Barbara's Blog

Despite The Economic down fall in the High Desert

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 23:32:33 -0500

California has been hit hard with 11% unemployment and housing at a stand still. But looking around, the High Desert is still growing in the commercial side. Possibly getting ready for the return of a better economy.

Watching Project's going up within the communities showing that their is interest happening. In Hesperia there has been two residential apartment complexes in the works. Contractors are offering rock bottom prices. Apple Valley California animal shelter and Town Hall annex are currently under construction, as is the High Desert Government Center, with a new fire station in Hesperia and one in Victorville. We now have several new Sonic Restaurants that have opened.

We are expecting a new Dr Pepper facility to be opening soon at Southern California Logistics Airport. New Medical building being built at the corner of Bear Valley and Jacaranda Road. The Apple Valley Jess Ranch Marketplace is going to have a grand opening of a 24 hour Fitness Center and a Cinemark Movie Theater, a new Baja Taco Restaurant and a New Bank of America, scheduled to add to the space. Victorville and Hesperia has many ground breaking business also. So with all this in mind the High Desert may still be on the road to growth, so take a drive to see the great opportunity's. We are only 1 1/2 hours from Los Angeles, and 2 1/2 hours from Los Vegas

Apple Valley Town Council Approved A senior Living facility

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:44:14 -0600

Mansion Project gets the OK

Staff Writer for the Daily Press announces in the paper dated November 16, 2007 that the Town Council approved this past Tuesday the new project referred to as the Mansion Senior Living project was voted on by a 3-2 vote.

The 40 acre site will be built at the south west corner of Deep Creek and Del oro roads. It will be built to accomodate 240 independent-residential units. 36 villas, 37 assisted-living units and 16 skilled-nursing beds, as well as a two story main building. There will be more than 500 parking spaces and surrounding gardens. Just to show that the cities growth is still growing strong.

More Work for the Victorville High Desert Communities

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:31:29 -0600

Foxborough Industrial Park is building a Warehouse

Information was formulated from the Daily Press on November 16, 2007, by a staff writer:

Eight hundred jobs could be on the way for an agreed project for the Victor Valley community.

Although we are having a housing slump, the commercial side of this is going strong. Ryan Mc Eachron, chairman of the Planning Commission feels that the news is good for Victorville. The new Warehouse will be the size of 17.5 football fields. The building will be built at Ottawa Street and Hesperia Road. The exact number of jobs for the distribution center has not been formally announced, nor has a end user. But industrial use is needed and developers are looking towards Victorville.

Do You recall Ben Stein?

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:19:53 -0600

My confession:

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

Just incase you missed this commentary, I would like to place it up for all to see.

Iam a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas Trees. I don't feel threated. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as in the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I am getting old too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke: it's not funny, It's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her " How could God let something like this happen? (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessings and his protection if we demand He leave us alone?"

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Maseleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self -esteem. ( Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he talking about. And we said OK.

Now we are asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with"WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send jokes through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

ARE YOU LAUGHING?

Coming upon the Holidays and seeing the world and it's changes . I felt that this Quote from Ben Stein needed to go through cyberspace again, maybe someone will get the message

When Hiring a Home Inspector

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:44:40 -0600

We all agree as professionals that we can not force our clients to hire a company to inspect the property that they are purchasing, but according to HUD, Us Department of Housing and Urban Development there are 10 Questions that you should address when you decide to hire that company or individual to protect your buyer or seller.

Naturally the client first question would be what is the price? Make sure the inspector and the report will meet all requirements. You should be able to request and to see a written report. If there are items or areas of concern you will want to make sure they are inspected.

You should ask the question on how long have you been doing this type of work and how many inspections have you done?. If this person has a history and background they should be able to provide referrals.

Are you specifically experienced in residential inspections.? Having someone who is in the construction or engineering industry will give you a better defined report.

Do they offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection? Some states allow this but in my opinion, this could also be conflict of interest.

How long will an inspection take? A well rounded inspection should take 2 1/2 hours or longer. If they try shortening then they might miss an important factor.

What type of Inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report? Most inspectors will provide they report within 24 hours of the inspection

Will you be able to attend the inspection? I always encourage my clients to be present on the inspection day. This way they can see what the inspector is doing and also have the opportunity to walk with them through the inspection

Do you participate in continuing Education programs. As we all know that times are changing. Continuing education is a good measure for all professions and service to the consumer. Especially if the home is much older or includes unique elements.

Are you a Tailgater?

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:06:50 -0600

This is better then talking about Real Estate. So let's go for it!!!

A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He responded the right way, and stopped at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection. The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed and placed in a holding cell.

After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects. He said, " I"m very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the "What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the Choose Life' License plate the Follow Me To Sunday School' bumper Sticker, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car. PRICELESS.

Spring Valley Lake Real Estate

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:11:35 -0500

We have a community in the High Desert within the San Bernardino Mountains, referred to as Spring Valley Lake. This community has around 4200 lots and was developed by a company known as Boise Cascade. There were lots divided around a lake and golf course and they started selling these lots back in 1969. Well, these lots are pretty much filled up with houses. Where can you go in the desert and find a man made lake , and golf course so close to LA.

Though the people residing at this Country Club community are of different communities and different cultures they are experiencing the same situation as many of us see. The foreclosure market is hitting them the same way. One out of 41 homes have been in a foreclosure situation within the past seven months. With the crisis in the sub-prime market, it is making lenders cautious about making deals in the future. Heavy debt is now preventing lenders from making loans.

The Board of directors of the HOA has put the responsibility of cleaning the neighborhood either on the banks or on the real estate agents. And therefore, they are paying for the staff's wages to the HOA. The amount budgeted for this by HOA is around $15,100. This also includes fees paid to court for allowing them to enter the premises of the homes.$40100 is budgeted for any losses incurred due to unpaid wages. These efforts have been taken up by the HOA to demonstrate to the residing people their concerns about the impact on property values.

It appears and opinions are that this market may continue for a few more years.

Joke of the Day!!! Read Only if you do not fell that it might offend you

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:44:53 -0500

I have a brother who always sends me hilarious Jokes. Today's Joke is here for all to read

THE PANTS

Mike was going to be married to Karen so his father sat him down for a little chat. He said, "Mike, let me tell you something. On my wedding night in our honeymoon suite, I took off my pants, handed them to your mother, and said, "Here-try these on."

She did and said, "These are too big. I can't wear them."

I replied, "Exactly. I wear the pants in this family and I always will."

Ever since that night, we have never had any problems.

"Hmmm," said Mike. He thought that might be a good thing to try.

On his honeymoon, Mike took off his pants and said to Karen, "Here-try these on."

She tried them on and said, "These are too large. They don't fit me."

Mike said "Exactly. I wear the pants in this family and I always will.

I don't want you to ever forget that."

Then Karen took off her pants and handed them to Mike. She said, "Here-you try on mine."

He did and said, "I can't get into your pants."

Karen said, "Exactly. And if you don't change your smart-ass attitude you never will."

Philosophy to remember..."Life isn't like a bowl of cherries or peaches, it's more like a jar of Jalapenos-what you do today, might burn your ass tomarrow

Tips for an Exceptional Life

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:43:58 -0500

I have a wonderful friend who is also Italian. She always sends me fummy jokes, Inspirational thoughts and keeps me laughing. By the way she always let's me know she loves me. We are both from the East Coast and love our wine and cheese, playing cards and good conversation. What is so sad is that she moved to Florida and is having a wonderful time growing old. Good for her but I have lost a close friend that I could visit.

By the Way her name is Chris and Chris if you read this, I want to let you know that I am sharing this Tip you sent me to the world that is reading this. This way all of us can be inspired.

Here it goes:

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. While you walk, smile. This can be the ultimate antidepressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day

3.Buy a Dvr (tivo) tape your late night shows and get more sleep

4. When you get up in the morning complete the following statement, "My purpose is to------------today."

5. Live with the 3 E's- Energy, Enthusisam, and Empathy.

6. Watch more movies, play more games, and read more books

7. Always pray and make time to exercise, practice meditation, yoga, Tai, Chi etc

8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six

9. Dream more while you are awake

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less manufactured food that are produced in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water

12. Try to make aleast three people smile each day

13. Clear your clutter from your home, your car, your desk, and let new flowing energy into your life

14. Don't waste energy on gossip,, on past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Invest your energy in the positive moment.

15. Smile and laugh more

16. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone

17.Make peace with you past so it won't screw up the present

18. Don't compare your life to others, You have no idea what their journey is all about

19. Forgive everyone for everything

20. Call your family offten

21. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statement:

I am thankful for_________

Today I accomplished________

Take this to heart and live it one day at a time

God Bless You All

A new Bill To be Proposed to Prevent Real Estate Fraud

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:50:33 -0500

I have been around for 59 years and I have been through many generations. My father was a Real Estate Broker and the laws and ethics were again so different. Respect for God, Teacher, law and authority was not taken lightly. Our respect for our Flag and Country was not taken for granted. What has happened to this Country? As I get older it seems that there are excuses for everyone's behavior. The consequences are that a slap on the hand or poor Johnny had a bad life is why that person was excused for a malicious act Well I can see the down fall of what is happening every day when I pick up the newspaper or turn on the Television.

I have achieved many goals in my life and I have always felt that when I took an oath and became a servant of the public that I would follow the law. Articles written in the paper reminding me that there are others out there who use the law for their benefit. Thense causeing harm to others and the rest of us pay the price.

The State Senate appropriations Committee passed AB 886 in September, a bill that will strength notary law and fight real estate fraud Essentially this makes it easier to invetigate unethical and criminal notaries. In these type of cases, notaries aid and abet fraud by loaning their journal to a non-notary, by notarizing documents without all of the parties present or by failing to properly secure their journal and stamp.

The legislation proposes to make the following changes to California law.

This law will require all parties involved to present valid identification

Require that a notary sign and stamp a signature of acknowledgement under penalty of perjury

Extend the statue of limitations for notary-specific crimes from one to four years

Remove restrictions that prevent peace officers from investigating notaries public and seizing vital evidence

Prohibit a notary from using a commercial mail receiving agency or PO Box as his or her place of business because such address make it difficult for investigators to find them

VICTOR VALLEY IS STILL GROWING DESPITE THE HOUSING SLUMP

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:04:04 -0500

CALIFORNIA IS A STATE IN WHICH MANY PEOPLE COME TO LIVE AND VISIT. POSSIBLY THE REASON IS THAT WORK IS EASY TO FIND HERE AND THE WEATHER BEATS ALL OTHER STATE'S. UP HERE IN THE SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY OF THE HIGH DESERT, WE HAVE 4 SEASONS AND STILL THE CLOSENESS TO THE AMUSEMENT PARKS, BEACHES, AND CITY LIVING.

AN ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY OUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER, THE DAILY PRESS ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2007.

IT NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH NATION WIDE WE HAVE A HOUSING SLUMP, THE VICTORVILLE COMMUNITIES HAVE HAD AN OUTSTANDING GROWTH. THE STAFF WRITER ADDRESSED THE GROWTH OF VICTORVILLE AS HAVING A POPULATION OF 100,000 AS OF MAY 2007. SINCE MAY OF THIS YEAR ANOTHER 2000 PEOPLE HAVE MOVED INTO THIS COMMUNITY. THIS INDICATES AN ANNUALIZED GROWTH RATE OF ABOUT 9.2 PERCENT PER YEAR.

EVEN MORE SURPRISING ARE THE NUMBERS FOR HESPERIA CALIFORNIA. THE POPULATION IN MAY OF 2007 WAS 85,876, ACCORDING TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE. WHEN COMPARED WITH THE STATE FINANCE FIGURE OF 80,218 AS OF JANUARY 1, HESPERIA HAD A GROWTH BY 5,658 PEOPLE IN FIVE MONTHS. THIS IS AN ANNUALIZED GROWTH RATE OF 16.9 PERCENT.

LOOKING AT ALL OF THIS GROWTH WITHIN THESE CITIES, IT APPEARS THAT DESPITE A NATIONWIDE HOUSING SLUMP, PEOPLE ARE STILL MOVING TO THE HIGH DESERT.

LET'S TALK TAXES

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:43:34 -0500

TAX THE LAND, TAX HIS BED, TAX THE TABLE AT WHICH HE IS FED, TAX HIS TRACTOR, TAX HIS MULE, TEACH HIM TAXES ARE THE RULE. TAX HIS COW, TAX HIS GOAT, TAX HIS PANTS, TAX HIS COAT, TAX HIS TIES, TAX HIS SHIRT, TAX HIS WORK, TAX HIS DIRT, THEN TAX HIS TOBACCO, TAX HIS DRINK, TAX HIM IF HE TRIES TO THINK. TAX HIS CIGARS, TAX HIS BEERS, IF HE CRIES, THEN TAX HIS TEARS. TAX HIS CAR, TAX HIS GAS, FIND WAYS TO TAX HIS ASS. TAX ALL HE HAS THEN LET HIM KNOW THAT YOU WON'T BE DONE TILL HE HAS NO DOUGH.

WHEN HE SCREAMS AND HOLLERS, THEN TAX HIM SOME MORE, TAX HIM TILL HE'S GOOD AND SORE. THEN TAX HIS COFFIN, TAX HIS GRAVE, TAX THE SOD IN WHICH HE IS LAID. PUT THESE WORDS UPON HIS TOMB, "TAXES DROVE ME TO MY DOOM"

WHEN HE GONE, DO NOT RELAX, IT'S TIME TO APPLY THE INHERITANCE TAX.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TAX, BUILDING PERMIT TAX, CDL LICENSE TAX, CORPORATE INCOME,CIGARETTE TAX, DOG LICENSE TAX, EXCISE TAXES, FEDERAL INCOME TAX, FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT TAX(FUTA), FISHING LICENSE TAX. FOOD LICENSE TAX, FUEL PERMIT TAX, GASOLINE TAX(42 CENTS PER GALLON), GROSS RECEIPTS TAX, HUNTING LICENSE TAX, INHERITANCE TAX, INVENTORY TAX, IRS INTEREST CHARGESIRS PENALTIES(TAX ON TOP OF TAX), LIQUOR TAX, LUXURY TAXES, MARRIAGE LICENSE TAX, MEDICARE TAX, PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX, PROPERTY TAX, REAL ESTATE TAX, SERVICE CHARGE TAX, SOCIAL SECURITY TAX, ROAD TAX, SALES TAX, RECREATIONAL VEHICLE TAX,SCHOOL TAX, STATE INCOME TAX, STATE UNEMPLOYMENT TAX(SUTA), TELEPHONE FEDERAL EXCISE TAX, TELEPHONE FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE FEE TAX, LOCAL SURCHARGE TAX, TELEPHONE STATE AND LOCAL TAX, TELEPHONE USAGE CHARGE TAX TILITY TAXES, VEGICLE LICENSE REGISTRATION TAX, VEHICLE SALES TAX, WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION TAX, WELL PERMIT TAX, WORKERS COMPENSATION TAX.

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?

NOT ONE OF THESE TAXES EXISTED 100 YEARS AGO, AND OUR NATION WAS THE MOST PROSPEROUS IN THE WORLD. WE HAD ABSOLUTELY NO NATIONAL DEBT, HAD THE LARGEST MIDDLE INCOME GROUP IN THE WORLD, AN MOM STAYED HOME TO RAISE THE KIDS

WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED?

CAN YOU SPELL POLITICIANS!

AND, ON TOP OF THAT, WE STILL HAVE TO "PRESS 1" FOR ENGLISH!!!

I HOPE THIS GOES AROUND THE USA MORE TIMES THAN WE CAN COUNT!

Let's have a little chuckle

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:16:05 -0500

A HUSBAND WALKS INTO VICTORIA'S SECRET TO PURCHASE A SHEER NEGLIGEE FOR HIS WIFE. HE IS SHOWN SEVERAL POSSIBILITIES THAT RANGE FROM $250.00 TO $500.00 IN PRICE: THE SHEERER THE NEGLIGEE, THE HIGHER THE PRICE. NATURALLY, HE OPTS FOR THE MOST SHEER ITEM, PAYS $500, AND TAKES IT HOME. HE PRESENTS IT TO HIS WIFE AND ASKS HER TO GO UPSTAIRS, PUT IT ON, AND MODEL IT FOR HIM.

UPSTAIRS, THE WIFE THINKS, "I HAVE AN IDEA. IT'S SO SHEER THAT IT MIGHT AS WELL BE NOTHING. I WON'T PUT IT ON, BUT I'LL DO THE MODELING NAKED, RETURN IT TOMORROW, AND KEEP THE $500 REFUND FOR MYSELF."

SHE APPEARS NAKED ON THE BALCONY AND STRIKES A POSE, THE HUSBAND SAYS,"GOOD GRIEF! YOU'D THINK FOR $500, THEY'D AT LEAST IRON IT!

HE NEVER HEARD THE SHOT, THE FUNERAL IS ON THURSDAY AT NOON. CLOSED COFFIN.

HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS

BARBARA ENGEN

BANKERS REALTY

How to determine if you really have a cold or do you have the flu

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:25:46 -0500

If you do not know yet that colds and flu are caused by viruses, it is time to understand why you should treat a virus different than a Bacteria infection.

Colds can occur throughout the year. Flu season generally runs in the late fall through early spring.

The symptoms of a cold are generally include a running and a stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and a cough.

Flu symptoms are more severe than those of a cold and tend to come on more suddenly. You can feel weak, have fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and fever, chills and a cough. It has been noted that some flu's can be prevented with a flu shot.

What About the Stomach flu?

Symptoms of gastroenteritis in adults may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and a low fever. Children may also experience these same symptoms..

HOW TO PREVENT A COLD AND FLU:

Get a flue shot:

Wash you hands often: Hand Washing is the most important way to keep from getting or spreading your germs

Cover you face and put you hands over you month when you cough. Viruses are spread by airborne particles.

Avoid touching your face.:

Cold and flu viruses are spread by touching someone or something that is contaimenated with germs, then rubbing your eyes or your nose

Clean all services:

Such as telephones, kids toys, counter top's cups, bathroom sinks

Smokeing has many effect to the smoker as well as others who may be breathing second hand smoke

Get Plenty of rest: Your body needs at least 8 hours of rest and helps to build your body's defenses

Reduce Stress: Chronic Stress can compromise your immune system.

Dangers of Over Pricing your Home

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:10:12 -0500

1. MINIMIZES OFFERS

An Overpriced house discourages prospective buyers from making offers since thedifference between the asking price and market price becomes substanial.

2. AGENT ENTHUSIASM AND RESPONSE

Agents lose interest in property that is overpriced. They do not spend as much time showing the house as they would if it were priced right.

3. QUALIFIED BUYER EXPOSURE

Overpriced houses fail to attract qualified buyers, or attract "wrong" buyers

4.DECLINE IN SHOWINGS

Agents Avoid showing overpriced houses in order not to lose credibility with buyers

5. LOSES PROSPECTS FROM SIGNS

Prospects who learn about the house from the sign get turned off if it is overpriced. They do not pursue the matter to even see the house

6. LIMITS FINANCING

Financial institutions and mortgage companies finance only a [ercentage of the real value of the house. If the house is overpriced, they usually will finance a lower percentage, thus reducing the available financing.

7. WASTE OF ADVERTISING DOLLARS

A house that is unrealistically priced fails to get normal advertising response. This reduces the effectiveness of advertising and results in the loss of advertising dollars.

8. LESS FOR SELLER

Eventually market interest in the overpriced property completly declines. As the stage is reached, the seller becomes desperate and he begins to feel he would sell at any price. In the meantime, he or she must bear maintenance and holding cost. The net results is that the seller gets much less than he could if the house was correctly priced in the first place

Reappraisal Exclusion for Seniors

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:19:51 -0500

California law provides a one time property tax relief for seniors by transferring their current Proposition 13 base-year values to a newly acquired residence if they sell their existing home and buy another for equal or lesser value within the same county or within another county which has passed an ordinance authorizing such transfers. The requirements for this relief are listed below.

AGE: At the time the original dewelling is in San Diego County, the replacement must have been purchased after November 4, 1986. If the original dwelling is located in any other Caliofrnia County, the replacement must have been purchased after November 8, 1988.

VALUE: "EQUAL OR LESSOR VALUE" of a replacement dwelling is defined as 100% of market value of original property as of it's date of sale if a replacement dwelling is purchased before an orignial property is sold.

105% of market value of original property as it's date of sale if a replacement dwelling is purchased within one year after the sale of the original property. 110% of market value of the original property as of its date of sale if a replacement dwelling is purchased within the second year after the sale of the original property.

OWNER-OCCUPIED: Both Both dwelling must be eligible for the Homeowner"s Exemption

If your property was located in another California County, please include the following with your completed application.

Copy of closing escrow statement on the original property

Copy of your last property tax bill on the original property

Contact the County of Los Angeles Assessor's Office to obtain an application for the Reappraisal Exclusion for Seniors at 213 974-3211

Black Bean soup

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 09:46:37 -0500

I send out post cards to clients who enjoy having a new recipe. Although it is not my personal recipe, I thought I might share it with you. Well here it goes

BLACK BEAN SOUP:

INGREDIENTS

2 CANS(16 OZ EA) BLACK BEANS, UNDRAINED

1 CAN REDUCED-SODIUM CHICKEN BROTH

1 SMALL ONION, PEELED AND CHOPPED

1 REASPOON MINCED GARLIC

1 JAR(16 OZ) ORTEGA SALSA (THICK AND CHUNKY

4 TEASPOONS LIME JUICE

2 TEASPOONS GROUND CUMIN

1/4 TEASPOON CRUSHED RED PEPPER

1/3 CUP YOGURT OR SOUR CREAM

12 FRESH CILANTRO LEAVES

PLACE HALF OF THE BEANS WITH THE LIQUID AND BROTH IN BLENDER OR FOOD PROCESSOR; COVER. BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH. COAT LARGE SAUCEPAN WITH NONSTICK COOKING SPRAY. HEAT OVER MEDIUM HIGH HEAT. ADD ONION AND GARLIC; COOK FOR 4 TO 5 MINUTES OR UNTILL ONION IS TENDER

ADD; BLENDED BEAN MIXTURE, REMAINING BEANS AND LIQUID, SALSA, LIME JUICE, CUMIN AND CRUSHED RED PEPPER. BRING TO A BOIL. REDUCE HEAT TO LOW; COVER. COOK STIRRING OCCASIONALLY, FOR 25 TO 30 MINUTES. SERVE TOPPED WITH SOUR CREAN OR YOUGURT. GARNISH WITH CILANTRO

The Wooden Bowl

Barbara :Active on 4 boards Engen (Bankers Realty) — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 12:44:17 -0500

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blured, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shakey hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off the spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. We must do something about father, " said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk and noisy eating, and food on the floor. So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl!!. When the family glanced in Grandfathers direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four year old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper the father noticed his son playing with wood scrapes on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded OH, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four year old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to streem down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. that evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family, And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomarrow. I.ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas lights. I've learned, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you will miss them when they are gone from your life. I've learned that life sometimes give you a second chance. I've learned that you shouln't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. I've learned if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have alot to learn! I've learned that that you should share this with others that you care about