Explore The OC

GOOGLE LAUNCHES ITS "CHROME" INTERNET BROWSER SOFTWARE

2008-09-03T18:05:21Z

GOOGLE has launched its BROWSER software ... GOOGLE CHROME (Beta version for WINDOWS).

This is Google's new web browser to compete with MICROSFOT Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera. GOOGLE CHROME will be marketed as a fast, simple and functional and powerful web browser.

GOOGLE makes money from ads that are displayed when people use their search and other products.

CHROME is a way for GOOGLE to try and decrease market share of the MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER.

Here are some GOOGLE CHROME reviews.

CHROME REVIEW - TECHZILO

CHROME REVIEW - USEFUL CONCEPT

CHROME REVIEW

CHROME REVIEW - BLOGGING THE ROCK

CHROME REVIEW - WALL STREET JOURNAL

Check it out. What do you think of GOOGLE CHROME? Will this be a tool for us and others in business and real estate?

Let's see how this new software product and reviews develop.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA

CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK & BEACH, Corona del Mar, CA - Great Day for a Run at Low Tide

2008-09-03T00:16:54Z

CRYSTAL COVE ... California State Park and Beach ... Corona del Mar ... South OC, California ... one of our favorite places

Christi and I took advantage of a Sunday afternoon time for visit at Crystal Cove ... for some fun and exercise ... and it's only 20 minutes from our home in Irvine, South OC.

It was a great day for a run and hike at low tide on the sand, Crystal Cove ... Sunday, August 31, 2008. Who is that running man?

It was a wonderful day ... sunshine and high humidity from storm clouds rolling from mountains to the ocean.

Holiday weekend ... People having fun at the rocks and checking out the tide pools.

Forty minutes later ... with clouds rolling in from east to west ... and gorgeous sun and rays beaming through toward the ocean

Who is that good looking girl at Crystal Cove?

Handpainted sign from years gone by at Crystal Cove.

Special time for us and others at Crystal Cove ... view from the bluff toward the north and Corona del Mar .... beautiful air and breeze near end of the day

CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK ... Located just south of Corona del Mar and north of Laguna Beach, South OC, California. Call 949-494-3539 for conditions.

A BEAUTIFUL PLACE FOR FUN, EXERCISE, FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA

Crystal Cove State Park & Beach, Corona del Mar, CA - Great Day for a Run at Low Tide

2008-09-02T13:52:18Z

Crystal Cove ... California State Park and Beach ... Corona del Mar ... South OC, California ... is one of our favorite places.

Christi and I took advantage of a Sunday afternoon time for visit at Crystal Cove ... for some fun and exercise ... and it's only 20 minutes from our home in Irvine, South OC.

It was a great day for a run and hike at low tide on the sand, Crystal Cove ... Sunday, August 31, 2008. Who is that running man?

It was a wonderful day ... sunshine and high humidity from storm clouds rolling from mountains to the ocean.

Holiday weekend ... People having fun at the rocks and checking out the tide pools.

Forty minutes later ... with clouds rolling in from east to west ... and gorgeous sun and rays beaming through toward the ocean

Who is that good looking girl at Crystal Cove?

Handpainted sign from years gone by at Crystal Cove.

Special time for us and others at Crystal Cove ... view from the bluff toward the north and Corona del Mar .... beautiful air and breeze near end of the day

CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK ... Located just south of Corona del Mar and north of Laguna Beach, South OC, California. Call 949-494-3539 for conditions.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA

University Park Barbershop Lives On After 40 Years - Irvine, California

2008-08-31T00:54:10Z

One of my favorite places to visit at times during the past five years ... for about 15 to 30 minutes each time ... once about every three weeks ... is UNIVERSITY PARK BARBERS, 18048 Culver Drive, Irvine, CA.

This barbershop is located located in the University Park ... Irvine Company retail mall ... at Culver and Michelson ... and about 15 minutes from our home in the Turtle Rock area. It's a bit of fun and good haircut at a reasonable price ... and save time too.

Jim Anderson is a family man living at Lake Forest, CA ... he talks from time to time about his wife and son, who will start his junior year at Rancho Santa Margarita High School ... and involved with the marching band at school.

Jim was busy today at his UNIVERSITY PARK BARBERSHOP ... enjoying the attention received last week from reporters at Orange County Register and Irvine World News who visited and wrote about his being in business at this location for forty years.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JIM AND OTHERS AT UNIVERSITY PARK BARBERS FOR THE 40-YEAR ANNIVERSARY.

I got my money's worth and a good haircut today ... Jim and I visited about 10 minutes. I don't have the amount of hair to fuss with as in years passed ... not using the entire chair time. We talked about politics and had some laughs. The man moved on to the next customer.

Jim's next client after me today was Daniel ... seen here thinking about and getting ready for his 15 minutes in the chair.

UNIVERSITY PARK BARBERSHOP is close to our world of business, commercial office buildings, community centers, condominium complexes and homes, well-known grocery stores, tennis clubs, and busy Culver Drive near Interstate 405.

Jim's store is ancient at 40 years and counting ... THE OLDEST CONTINUOUS BUSINESS OWNED AND OPERATED IN THE CITY OF IRVINE, CA.

Anderson celebrated last week with lack of fanfare ... and then back to work and $13 haircuts. He and Mac and other barbers are busy and have strong client followings.

Many of our friends from Irvine and elsewhere visit Jim and others barbers there. Lots of these guys drive miles to get the good haircut at reasonable price ... UNIVERSITY PARK BARBERS.

Jim's resting here after brief celebraton and between the 15 minutes allocated for clients, like me.

Fathers and sons for a cut at UNIVERSITY PARK BARBERS have turned into three or perhaps more generations. Mothers bring in their sons and smaller kids too. Jim and the barbers seem to remember the faces .. and the haircuts ... and relationship with other customers ... and sometimes the names too.

This is a no-nonsense place ... my kind of business ... with not much worrying over styles ... no shampoo or hair coloring ... and no web site.

The six barbers at the shop keep the place old-fashioned, with cuts short and prices low. A normal haircut is just $13 ... or $12 for seniors "95 or older".

Jim Anderson ... like others there ... is on his feet most of the day. Bob, another barber, helps to keep the place clean.

If you want a good haircut ... at a reasonable price ... with little or no fancy stuff ... and like to save time ... check out UNIVERSITY PARK BARBERS, 18048 Culver, Irvine, CA, telephone 949-786-6404.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA

Sources: Jim Anderson and The Orange County Register

DO WE NEED THIS GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED & SOCIALIZED ENGINEERING LAND USE "SMART GROWTH" IN CALIFORNIA?

2008-08-30T11:28:36Z

DO WE NEED "SMART GROWTH" AND MORE CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT LAND USE SOCIAL ENGINEERING?

THE MAJORITY OF MEMBERS OF OUR CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY AND SENATE THINK SO AND VOTED this week TO APPROVE California Senate Bill 375, which WILL IMPOSE a government-run SMART GROWTH template on development statewide.

This legislation will reshape land use patterns in California. Gov. Schwarzenegger will probably sign SENATE BILL 375 into law ... and mandate that all new development in California fit what proponents call "SMART GROWTH".

SMART GROWTH is a controversial concept ... with the goal to use the government to battle together with environmentalists and against business and development.

Most CALIFORNIANS live in and seem to enjoy single-family homes with yards in suburban neighborhoods. SMART GROWTH people and environmentalists argue that this development pattern is destructive to the planet and creates too big of a carbon footprint.

A SMART GROWTH goal is to force new development into INFILL locations. SB375 is their latest vehicle to accomplish this SOCIAL ENGINEERING goal.

SMART GROWTH was modeled at Portland, Oregon, where officials imposed a "GREEN LINE" around the city, restricting most development to the urban core.

COULD SUCH GREEN POLICIES COULD BE HOSTILE TO PROPERTY RIGHTS? IS THIS WHAT WE NEED?

Critics of this bill say that it is designed to overhaul the state's land use and transportation plannning system ... with the result that individual decisions about where they live and how they travel have been ceded to regional planning authorities who will have the job of narrowing choices.

In cities that have adopted this GREEN strategy, the government (not the individual) makes most of the development and design decisions. Instead of building new roads and freeways to meet population growth, supporters of SMART GROWTH want rather to invest in mass transit ... even though most of us rely on our cars and freeways to get around.

This SMART GROWTH trend and concept has been popular. Some local cities have been trying to embrace it on a small-scale level.

SB375 WOULD CREATE CALIFORNIA statewide standard for these ideas. But is this a good thing?

The Coastal Act previously created the California Coastal Commission ... This transferred development decisions near the coast from property owners and local cities to the California Coastal Commission ... an agency known for being hostile to development and growth.

SB375 will transfer decisions about local developments from property owners and local cities to state environmental officials. These bureaucrats will use more state regulations and incentives to force developers to only build the kind of developments that SMART GROWTH people want.

ENVIRONMENTALISTS WILL HAVE A GREATER SAY IN CALIFORNIA DEVELOPMENT ... IN HOW AND WHERE PROJECTS ARE LOCATED.

WILL THIS RESULT IN HOUSING DECISIONS TO BE DRIVEN BY POLITICS? AND NOT THE MARKET? WOULD THAT BE A GOOD THING?

On the other hand ... an environmentalist has argued that the California Environmental Quality Act is the only thing that the public has to control developers ... and that if AB 375 becomes law, the lobby power of environmentalists will decrease.

IT IS NOW CHALLENGING and COSTLY TO BUILD ANYTHING IN CALIFORNIA ... because of large amounts of regulation.

SB375 will increase regulation even more ... A result could be that people will be less able to afford housing in California.

DO YOU UNDERSTAND THIS? I DON'T. DO WE NEED THIS SOCIAL ENGINEERING IN CALIFORNIA? I DON'T KNOW THAT.

SHOULD THIS PROCESS ON SB375 BE SLOWED DOWN BEFORE IT BECOMES LAW?

SHOULD WE HAVE MORE DEBATE ABOUT THIS PROPOSED CHANGE IN CALIFORNIA BEFORE IT BECOMES LAW?

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA

Source: Orange County Register, August 28, 2008

LEFT-HANDED US PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES - 2008

2008-08-29T18:53:47Z

Obama and McCain will soon be on stage for presidential debates. Unless one or the other surprises with multiple talents on two sides ... we will see them both scribbling notes with their left hands.

What about some history? During 1992, all three presidential candidates ... George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Ross Perot ... were southpaws.

In the race for US President and the White House, lefties have the upper hand too.

Six of the 12 chief executives since the end of World War II will have been left-handed: Harry Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, Bush I, Clinton and either Obama or McCain.

That's fifty percent ... and only ten percent of people are left-handed.

Nevertheless, there remains anti-left-handed sentiments around and show in our figures of speech. Such as "A right-hand man is indispensable" ... or "a dancing partner with two left feet"

Is there any connection between left-handers ... and those ARMED for leadership?

Is there any connection between left-handers ... and their brains handle language and DEXTERITY?

Is there any connection between left-handers ... and ability to process language? I don't think so.

Is there any connection between left-handers ... and a person's speaking abilities?

Is there any connection between left-handers ... and art? Pablo Picasso was a leftie.

What about baseball? Any leftie special gift? Randy Johnson is a leftie.

Is there any connection betwee left-handers ... and big thinkers? Benjamin Franklin was a leftie. Albert Einstein was a leftie.

Is there any connection between left-handers ... and gift to be mathmatically talented ... or counterintuitive solutions ... or problem-solving?

I don't think so ... but you can decide for yourself. To me it seems that a person born as left-handed has a gift ... like any other physical characteristic. A person born right-handed also has a gift .. and can do some other things easier and better.

By the way ... the next US National Left-Handers Day Will be August 13, 2009. Check it out and celebrate.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA

Source: WashingtonPost.com, July 6, 2008

Fire Sale Of Homes in California? Check out the July 2008 California Association of Realtors Report

2008-08-29T00:57:10Z

It was reported that the median sold price of California homes during July 2008 was 40.3% below the 2007 levels.

Some people looked for and found bargains and grabbed distressed housing during July 2008. This twisted the CA housing market sold information toward cheaper houses, California Association of Realtors reports.

Median sales prices in CA, which was $587,560 in July 2007, came down to $350,760 in July 2008.

THAT LOOKS LIKE a 40.3 PERCENT DROP TO ME.

"Deeply-discounted, distressed sales continue to drive volume in many regions of the state," said William E. brown, president of the California Association of Realtors.

Median prices paid for single-family homes have now rolled back to levels not seen since early 2003. The lower prices are luring buyers.

C.A.R. reports the number of home sales in July 2008 was up 43% from July 2007.

Inventory of for-sale homes also dropped, perhaps a sign the California housing market is stabilizing.

On the other hand .... it is important that the 40.3% decline does not show that individual houses have lost 40% of their value on average.

The decline in economic value comes from a several factors. Houses have lost economic value. And the mix of homes sold has changed. Houses in less expensive neighborhoods are selling faster ... and in larger numbers ... than expensive homes. This lowers the median sold price.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA

Source: California Association of Realtors; LATimes.com, August 26, 2008

CAPITAL GAINS U.S. INCOME TAX LAW CHANGED ON SALE OF HOME ALSO USED PART TIME AS A RENTAL - EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2009

2008-08-28T12:54:49Z

OUR CAPITAL GAINS U.S. INCOME TAX LAW HAS CHANGED REGARDING SALE OF A HOME OR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY, WHICH WAS ALSO USED PART OF THE TIME AS A RENTAL.

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2009

U.S. Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Section 3092 of this Act Sets Forth the New Rules.

This amends Section 121 of the Internal Revenue Code.

NEW RULES are targeted at people who are buying or owning a home, living in the house for two years, then moving on to buy the next property and keeping the old house as a rental.

Internal Revenue Code, Section 121, on protection of gain on sale of home, and Subsection (a) shall not apply to so much of the gain from the sale or exchange of property as is allocated to periods of nonqualified use.

In other words, if you rent the home out at any time, that's non-qualified use. Your profit or gain on sale will not then be protected from taxation on the time of non-qualified use.

In that situation, and if prior rules were followed (Internal Revenue Code Section 121 et. seq) and the investor owner sold the property later, the owner would protect up to $250,000 in profit as a single person and $500,000 in profit for married couple.

THE NEW RULES AND FORMULA TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE ACTUAL NUMBER DAYS OF USAGE AS A PRIMARY RESIDENCE (the numerator) over and compared to THE NUMBER OF DAYS OF ITS QUALIFIED LIFE (the denominator).

Example: You bought a home for $200,000 five years ago. You moved out of it three years ago so you could buy your new home. You lived in the house forty percent of the time of ownership. You are now selling the same home for $225,000. Your profit is $25,000.

Old Law effective until December 31, 2008: You had no capital gains tax liability on this profit. It didn't matter if you moved away from that property after two years and turned it into an investment property.

New Law Effective January 1, 2009: Since you lived in the home 40% of the time, you will be responsible for capital gains on $15,000 of that profit.

DO YOU SEE AND UNDERSTAND THIS IMPORTANT CHANGE?

Result: That's zero considered to be capital gain according to the old law (up to December 31, 2008) vs. $15,000 considered to be capital gain by the new law (effective January 1, 2009).

This NEW RULE does not mean mean that you cannot buy a home and move every two years. This NEW RULE means that YOU in that situation MUST BE CAREFUL.

If you are planning on buying a home every two years, and if you rent that house for part of the time of ownership, when you sell that home, your income tax liability will be increased .... as compared to your income tax liability under the old rules.

THIS LAW BECOMES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2009.

If you are such an investor or are buying or holding this kind of residential property, you should take action now and implement a strategy that works.

EXCEPTIONS as set forth at IRC 121: The term ‘period of nonqualified use' does not include- ‘‘(I) any portion of the 5-year period described in subsection (a) which is after the last date that such property is used as the principal residence of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse, ‘‘(II) any period (not to exceed an aggregate period of 10 years) during which the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse is serving on qualified official extended duty (as defined in subsection (d)(9)(C)) described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of subsection (d)(9)(A), and ‘‘(III) any other period of temporary absence (not to exceed an aggregate period of 2 years) due to change of employment, health conditions, or such other unforeseen circumstances as may be specified by the Secretary.

WARNING: THIS IS COMPLICATED. IF THIS IS YOUR SITUATION, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT A QUALIFIED REALTOR AND/OR QUALIFIED and experienced CPA OR INCOME TAX PROFESSIONAL.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA.

Source: U.S. House Resolution 3221, US Housing and Economy Recovery Act of 2008; Section 3092, Gain From Sale of Principal Residence Allocated to Nonqualified Use Not Excluded From Income.

IF YOU WANT OR NEED TO SELL YOUR CALIFORNIA HOME OR PROPERTY, CONTACT US AT 949-854-7747. THANK YOU. EXPLORE PROPERTIES GROUP.

ENGLISH as Mandatory Language For Ladies Professional Golfers? What's Next? ENGLISH for Major League Baseball?

2008-08-27T10:47:22Z

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) seems to be worried about members failure to communicate.

New rule is starting in two years ... a member must learn to speak English or can't play on the LPGA Tour.

The LPGA got its South Korean players toghether on Aug. 20 and told them to learn English.

What a concept? I didn't even know that the players were unable to know or speak English? But now that I know ... I am all for this LPGA ruling.

New LPGA policy: All players who have been on the tour for two years must be proficient in speaking English. If not, they could have their membership suspended.

There are 45 Korean women on the LPGA tour (8 of the women are Kim, and 4 are Parks). Their attendance at the meeting was mandatory.

Wait a minute ... Is LPGA marketing at fault? On the other hand, perhaps this is a good thing.

The Koreans are here for professioanl golf. They make a lot of money at golf. Eleven of the top 30 money winners on LPGA tour are Korean, and six have won LPGA tour events ... not including Ji-Yai Shin, who won the Women's British Open although she isn't a tour member.

LPGA officials are nervour that some tournament winners can't or don't conduct interviews or properly say "thank you" in ENGLISH during trophy presentations. THIS NERVOUSNESS MAKES SENSE.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SHOULD TAKE NOTICE.

Angels star Vlad Guerrero never speaks a word of English during interviews (smiling all the time). We love this guy as one of our favorites ... He's been in the USA for many years and in MLB for 12 ... and makes $17 million a year working in the USA.

VLAD SHOULD SPEAK ENGLISH WHILE INVOLVED IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL and at least for interviews.

Fernando Valenzuela hardly ever spoke in English for public interviews ... Neither does Bartolo Colon ... or Ichiro Suzuki ... or K.J. Choi ... or Shigeki Maruyama ... and others.

Most of these guys can speak a bit or at least fake it ENGLIGH. But it looks to me like they don't want to be teased by friends. Could it be that some guys think it's not MACHO to SPEAK ENGLISH?

I speak only one primary language (ENGLISH) and only a bit of Spanish ... while sometimes talking with our gardeners ... OR while ordering food at a local favorite restaurant ... or while working on a church Mission project in Mexico. That's OK though. And I am not working or making my living by playing golf or MLB baseball in another country.

‘When you win, you should give your speech in English,' South Korea's Se Ri Pak says.

ENGLISH SHOULD BE THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE OF LADIES PROFESSIONAL GOLF & for MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL.

But will that make us watch it more?

What's next? ENGLISH AS MANDATORY LANGUAGE FOR THE BUSINESS OF REAL ESTATE?

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Group, Irvine, CA

Source: Orange County Register, 8-27-08

Andy Bailey Is Moving Forward For His "New Race To Run"

2008-08-26T12:57:46Z

Andy Bailey is tough guy. Having met and run with Andy and others during fitness training and road races with the Orange County Track Club during the 1990s, I know this first hand.

Andy was at home in Laguna Beach on a December day in 2006, (then 68 years of age) washing his car in the driveway of their home, located is in a hilly area of Laguna Beach. Andy and his wife, Jeri, had returned from a vacation in Arizona. He was washing the wheels of the car.

A van delivering dry cleaning at an uphill neighbor's house rolled downhill (without a driver) toward Andy. In a flash the runaway and driverless van hit the rear passenger side of the Bailey car, shoving Andy into a railing, breaking upon impact. He was crashed through the railing and flew backward, ending up under the neighbor's carport. His shoelaces were caught in a fence, wrenching his foot and ankle. He sustained serious injuries, right foot hanging with dislocated bones and muscles. Andy thought he had lost his foot.

Andy was rushed to the hospital and submitted for surgery, fusion of ankle with screws and a rod inserted into the tibia, with dorsi muscle transplantation into leg. Later a MRSA infection set in and prevented healing. The doctors eventually couldn't save the foot and suggested amputation. Andy was shocked by this news.

He had run cross country in high school and started participating in local road races in the 1980s, finishing his first marathan at Avenue of the Giants. He and Jeri had planned vacations around marathons at Honolulu, New York, San Francisco, Montreal. Andy had been an marathon runner and triathlete and was in December, 2006, training for another event. He had competed in sprint-distance triathlons and moved up to Olympic-distance triathlons. Andy liked the competition and camaraderie with friends and fellow athletes.

In December last year, Andy was stricken with another infection. The doctors were forced to amputate, and his right leg was removed below the knee in February 2008.

Andy got his prosthetic leg in April and successfully has made some transition. He will be fitted with a permanent socket and expects to get a new leg designed for biking and running.

He had worked during some times in the past to raise money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, a non-profit raising money and grants to help disabled people participate in athletic activities.

Andy seems to be upbeat about this now and is training for his comeback. In October, 2008, he wants to compete as part of a relay team in the foundation-sponsored San Diego Triathlon Challenge. His goal is to complete the 1.2-mile ocean swim portion, and later resuming running and cycling.

GO FOR IT ANDY!

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA

Sources: Andy Bailey and the Orange County Register (August 22, 2008)

Important Capital Gains Income Tax Rules Changed For Sale of Residential Property - US Housing & Economic Recovery Act of 2008

2008-08-25T17:27:45Z

DID YOU SEE THE IMPORTANT NEW CHANGE FOR INCOME TAX LAW AND CALCULATING CAPITAL GAINS ON THE SALE OF A RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY? THIS IS FOR A HOUSE THAT HAS ALSO BEEN USED PART OF THE TIME AS A RENTAL.

U.S. Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

NEW RULES will be targeted at the sophisticated investors who are buying or owning a home, living in the house for two years, then moving on to buy the next property and keeping the old house as a rental.

In that sophisticated situation, and if rules were followed and the investor sold the property later, the owner would protect up to $250,000 in profit as a single person and $500,000 in profit for married couple.

Old Law effective until December 31, 2008: You had no capital gains tax liability on this profit. It didn't matter if you moved away from that property after two years and turned it into an investment property.
New Law: Since you lived in the home 40% of the time, you will be responsible for capital gains on $15,000 of that profit.

DO YOU SEE THIS IMPORTANT CHANGE?

Result: That's zero considered to be capital gain according to the old law (up to December 31, 2008) vs. $15,000 considered to be capital gain by the new law (effective January 1, 2009).

This NEW RULE does not mean mean that you cannot buy a home and move every two years. This NEW RULE means that YOU in that situation MUST BE CAREFUL.

LET'S GET READY. THIS LAW BECOMES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2009.

If you are a SOPHISTICATED INVESTOR and are buying or holding this kind of residential property, you should take action now and implement a strategy that works.

WARNING: IF THIS IS YOUR SITUATION, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT A QUALIFIED REALTOR AND/OR QUALIFIED INCOME TAX PROFESSIONAL.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS CAPITAL GAINS CALCULATION CHANGE?

USA Women's Soccer Wins Gold at Beijing Olympics 2008

2008-08-25T10:20:37Z

Vindication for Hope Solo, goalkeeper who was shunned by USA soccer last year, when she said things that hurt USA team management during World Cup loss in 2007.

Also Kate Markgraf, who made a blunder in a loss to Norway that was trouble for USA medal hopes. Also for the U.S. women's soccer team, which had trouble last year at World Cup.

The USA women won gold, being stiff on defense and capitalizing on one of the few chances to beat Brazil 1-0 in extra time and take the gold medal.

That gold seemed unlikely. Abby Wambach was the third key player lost in the weeks leading to the Games. Captain Christie Rampone led a defensive effort that limited the moves of Marta, the two-time world player of the year. Then Solo was there to make the saves.

The direction of the USA team seems more certain than it has been since Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy and Joy Fawcett retired.

Congratulations to these great athletes.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Group, Irvine, CA, Aug. 21, 2008

USA Mens and USA Womens Track 4 x 400 Meter Relay Gold Medals, Beijing Olympics 2008

2008-08-24T21:16:27Z

Both the U.S. men's and women's teams won gold medals in the 4 x 400-meter relay Saturday evening at National Stadium, The Bird's Nest, Beijing.

Congratulations to the USA men who scored their medal with an Olympic record time of 2:55.39. The Bahamas claimed the silver medal, while Russia won the bronze medal with a 2:58.06.

The USA men were LaShawn Merritt, Angelo Taylor, David Neville and Jeremy Wariner.

We especially like David Neville, who dove for the tape in the individual 400M two days ago to get the bronze. Way to go David.

The USA women's team took the baton to the tape in 3:18.54. Russia took the silver medal, and Jamaica won the bronze. Women on the USA team were Mary Wineberg, Allyson Felix, Monique Henderson and Sanya Richards.

We also really like Sanya Richards who returned to vanquish at the relay after a disappointing finish with class in the individual women's 400M race.

Congratulations to these great and deserving athletes.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Group, Irvine, CA

USA Mens Team Volleyball Wins Gold, Beijing Olympics

2008-08-24T11:58:54Z

Congratulations to USA Team Mens Volleyball who won the first gold medal for USA in this event during the past 20 years.

After the final point, Coach Hugh McCutcheon of the U.S. team buried his head and walked off the court.

At the start of the Beijing Olympics 2008 two weeks ago, McCutcheon's father-in-law had been killed while a tourist in Beijing. McCutcheon stepped away from his coaching job to take care of his family.

Then his team started a great run, ending with the victory over defending champion Brazil. In two weeks of competition, the USA team was undefeated.

McCutcheon had missed the team's first three games to be with his wife, former volleyball Olympian Elisabeth Bachman McCutcheon. Team members had marked their shoes with the initials of Todd and Barbara Bachman as a gesture of sympathy.

Congratulations to this great coach McCtcheon in the special situation and to his fantastic team for their achievement.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA.

Source: The Associated Press, August 23, 2008

Lisa Leslie Our OLYMPIC Hero Again Wins Gold With Team in Women's Basketball

2008-08-24T11:20:26Z

She now has four Olympic gold medals in women's basketball. Wow!

She sang and swayed through "The Star-Spangled Banner," at Beijing Olympics 2008 and later posed with her prizes from Atlanta, Sydney, Athens and Beijing, for all the world to see.

During interview she said "My wildest dream was just to play in one Olympics to represent my country." We thank Lisa for this.

The great athlete is now 36 years old, a formidable presence in the women's game, with lots of skills and savvy.

But she has a 1-year-old daughter, and now has other different priorities for her life, and might not return to basketball of OLYMPICS 2012. She has enjoyed a great run.

Lisa later after the winning game said "It was all about team for every minute, every second." The team winning streak stands at 33 games, dates to 1992.

Fantastic! Congratulations to Lisa Leslie and her team for this impressive win and Beijing OLYMPIC gold 2008.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA

Source: San Diego Union Tribune, August 24, 2008

FDIC To Help IndyMac Mortgage Borrowers

2008-08-23T09:53:39Z

Yes, that's right. But is this a good thing?

It was reported on August 21, 2008, that loan modification letters will start going out on 4,000 loans near default with 25,000 more to follow.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. , which took over the former Indy-Mac Bank last month, is launching a streamlined loan modification program for troubled mortgage borrowers that it hopes will serve as an example for other lenders.

The thinking is that the FDIC can best preserve IndyMac Federal Bank's assets and "increase the value of distressed mortgages by rehabilitating them into performing loans."

On July 11, federal regulators and FDIC closed Pasadena-based IndyMac Bank, which had operations throughout Orange County, making it the biggest retail bank to fail amid the credit crunch.

FDIC said modification proposals are going out this week of August 20, 2008, to about 4,000 borrowers who are in or near default, with another 25,000 expected in coming weeks. The proposals call for troubled borrowers, who are living in their homes and are willing to verify their income, to get new terms that keep their ratio of debt to income at 38 percent.

The interest rates on new loans are reported to be permanently capped at the current Freddie Mac survey rate for conforming mortgages, which is at about 6.5 percent. Also that some borrowers may get a lower rate for the first five years if needed to meet the 38 percent debt-toincome ratio. Also that, in some cases, FDIC will consider deferring or forgiving principal.

IndyMac services about $184 billion in mortgage loans, including $15 billion that it owns directly, FDIC officials said. Federal regulators took over IndyMac in July, which was the biggest retail bank to fail during the credit crisis.

Is this FDIC help for borrowers a good thing? Will this help our economy?

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA

Source: Orange County Register

The Old Spaghetti Factory at Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach, for Summer Evening Dining

2008-08-23T01:37:55Z

Christi and I enjoyed our nice Friday evening meal at The Old Spaghetti Factory, 2110 Old Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA.

For many years, people have been going to The Old Spaghetti Factory, Newport Beach, to enjoy good food, casual atmosphere and friendly service. Some people visit with friends around antique tables, while enjoyed the cooked pasta and spaghetti sauce, and fresh made meals.

Located about 300 feet from surf and sand at Newport Beach, CA

The place is large, noisy and fun. We had fun with the wine trivia quiz printed on the menu.

The food is reasonably priced and not unusual for this kind of dining. I enjoyed the manager's favorite, Mizithra cheese, browned butter, and meat sauce combination. The bread was so hot to the touch out of the oven that I had to be careful cutting it.

Kids and families were there tonight, and that's good to see.

Our friendly server was Chantal Moulin, who did a great job with a warm smile and kept our water cups filled on a busy evening. She's also a student finishing her undergraduate studies at Vanguard University, nearby Costa Mesa. Thanks Chantal.

Scott Dillon, capable store manager at The Spaghetti Factory, was friendly and there to ask about our dining experience. Thanks Scott.

The Old Spaghetti Factory looks like it would also be a fun place for banquets or birthday parties and has special rooms available for that.

If you want casual and fun dining in a family atmosphere, and don't mind some chain restaurant feeling, check out The Old Spaghetti Factory, Newport Beach.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group.

Housing Affordability Increased in California During July 2008

2008-08-22T17:01:48Z

The California Association of Realtors reported (Aug. 19, 2008) that entry-level housing affordability increased 50 percent in second quarter 2008 as compared to the same time in 2007.

That's a good thing for new homeowners. We as Realtors should know this and focus on what will eventually jump start the market.

The percentage of households that could afford to buy an entry-level home in California stood at 48 percent in the second quarter of 2008, as compared with 24 percent for the same period a year ago.

California Association of Realtors uses First Time Buyer Housing Affordability Index (FTB-HAI), which measured the percentage of households that can afford to purchase an entry-level home in California.

The minimum housing income needed to purchase an entry-level home at $329,120 in California in the second quarter of 2008 was $62,870, based on an adjustable interest rate of 5.69 percent and assuming a 10 percent down payment.

First-time buyers typically purchase a home equal to 85 percent of the prevailing median price in California. The monthly payment including taxes and insurance was $2,100 for the second quarter of 2008.

At $62,870, the minimum qualifying income was 38 percent lower than a year earlier when households needed $101,440 to qualify for a loan on an entry-level home.

Recent decreases in home prices and mortgage rates have brought affordability into better alignment with income levels of the typical California households, where the median household income is $59,160.

The High Desert region of California was the most affordable area in the state. The San Francisco Bay Area region was the least affordable.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA

Source: California Association of Realtors

Wild Rivers Park at Irvine Expected to Get a New Lease on Life For Another Year

2008-08-22T10:15:07Z

Wild Rivers Recreation Park, Irvine, CA

We have enjoyed "Wild Rivers" at Irvine during past years and see this news about another year of fun for kids and families as positive.

The Irvine Company management has offered WILD RIVERS a one-year lease extension to give the water park another summer.

Details are still to be worked out. Under the current lease, Wild Rivers would close after this summer 2008 season. That includes nearby Camp James, which serves about 2,000 children each summer, which would have to move. This land near I-405 and Irvine Center Drive includes the water park and the camp would be used for new homes.

It was reported that economic conditions have made developing the water park land difficult, which is an advantage for the fun and Wild Rivers' advantage. The park has had about 5,000 daily visitors during 2008 season and provides summer jobs for 800 to 1,000 people.

This new lease on LIFE and FUN at WILD RIVERS will be a good thing.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties group, Irvine, CA

Source: Orange County Register, August 20, 2008

7 Tips for Crack Real Estate Negotiators

2008-08-20T15:38:26Z

Check out this interesting article on TIPS FOR CRACK REAL ESTATE NEGOTIATORS from a San Diego Realtor. She and others are seeing smart money aggressively buying in this market.

The smart buyers in Orange County, CA, are taking a good look at REO homes and properties, where there are serious buyer opportunites at some 2002 vintage prices. It's also important to check out whether the owners are equity sellers and their motivation.

Harrison K. Long, Explore Real Estate Group, Irvine, CA

Via Roberta Murphy ~ Carlsbad Real Estate:

If this is the worst real estate market (for sellers) in recent history, then surely it creates some of the best buying opportunities in a lifetime as well.

We are seeing smart money aggressively buying in our San Diego real estate market, and hear reports of the same elsewhere.

The properties are being bought as primary homes, as fix-and-flippers --or are being held as longer term rentals.

We receive inquiries about these homes almost daily; but more recently, we are being consulted about strategies for buying real estate at bargain prices. These buyers may or may not have to sell their existing home to buy another--and may also be open to exchange possibilities.

Listed below are 7 strategies we use to help our home buyers (and others) get some of the best bargains on the market.

Study Market Time: Homes in general may take longer to sell these days because of pricing, percecived seller value and a more cautious pool of buyers. But that doesn’t mean sellers are any less motivated to move on with their lives. At one time, we thought little of homes sitting on the market for 90 days or more. These days, we seek buying opportunities if a home has been on the market over 60 days-- and are seeing some heavy price discounting from our buyers if days on market goes over 90 days.

Check Tax Records and other Sources: Is there more debt on the home than what it is worth? Has a Notice of Default been filed that would indicate a looming foreclosure? If so, and if this is a home of interest for our buyer, we submit an offer contingent upon the successful negotiation of a short sale (where the lender sells the property for less than what is owed). In this case, either we or professional negotiators deal with the lender(s) to reach the best possible price for our buyer.

Did Owners Pay Cash or Have They Owned Their Home for Longer than 10 Years? These sellers may be in a position to sell at a discount or may be motivated to do so due to life transitions or other investment opportunities. They may also be open to owner-financing for all or part of the home mortgage. Become knowledgeable about installment sales and other creative financing strategies.

Are You Open to Remodeling? Homes sold in as-is condition are more likely than others to sell at a substantial discount. Owners, especially when the home has been on the market for some time, are often overwhelmed with the thought of remodeling and updating–and fearful that their decor choices will not suit potential buyers. In many markets, older or outdated homes are sometimes sold at land value.

Foreclosure Sales: The f-word (foreclosure) is occurring even in the luxury home market. Highly leveraged homes purchased in the last few years are more frequently ending up on the courthouse steps. Foreclosure purchases, which require cash and carry no disclosures or guarantees, offer both great potential for profit–and big dangers for the uninformed. Bidding should be non-emotional and it is best to have a professional bidding for you–but only after thorough-as-possible research has been done regarding the home’s condition, its history and resale potential. Cracked slabs, structural defects and boundary line encroachments are unwelcome surprises.

Home Exchanges: This is a rather novel strategy for those trying to sell their luxury home in a bloody market. Life transitions encourage luxury homeowners to make moves. Empty-nesters may wish to relocate from their large estate to something equally posh but far less demanding in upkeep. Others may have expanding families that crave acreage, pools, tennis courts or equestrian facilities. In the Southern California market, Owner-Broker Bob Dyson and Villa Sotheby’s International Realty have set up a property exchange platform that allows homeowners to directly exchange properties and ownership. It is a tactic that helps to support neighborhood values and removes many of the pressures involved in having a home on the market for an extended period of time.

If the property you want is listed, have your agent check the other real estate agent’s listing history. If that agent tends to have listings on the market for a long time, you may wish to lower your offer. On the other hand, if the agent prices properties aggressively and has short “days on market,” you may consider coming in near to, at, or over list price. You will likely find those listings already priced at or below market to attract multiple offers.

A combination of patience, perseverance and the ability to move quickly will serve all astute buyers of real estate these days, but the greatest potential of all may lie with properties whose replacement value could far exceed the purchase price--or those with exquisite locations.

USA Track Athlete Sanya Richards is a Hero During Day 12 at Beijing Olympics 2008

2008-08-20T01:07:31Z

USA Olympic track athlete Sanya Richards is a hero for this day 12 of the Beijing Olympics 2008.

At the end of her 400 meter track final, she stood on the medal stand on the infield at the Bird's Nest, and the music played "God Save the Queen" (British national anthem).

Christine Ohuruogu, of Great Britain, who was at these Games only because she won an appeal that cleared her to compete (had missed three out-of-competition doping tests) just won the OLYMPIC 2008 womens 400m race.

Richards was favored and came in third behind Shericka Williams of Jamaica who was second.

Richards apparently trained hard and gave much credit to her coaches. She was reported to have battled back from an illness (Behcet's syndrome) to become an Olympic favorite.

It wasn't to be for Sanya Richards on this day. She went out hard and had the lead to 320 meters, then tightened up and came in at her best to claim the bronze.

During the NBC post-race interview, Richards made no excuses and said that she did her best. However, she said she was proud to have the bronze, that the race wasn't about her, but rather about her country, the USA, and team participation.

We congratulate this fine athlete who lived up to the Olympic ideals of teamwork and doing your best.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA

Nastia Liukin Cheated Out of Olympic Gold in Gymnastics at Uneven Bars When She Was Perfectly Tied at Score With Chinese Competitor

2008-08-19T02:01:21Z

Yesterday we watched as Sacramone of USA women's OLYMPICS gymnastics team was cheated out of bronze on the VAULT, when the third place finisher from China fell and was awarded the medal anyway. Sacramone was awarded fourth place.

Today at Beijing it's happened again. He Kexin of China tied at score on uneven bars with Nastia Liukin of the United States. Both scored 16.725, with even the Score A (measure of difficulty) of both gymnasts being an identical 7.7.

However, according to the complicated rules of Artistic Gymnastics, the high and low scores for each were discarded, and the gold medal went to He Kexin of China.

WOW! Another judging mistake .. or that of the rules system.

LIUKIN and the Chinese girl were tied at score and should have both been awarded the GOLD.

Liukin is our hero of the day ... has now won four medals at Beijing 2008. Her other three medals being gold in the All-Around gymnastics, the silver in the Team final and bronze in the Floor Exercise event.

Congratulations to this great athlete.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, Irvine, CA

Was USA Gymnast Alicia Sacramone Cheated By Scoring Out of Olympic Bronze on the Vault?

2008-08-18T01:31:20Z

Not being much of a gymnastics fan, I am not an expert. However, it seemed to me that USA gymnast Alicia Sacramone got cheated on the scoring in the VAULT at Olympics Beijing 2008.

I later listened during a televison interview with Coach Bella Carolla who is opinionated and agreed that Sacramone got cheated.

What do you think?

I admired USA gymnast Alicia Sacramone, who aimed for a medal and redemption after falls several days ago in the the team competition (she won silver there with the team). She finished fourth today in the vault and out of the bronze.

Cheng Fei of China (bronze medalist) fell to her knees on the second of her two vaults. No matter the mistake, the judges scored her higher that Sacramone.

Was the higher start value for Cheng Fei the true reason?

The silver medalist, Oksana Chusovitina, now competing for Germany, is 33 years old, taking part in her fifth Olympic Games. She is a product of the Soviet system, moved to Germany in 2002 to seek medical help for her son who was diagnosed with leukemia.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group

Michael Phelps Blazed to Olympic Glory Winning His Eighth Gold Medal in Swimming at Beijing

2008-08-17T10:45:33Z

We watched in wonder by late Saturday evening television as Michael Phelps started with his U.S. teammates for the Beijing Olympic Games 400-meter medley relay final, then achieving a record eighth gold medal. Wow!!

For nine record-setting days Phelps made the world and the USA pay attention to swimming.

Phelps gave the U.S. men's 4x100 relay team the lead on the third leg then Jason Lezak (from Irvine, CA) played relay hero one more time, holding off Australia's Sullivan for a world record victory in 3 minutes, 29.34 seconds.

Phelps' seventh world record in eight finals gave him 16 total Olympic medals surpassing Soviet gymnast Nikolai Andrianov (1972-1980) for most career medals by a male athlete.

This finale to this fastest Olympic swim meet was a nice ending to the career of Jason Lezak and perhaps Aaron Peirsol. Peirsol leaves Beijing with two golds, a silver, two world records, the greatest backstroker of all-time. Lezak takes a pair of relay golds, a bronze in the 100 freestyle and two world records. Lezak was also the one who saved Phelps for his eight golds by anchoring the most dramatic comeback in Olympic swimming history.

Congratulations to these great athletes and their teammates.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, August 17, 2008

Source: The Orange County Register, August 17, 2008

Dara Torres Proved Again That A Person Should Never Let Dreams Be Limited by Age

2008-08-17T01:58:39Z

We watched from home here in California tonight when Olympic Summer Games History was made at Beijing.

It's amazing that US swimmer Dara Torres got the silver at 24.07 in the 50 meter swim today at the Beijing Olympics.

Dara Torres (USA team), the 41 year old swimmer, then went on to win her 11th Olympic medal, over five different Olympic games and 24 years.

Torres then about 30 minutes later swam a very fast final leg in 52.27 in the 4 x 50 relay. (Trickett of the Australians took home the gold)

Torres and the US womens team of Natalie Coughlin, Rebecca Soni, and Christine Magnuson, also went under the old world mark in winning the silver medal in 3:53.30.

Congratulations to this fine athlete and her teammates on USA swimming.

Posted by Harrison K. Long, Explore Properties Group, August 16, 2008