable.





Tell Compelling Stories
Stories are an amazing way to share knowledge and experiences with others. If you know how to create compelling and fun stories, you can make a big impact on the lives of others. That’s remarkable.





Think Better
Be a step ahead of everyone else. Think faster, better or more efficiently.





Read More Interesting Things
The more you read, the more you shape your personality. The more interesting things that you read, the more likely you are to become an interesting (and remarkable) person.





Don’t Be Boring
One requirement of being remarkable is that you are not boring. Be original, fun and get things done.





Stop Making Excuses
Either do something or don’t do it at all. Don’t be someone who always has excuses to stall doing something or justify why you didn’t do something.






Never Settle For Average
Never be content with average or mediocrity. When other people give up and settle, carry on going and be better than them.





Do What You Say
If people can rely on you and they know that when you say something that you will do it, you are well on your way to being remarkable. If you make a promise, keep it.





Don’t Aim To Be Remarkable
As contradictory as it sounds, most remarkable people never set out to be remarkable. They did what they loved and were really passionate and that is what got them to being remarkable.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Next Wave of Foreclosed Properties - Here they come!







As mentioned in a previous post, the foreclosures, REO's, short sales or just plain ol' properties in distress will be making a robust appearance in June 2010 as advised by CAR ( Calif. Assoc. Of Real Estate).
With my re-certification or basically updating of information from all the new regulations that have been cascading out to REALTORS with this steady supply of distressed properties I have a current understanding of the latest criteria available to buyers for these properties. This is not my chosen source for buyers but now that Banks own them, there is no alligence an agent feels to this "seller". Some spectacular prices now on many of these properties - typically 50% off prices of 2005!! The qualifying criteria is very stringent but if this is to be your HOME and you are setting down roots, what a great opportunity!
Check out these several links to see some of the gems in Tahoe and Santa Cruz that are truly bargins.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

REO Buyer Financial Updates May 2010



Just got my current Residential REO Buyer Specialist Certification, put it to your BEST advantage!!

This is the latest info on REO Foreclosed homes that has come down the pipe through CAR (Calif. Assoc. of Realtors)

With a new supply of foreclosed home coming on the market expected in June according to Credit Suisse, CAR and many national banks are stepping up to the plate and 'training' agents/brokers on what each individual bank wants to see from a BUYER. The guide lines are similar but in this new day of personal responsibility the qualifying perameters are pretty --- well, REAL! And thats a good thing!!
Most of this is what used to be in the good ol' days.
Buyers/users are being required to have a minimum of a 660 credit score, this is down from a 720 recently.
Two years fully documented income and last quarter investment accounts.
If self employed
Two year tax returns
Rental income, corporation or partnership schedules, social security or other retirement income schedules for the past two year.

Qualifying Debt Ratios

The 'front' ratio for a conforming loan is 28%, 33 for a non-conforming loan, and 31% for FHA. There is NO ratio used in VA loans.

The 'Back' ratio or the total monthly debt of the buyer for a conforming loan is 36%, 40 for a non-conforming and FHA is 43%. VA in computed by a different manor and the ratio is 41%.
Mortgage Insurance come into play here also when a buyer puts down less than 20%.

Fixer-upper - REO's plenty of room in loans to rehad these and well, there are many other details and loan packages that have been devised to get these ones moving.

Just give a call, I give you the low down!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

The Lending Institutions - The rest of the Story!

Part Five of a Five part series
Lending Institutions
(NON- living, breathing entities)

A quote that should be etched over the entrance of every lending institution and Congress!

During Times of Universal Deceit,
Telling The Truth is a Revolutionary Act - George Orwell.

Things to do before you read:
Here’s a little homework before you get too far along.

1. Research Glass-Steagall Act 1933
2. Repeal of Glass-Steagall Act 1999
3. Look up Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) 1989
4. www.sfweekly.com/2010-09-01/news/why-obama-s-mortgage-relief-program-failed/


Now that you have a better understanding of the regulations that have been created, played with and lessons learned that are being ignored - we will proceed.

Money, ahhhh money! It can be a source of security, used to purchased ones basic needs, benefit those in need, provide items of satisfaction to the ego, but All to often it spawns GREED!
Think, Madoff, Rothstein, Ponzi anyone??!


BANKS --- These are the places we have traditionally come to for financing large purchases and to a certain extent we still can. BUT the game plan has changed.

We have gone from the mid ‘90’s and mid 2000’s basically with Lending institutions giving money away to anyone with a pulse, by pressure from Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac run by politicians that wanted not only the economy to seem bountiful but to catapult the populous mindset from a “Chicken in every pot” to “A home OWNER under every roof”!!
This ideology, lacking reality, creating an environment of Corruption, set in motion the inevitable “Bubble to BURST“.
Now, currently highly qualified people, applying for loans, having to disclose/explain why a payment three years ago incurred a late fee because you forgot to put a stamp on the envelope - and still being run through the ringer!!

The Banks are holding on to money- typically taxpayer bailout money - tighter and longer for many reasons.

The most prominent is the state of flux the world is in and the BANKERS don‘t want to be caught short. There are so many variables in play these days and I will only go into the Real Estate side.

With the quantity of Bank Owned homes and the unknown of how long they have to be kept on books , while maintaining them, paying taxes, clean-up/repair, etc. etc., when more will be stockpiled and for how long is a major factor in why banks are not letting loose of the cash. The short sales and what the loses will be, weigh on the picture and then certain gov’t regulations on modifications that are just starting to trickle out.
The second shoe should just begin starting to drop shortly too, with the commercial RE market.
Locally, we have been seeing businesses shutting their doors and having to walk away from their leases. The trickle-down effect is devastating on property owners that don’t have deep pockets. So, we go into phase two of the RE tailspin that will additionally be affecting lenders. They need to satisfy share holders/stock portfolios and all that keep the engin of our country running. With the current economic downturn, lack of business start-ups and jobs, that is the basis of the pyramid that is not being attended to.

So while the balance of not letting too many foreclosed homes drench the market while mostly investors soak up this supply, we the tax paying - Bailout supporting public, wait to see what next is in store on the horizon with the BANKS and all that controls the money supply

Monday, March 8, 2010

Picking Your Mortgage Broker/Loan Officer

(Part four of a five part series)
You can’t beat experienced lenders/brokers! I mean the people you deal with face-to-face! Not the institutions.
Professionalism is what you are looking for here. The way they handle themselves, the words they pick, are they clear?, their presence, dress, grooming! Yes, you might say - huh! This is ALL important. If they have a sloppy appearance, demeanor - the transaction could be a rough ride.
Meet with several! Get to know this person - he/she can make or break the transaction!
The person you choose should know - DAILY - what is happening in the world of money. There is so much that drives the financial world quickly these days. They are not miracle workers, they are human. They should have back-up, a ‘team’ that you get familiar with. This person should give you the feeling of confidence and security that YOUR interests in this very important investment in your life will be professionally handled. How do they respond to questions? Can you easily understand them, the financial lingo? Are they speaking comprehendible, in shortcut speech? You should feel as though you are building a professional relationship here. Trust, confidence, knowledgeable, honesty. If you leave with anything less - keep looking! Call me, I work with several Great ones!

Monday, February 15, 2010

The Property - all the types!

(Part three of a five part series)
If you are a seller, the value is dictated to a degree, these days on how financially sound YOU are (see previous post)! If you are current on your mortgage do not have financial distress, have been ‘smart’ about keeping the property maintained and updated, you should be able to get a decent price as long as you are not in a big hurry.

On the other hand if you are financially troubled, lost your job, behind in payments, (see previous post), expect to basically hand over the keys and have enough for a rental deposit.
Beyond all that, the basics still apply. Great location - it sells itself!
Shows great maintenance, fresh, pristine - it sells itself.
Well designed, color choices, décor/staging - it sells itself.

The days of sticking a sign on the front and counting on a buyers foresight of potential is gone for the time being.
I do see multiple offers but this is mostly on REO’s (Bank owned) that have been deeply discounted.

---Foreclosures, Short Sales, REO’s (Bank owned)

A key aspect of these properties is location/neighborhood - what’s going on with the rest of it!!!

The major issue I want to bring forward in this posting is to make you aware that these properties are more often than not, damaged goods. Many owners that are losing their houses don’t want anyone else to reap the benefits of a ‘cheaper’ home. I has become common for the last weeks of possession, owners destroy their houses. Sheetrock is sledge hammered, plumbing is ripped out, cement flushed down toilet, windows broken, cabinets sledged hammered -- ehh- you get the picture! If I can’t benefit from this no one will!
Then there are the hidden defects, things you don’t see. If you are pursuing Foreclosures/short sales - watch out!!
The tax liens, HOA dues and/or taxes in arrears, mechanics liens, and recorded judgments and deed restrictions that could jeopardize the value of your BARGIN! All of these things follow the property and the new owner can very easily be haunted by such for years.

REO’s are the safest of the bunch to pursue. The Lending institution provides the cleanest transaction. Taxes and HOA have been paid and you usually get a clear title. They typically hire a maintenance and repair Co. to do a basic clean-up. They will remove all the damaged members of the property board-up windows, change locks to make the property pretty secure. The new owner usually has a project to remedy for that 50%+ discount they have secured. Again, the wisest thing to do is get help from a professional, this is the biggest investment in your life!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

The Sellers (part two of a 5 part series)

There are the two basic categories -

Non-distressed and DISTRESSED

It makes a BIG difference which one you are in.

If you are clinging on by your fingernails to put food on the table and keep a roof over your head, there are those that can sniff you out and go for the jugular. Usually when that Notice of Default is filed, this is a clear sign.
I have seen how quickly word gets out when someone is down and the sharks begin to circle. By the way - this is a DISTRESSED SELLER.

For you just regular, keeping it together, sellers take heed.
This is the real world and unless you have a ‘Golden Goose’ in the backyard, you should act quickly, price your home competitively and pray! It is a wild ride right now in what determines which property sells and which one sits. Be smart, stage it, and mentally
move out!

There are factors out of your control and with more and more foreclosed homes due to come on the market, the banks making it very hard for the qualified borrower to get that loan, you will have to have a mountain of patience and a Real Estate Broker that is experienced and connected to many excellent resources. Hmmm … who could that be?
I don’t mean to make light of this situation BUT … until the tide turns having a concise plan of action laid out is the all important first step.
To get there, a pointed consultation with an Experience Real Estate Profession will make all the difference!!
(to be continued ….)

Saturday, January 30, 2010

How's the Real Estate Market??

The Real Estate World --- Is a multi-headed Serpent
Five part series

The question “How’s the Real Estate Market?”
has no simple way of describing all the factors that contribute to the volatility for this segment of our economy. From Banking, its regulations and lack thereof, politics, lobbyists, developers, local planning dept’s., and on and on. Only addressing the areas that are directly related, I will give it a go though!

We will start with the . . .
Investors/buyers.
This ranges from the single individual with mega cash to invest hence no credit score issues, to the two income couple with three children struggling to get into their first home on a hope and a prayer.

Where you are in this spectrum, determines the ease in accomplishing your goal and which directions you can take.

If you are in the “Cash Flush” Investor category, you can literally track foreclosures, show up on the courthouse steps and plunk down the cash on all kinds of bargains, I have watched, it is - stunning! The great deals are out there and are being snapped up. This is how the bulk of the sales of existing homes is happening now and with the ‘flipping regulation’ just having been removed, it is an investors game right now.

But if you are like the rest of us, the all important credit score dictates the next steps - which I will go into as we proceed. Hence many twists and turns.

The most important thing to learn is ‘Cash is King’. Even though you prove to the banks you are an excellent candidate for a loan, right now the purse strings are very tight even though they have been loaned ‘our money’! We could go around all day about the why’s of this but my sincere opinion is further trouble ahead with what is be designed in Washington and the ‘Banks’ don’t want to be the ones at the table that can’t find a chair when the music stops.

The BEST thing you can do is work with an experienced reputable Real Estate Broker and Mortgage Broker! Ones that have been through many of the historic cycles and are up-to-speed on the “latest” with what entities are offering the BEST package and the latest regulations being issues by the Administration. This is changing at a rapid pace and keeps those not professionals in the business, ‘off balance’
and causes unnecessary complications for professionals -
is this the ‘Change’ we were Hoping for??
(to be continued)

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Anti-Flipping rule temporarily on hold

In case you hadn't seen it anywhere else on my sites, this is a real boon to investors.

The Federal Housing Administration will place a one-year moratorium on its anti-flipping rule, which will allow buyers with FHA-backed loans to purchase homes that have been held for less than 90 days. This could be temporary according to HUD, but hopefully when inventory appears we can help our clients have a better opportunity to purchase. The waiver will go into effect on February 1, 2010.
For more info http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/01/19/BUR51BKBUO.DTL

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Charmed for Lunch in Capitola

http://www.bloomsburytearoom.com/

The Bloomsbury Tea Room

Well worth the investigation! Great food,service and ambiance!
After a couple attempts to try this little gem we succeeded. Even though a couple of trees were down and we sauntered through our rare rain storms.

The charming decor, the charming wait staff and owner and the food was delicate, delicious and perfect for an afternoon of dallying around.
I have always loved Capitola, lived here, worked here and now relish finds like this that keep it on my constant path.
This is locally owned, staffed and all components are fresh made.
You won't be disappointed - You Will Be Charmed!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Energized Santa Cruz



This is the Santa Cruz I remember growing up! Windy, wild, energized.
The way one feels in a short time in this town. So much to see, do, accomplish and so much fun getting there.
Come along and enjoy the ride.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Santa Cruz's Perfect Garden conditions




One of the greatest activities to be involved in, is Gardening! Or if you are really a devotee farming!
It revives the soul, makes one realize the basics of life and allows you to connect with a higher power.
While in the garden you not only see the beauty of nature, visit with all sorts or creatures but you get dirty and feel so good about it. The smells, tastes, textures of all you are around is invigorating and reminds you of what is really important and the cycle of life.
Don't pass up taking care of the earth and providing for the growth of something in what ever degree or fashion you can. Containers, strips around your condo, house or a section of your property. To tend the land, reap from it and share your labor whether it be edibles or flowers is such a gift.
Plant those seeds, tend the soil and spend time watching nature take root and develope into some of the most incredible creations.

Don't waste time thinking about it, the rains will soon be here and thats the best start to a gardens life.