Taking Real Estates' Temperature

-There is so much conflicting info bouncing around.  Real Estate is up, it's down - the use of this metric and  that one that can truly be missleading to the point no one wants to even bother reading anything.  Many times a broad statement infering national statistics, when there is a pocket of data pinpointing select neighborhoods.  Yessssh, time wastes and frustrations.    I came across this article that I think truly sums up real life concerns in Real Estate and can be applies to a broad spectrum of areas.  We are a global economy, so the trickle down from factors such as listed, are driving forces we need to keep our eyes wide open for.  Our local markets, Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay and up to Lake Tahoe are still crawling along and the properties I see that are priced right, presented well, in desirable locations close escrow.
If you are in the market - to buy or sell-  do it with a professional. So many wrong paths you can go down with the do-it-yourself model.
The interest rates are the lowest in 50 years, make sure you get qualified first with an expert mortgage broker , then call me!
I have over 35 years of professional experience in all phases of real estate and will make the transaction a breeze!!  Read some testimonials,  I love what I do.
Whether it be in the Monterey Bay area, San Francisco or anywhere around Lake Tahoe you will get the best service out there.

Life the life you love,

Marlene Henderson, Broker/Owner
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and
Property Management

831-429-9091  Landline
831-419-9091  Cell

Lake Tahoe, California or Nevada

Lake Tahoe, California or Nevada

Yes, this is one of God's gifts to mankind and the area makes one realize this gift everyday.
Whether it be in the Spring when the temperatures are well in and below the freezing zone

allowing you to enjoy all the exciting, healthy, outdoor activities around the Lake

to the mid summer when the temps hover in the 70's to 80's and floating on the lake, in any device you fancy, is what living is all about.
You'll find some of the tastiest restaurants too!

There is so much natural beauty and solitude Lake Tahoe becomes addictive.

The hiking, biking, paddling, rowing, and just sitting and enjoying this

can make all the rest of the troubles in the world dissappear.

So, come on up, Breath the Fresh Air, get revitalized, just relax and watch the sunset on another perfect day!

Marlene Henderson, Broker/Realtor Ca/Nev.

MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management

www.MoeBEST-Henderson.com

831-429-9091

Let me help you find your Dream!

Healthcare law, new taxes, selling homes, investments taxed

This is an important piece of info anyone that owns Real Estate has investments, stocks, dividends should be aware of. This is in the Health Care Law signed March of 2010.

When considering a sale of any of these assets and several others, you should consider this before you make a change!

http://www.realtor.org/small_business_health_coverage.nsf/pages/health_ref_faq_med_tax_earned_income?opendocument

http://www.realtor.org/small_business_health_coverage.nsf/docfiles/government_affairs_invest_inc_tax_broch.pdf/$FILE/government_affairs_invest_inc_tax_broch.pdf

How to Relocate in 7 Easy Steps

Does the  thought  of “ How to Relocate”,  send chills down your spine?

Relax, it is definitely doable and of no cause for anxiety.

After having helped  people move around the globe and really feeling the trepidation they had,  I’m glad I could be the calm in the storm for them.
Since people make these moves for all kinds of reasons,   a key component   is the Cost of Living. These costs from one place to the other,  need to be carefully analyzed.    Having to determine how much your standard of living is going to go up or down depends on so many factors.

That said, and the decision made,   the mechanics of relocating with a competent professional  is a snap.

In picking that competent professional, these guidelines should be followed!

1.        Get references for the person you are considering ---- where?   Google the area,  search real estate,  relocating, pick an agent.     Then check Linkedin,   their website,  facebook,  their blog.  Get a feel for their personality from these sites.   Where their area of expertise is.  How deep is their experience?

2.       Pick up the phone,  call them  or even better Skype them.  You can tell a lot from this.  Their tone,  how  organized  they are, the words they use and how they use them.   If there is a sense of humor,  you want this to be enjoyable!     Your initial impression will be the best.

3.        Get your relationship in writing, establishing what will be accomplished, at what price and in what amount of time.  Defining everything up front is not just professional,   it is smart. 

4.       Clearly outline your needs and then preferences.  A great agent will ask questions that you might not think of and have suggestions --  pay attention to that.

5.       Make sure they are computer literate. This all being done at a distance, proves how important technology can be and how easy working with a savvy  professional  can make your relocation.  Make sure you can have a satisfying  and productive interaction via the computer with the conveyance of information, maps, pictures, legal documents, official agency representations, signatures, wire transfers of money and in general authenticating all doc’s for a legal purpose.

6.       Make sure the information starts to flow immediately.  If you have someone that is not  really on top of your needs, you need to find this out quickly.  Expect action, concise pictures and descriptions in an orderly fashion.  This person is your eyes and senses.

7.       Make  THE   visit.  Your agent should have enough properties for you to see on one visit, that you should be able to pick one that day.  This is when there has been great communication, transfer of info and pics.  Where the agent has ‘gotten into your shoes’ and really engaged in your needs.

One of the biggest aspects  for the agent is LISTENING!!   I love getting to know new people, maybe this is why I have been in Real Estate and helping relocate families for over 35 years.

I truly enjoy getting to know my clients, understanding the differences in culture, language and values.  This is more than a ‘job’ ,  it is an adventure,  with each new person.

Call me anytime, for any Real Estate need!

Marlene Henderson, Broker - Realtor  Calif./Nev.

#00599374

"When only the BEST will do . . . .

                                MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management"

Facebook IPO and the phenomenon on San Francisco Bay Area Real Estate

With the  Facebook IPO just days away, I don’t   doubt this will pull the San Francisco Bay Area Real Estate market out of the doldrums.  Sure, we are experiencing a lot of sales, but these are a greater percentage of “Shorts” and” REO’s fuel by international moneied investors.  The Facebook IPO will not just effect the direct employee/shareholders,   turning  them into overnight  millionaires but so many ancillary offshoots.   We will start seeing more normal sales and the easing of pressure from the average homeowner just wanting to make a change, than so many sales because of home devalue and loss.  

$5 Billion (Yes with a B) is the projected figure, the resounding   effect can only be positive.

Facebook’s creation and phenomenal engagement with the world in such a short time has been breathtaking.  No matter what you might think of Facebook’s founders ethics – Mark Zuckerberg’s continual refinements and resultant creation has been a life changer and mostly for the positive.

The San Francisco Bay Area Real Estate market and I am including Santa Cruz and Monterey in this since Santa Cruz and Monterey Beaches are the weekend get-a-way and vacation destinations for the SF crowd.  There is no better, to de-stress and enjoy the gorgeous sunsets, mild temperatures and gentle summer breezes, without the 12 hours of travel time door- to-door.
Many will have the choice of, A Stately Urban enclave, A Private Exec Perch (with ALL the bells and whistles), the Trip in the Sand Beachhouse,   to the  High Tech, Jaw Dropping   Sand Pad!   or you can go a little crazy!!

The Facebook IPO is the Boost we need, the trickledown to our communities will be immense  ---  Three Cheers for FACEBOOK!

I can't wait to hear from some of you new millionaires! 

Marlene Henderson, Broker/Owner

MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management

BestSantaCruzProperties.com

“When only the BEST will do . . . . . .

                        MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management”

The Housing Market and The Next Real Estate Bubble

Well, I hate to say it but, the housing market is continuing to struggle and,   I told you so!  The second housing bubble looks like it is on the way and we haven't  come out of the first one.  The Real Estate Bubble from 2005 to the present,  has devastated so many lives.
With all the talk and money thrown around, politicians puffing about all they are doing to fix the problem.  Programs created but no one knows how to implement them.  Bureaucracies create with new Federal/State employees and lots more regulations will fix it  ----  Really??
FHA is just exacerbating and extending the problem.  To be offering 3% down loans in a still declining market is insane.  Just more Gov. interference and the beat goes on.
People need homes for their families stability, our country needs the stability and for families to set their 'Roots'.  It is an absolute 'Win-Win' for all, for this disaster to end.
There are areas that are doing better and in fact very little has been affected in housing prices in several areas around the country.
Santa Cruz has always had a strong draw and the housing market will rebound, the beach, the fantastic weather, is a magnet.
Invest wisely and look at the long term!  Don't let the monthly 'stats' or predictions drive your decision about your home and life.  If you really read the charts/article, there is a lot of contradicting info.   
Realize setting "Your Roots' is more important than market value of the moment.  Chasing the dollar, will never out weigh stability in your home.
This is still the best time to by, low interest rates, low prices, motivated sellers.  You, the buyer, are still in the drivers seat.

Call me,  I will be happy to guide you to the right decisions.

Marlene Henderson, Owner/Broker
MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and
Property Management

831-429-9091 Office
831-419-9091 Cell

"When only the BEST will do . . . . . .
         MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management"

Landscaping, Design and That Glow

 Landscaping, Design and That Glow

There are so many aspects of properly designed and installed landscaping for a home, any home, let’s see if I can hit on the most important ones and why this is so important for you and your home.

First there is your personal enjoyment.  If it doesn’t please you as the ruler of  your domain, what’s the point.  There is  that immediate pleasure, when you set your eyes on something of beauty, in nature, that is irreplaceable and if it is of your creation and nurturing, the satisfaction runs all that much deeper.  When you harvest  those first cuttings to share with others --  sublime satisfaction—the Glow.

Then the creativity to envision a living work of art that is of your mental design and see it come to life.  To experience the birth of blooms and eruption of leaves, the assortment of colors, the timing of each plants’ development and growth, the fragrances that are so unique and the creatures they attract.  To experience the hum of life around you, whether it be from butterflies and bees to sprouts and shoots of plants poking out of the ground and the wind through the leaves.  It is all magical, wondrous,  transforming  and worth the effort –The Glow.

It’s good stewardship of the land and the systems it will support.  To know that you are producing  an enrichment to the air and soil, food for the birds and bees and the systems they are creating.  Keeping care of a cycle that has been around since the dawn of time and will continue since you have done your part – The Glow hits again.

Lastly, it creates visual beauty (curb appeal) for your living environment that expresses a richness that money and words can’t.  The balance that well designed and cared for landscaping can exude is what I call The Glow.  Whether it be a flower or veggie garden or a well designed combination of  the two, it will only compliment the environment it encompasses.  Don’t pass up the opportunity to create your spot of beauty and satisfaction and to have your Glow turned on.

I’d love to help you on your way to Love the Life you Live with a property ready to be transformed or one that has been established and you can add your personal tastes!  Call anytime.

Marlene Henderson, Broker/Owner --- licensed in Calif. and Nevada

831-429-9091 office

831-419-9091 cell

MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management

“When only the BEST will do . . . .   MoeBEST-Henderson Properties and Property Management”