JenniferCastillo66

Old Touring Map of Pomona

2008-08-18T14:47:10Z

I love looking at old maps. I wonder about what is would have been like to have lived there during that time. Here is an old map of Pomona, CA. It is a 1912 touring map. Is shows the way from Los Angeles to Pomona and return.

Tomato Tasting Festival In Pomona

2008-08-14T14:36:54Z

"You say tomato, I say tomato...tomato, tomato,...let's call the whole thing off."

That little diddy by Fred Astaire came to mind because of the 6th annual Pomona Valley Tomato Tasting event in Pomona. Almost a hundred varieties will be featured for tasting. Just think of all the wonderful ways to enjoy them in sauces, spreads, soups, salads, etc.

The event is free and will be held at The Garden, Pomona's organic garden center in historic downtown Pomona.

Click on the picture to download the flyer.

Pomona's Old Home Restoration Workshop

2008-07-30T16:47:14Z

I have been meaning to write about this event and the time is now. The Pomona Heritage Society will be having it's 10th annual Old Home Restoration Workshop . The event will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2008 from 9:00am - 4:00pm at Trinity United Methodist Chuch. Their address is 676 N. Gibbs, Pomona, CA 91767. Lunch will be available for $10. This workshop is open to the public and the best part is it's FREE.

I do not live in an old, historic home, but there are some sessions that I will enjoy attending. California Gardens with Mediterranean Style and Herb Gardening are at the top of my list. Many of these sessions can apply to custom and mid-century homes as well. Take a look at their website and see what interests you.

Kick 'em While They're Down and Out

2008-03-27T04:04:53Z

It seems recently that there is not a week that passes by that I do not hear of another freakin' scam ring out there taking advantage of homeowners that are going into or are in the default stage on their mortgage loan. This sickens me! No, these people are not stupid for falling for such schemes. These are people that are scared of losing their home and desperate for help and feel a sense of relief when one of these supposed God-sent companies contacts them and offers mortgage salvation.

About a month ago while at my office I heard some of my fellow realtors talking about "Broker so and so" and "Realtor so and so" who had just been arrested by the FBI for fraud. One man even left his broker wife because he wanted no part of her shenanigans. Wise man. He resides in a home and she resides in a jail cell. It seems good old fashioned greed got the best of these people during the real estate hay-day of 2003-2006. It disturbed me to hear this water cooler talk.

I came home late tonight only to read about another scam ring that just got popped. Thank you God, Thank you FBI! Their ring leader is from La Habra, CA. Apparently the group of 19 skimmed 13 MILLION dollars in equity from 115 homeowners coast to coast under the guise of "mortgage rescue."

These scam artists are targeting homeowners trying to avoid foreclosure in the current housing downturn. Typically the scam works this way: Sales agents for the ring contact homeowners through mailings, offering rescue plans to those who appeared on lists used by banks and credit agencies to show owners near foreclosure. When the homeowners sought help, sales agents would steer them into a plan that called for owners to put an "investor" on the home's title.

In exchange, the homeowner would pay rent to the investor, typically a sum smaller than the original mortgage payment. In reality, the investor was usually an associate or family member of the ringleaders or someone recruited via the Internet. The convoluted paperwork often gave the investor the right to replace the homeowner on the title.

Within months the ring would take out a new mortgage on the property to take out the equity. Homeowners either were evicted or ended up in foreclosure when the investor stopped making payments on the new loan. This disgusts me!

I am a Realtor that has sworn to uphold a specific code of ethics. It is my fiduciary duty to be loyal to my clients and to act at all times in the best interest of my client and to put those interests above all others, including myself. Obviously these scam artists have chosen to deny the oaths they were once sworn into. Damn them! It is no wonder the general public has a biased opinion of us as being shady, greedy, uncaring, cut throat, etc. Of course, every new bust of a scam ring seems to be another nail in the realtor's coffin.

So what can folks do that are upside down on their mortgage loan or even going into foreclosure? My suggestion is to call their current lender or call 1-888-995-HOPE. Over 100,000 people were counseled in February alone and over 1 million homeowners in distress have avoided foreclosure!

Here is a bit of information that I have copied from the Hope Now website:

What is HOPE NOW?

HOPE NOW is an alliance between counselors, servicers, investors, and other mortgage market participants to maximize outreach efforts to at-risk homeowners and help them stay in their homes.

If I can't pay my mortgage, why should I call my mortgage lender/servicer?
Your mortgage lender can help you identify the options available to you, should you have trouble paying your mortgage.

When should I call my lender?
You should contact your lender as soon as you know you will have difficulty meeting your mortgage payments. You do not have to wait until your interest rate re-sets, nor do you have to wait until you are already behind in your payments. In fact, the sooner you call, the more options will be available to you. No matter what your situation is, CALL TODAY.

What if I don't want to call my lender?
Call the Homeowners HOPE^TM Hotline - 1.888.995.HOPE. This hotline is staffed by HUD-approved credit counselors who can guide you through possible options.

My intent of this post is to offer help to those that may be in need and to enlighten you of the vultures that are circling round anxiously waiting for another mortgage loan to enter into the default stage.

Stand your ground Pomonans!

Search for Homes

2008-03-13T13:43:03Z

If you would like to search the local MRMLS for all homes available on the market, but do not want to register click here to begin.

New users click here to begin. Same listings as the MRMLS, but not the MRMLS. All properties listed with a realtor can be viewed here. Also, you can save your search criteria and your favortite homes. You can also recieve new emails when a listing matches your criteria. For more information or for a private viewing call or text Jennifer Castillo (909)455-3336. You can also send me an email: jennifercastillo66@gmail.com

Returning users click here to continue

Pomona Green

2008-03-13T03:37:47Z

As we near St. Patrick's day green colored images float around in my head. I see green in store fronts and windows. Green around me at restaurants especially those that have a bar area. It is on TV and hanging from my neighbors patios. My glass was filled with green tea today.

I say green is for everyone this month and it does not matter whether you have a wee bit o' Irish in your veins or not because what I am talking about here is keeping Pomona green through conservation.

How can we do that? For starters incandescent light bulbs that are inside the home, outside the home, and in the garage area can be easily replaced with flourescent bulbs. Shower heads can be replaced with the water conservation type that can manually pause the water flow while soaping up. Instead of hosing off porches, walkways, driveways and patios sweep them instead.

These are just a few things that can be done to keep Pomona green and best of all it does not take a lot of green to do these things.

Arrest Made In Rape, Stabbing Of Real Estate Agent

2008-03-09T14:34:21Z

Ladies, I just read a horrifying article in the CBS 2 online news of a Realtor that was raped, and stabbed repeatedly yesterday morning. Apparently she had received a call from this man that wanted to see a vacant home listed for sale in Corona, CA.

It is extremely important that when we do not know the client especially if it is a man that we use a buddy system. Of course mace, tazers, and pepper sprays are valuable to us in the field, but I know for a fact that I always feel safer when I have another person by my side when showing property to someone unknown by me.

Insufficient home insurance coverage?

2008-02-24T15:17:54Z

During the housing boom many homeowners took advantage of their equity and remodeled or extensively upgraded their homes. What some homeowners did not know or do is notify their insurance carriers about the upgrades. Some insurance carriers require notification about the upgrades so that their policies can be updated to cover the home improvements.

Notify your insurance carrier if the following changes have been made to your home:
Remolded kitchen or bathrooms
Added sq. footage or room additions
Upgrades to flooring, roofing, and countertops

Once your policy has been updated with the inclusion of the new improvements you will need to make sure you have the right coverage in case of damage or loss to the home. Ask your agent to evaluate your current policy and adjust it accordingly. Having sufficient coverage is crucial to your financial security.

Pomona First Time Home Buyer Program

2008-02-19T01:28:35Z

Greetings Everyone!

FYI, The City of Pomona has a First Time Homebuyer Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP). The Mortgage Assistance Progrram is a deferred loan program that provides eligible individuals or families with down payment and closing cost assistance to secure financing for the purchase of a single-family home or detached condominium in Pomona. There are no monthly payments and the second mortgage is due and payable only when the home is sold, refinanced with cash out, a change in title occurs, or at the end of 45 years. The City of Pomona will additionally share in the equity growth based on the percentage of City assistance to the purchase price with 1/45 of the calculated equity sharing forgiven for each full year of occupancy by the borrower.

How does the program work?

1. The Homebuyer will meet with a participating lender and must qualify for a first trust deed mortgage loan.

2. The Homebuyer informs the lender of his/her intent to participate in the City of Pomona Mortgage Assistance Program.

3. The Homebuyer must meet established affordable housing cost requirements calculated by the lender.

4. Attend the Community Homebuyer Training Seminar

5. The home finding process begins with the Homebuyer and their Realtor

6. Once a home has been found and the offer accepted escrow opens.

7. The Lender sends the entire application to the Housing Division.

8. The Housing Division sends a letter to the Homebuyer indicating that MAP funds have been set aside for the purchase of your home. The first lender is also notified.

9. Escrow closes and you will be a HOMEOWNER!

Extreme Realtor takes no BS

2008-02-18T14:29:13Z

Greetings Everyone!

Yesterday there was a featured article that appeared in the Real Estate section of the Los Angeles Times about a Realtor. I call him an extreme Realtor. Ron Anderson, who is 6 foot 2 and weighs 240lbs., takes no bull from the thugs and gangsters that decided to turn his vacant, foreclosure Pomona listing into a party house.

What he did was move into the home. He replaced the busted windows, painted over the graffiti, and removed the empty beer bottles.

Anderson told the owner that a live body needed to be there to show any would be trespassers that is wasn't an abandoned house. Most of the time vacant properties are invaded because no one is there to stop them. Anderson rented and lived in the house for eight months before it sold. The neighbors were relieved, felt safer and welcomed his stay. Anderson has lived in other troubled forclosures he has listed.

After reading the article I was impressed by the 47 year old Anderson and his commitment to the owner and care of the neighborhood. Is this taking fiduciary duty to a new level? What he has done I am sure will carry much weight in the industry and will certainly bring about new business for him.

I do not think many of us are in the position of being able to move into one of our vacant listings, but if we could, would we become an extreme Realtor such as this?

~Jenn~

Redwoods in Pomona, Ca?

2008-02-13T03:08:11Z

A Redwood grove in Pomona, Ca...who would have known? I decided to visit the grove yesterday. Since the weather had been hovering around 81 degrees for the past few days I knew the morning would be nice and peaceful to be out and about.

When I think of the giant Redwoods of Sequoia National Park I am filled with awe. Granted, the Redwoods in Pomona are approximately 32 years and can not be compared to the majestic beauties of the north. Even still these So. California Redwoods hold their own. As I walked along and in between them their sweet, clean, piney scent brought back fond memories of when I had been to Kings Canyon a few years back. The cool shade they provided near a couple of sitting benches was refreshing. I took several pictures and enjoyed my 20 minute stay. If you are near the area make sure to stop by and pull off the road to stroll among these timeless beauties.

The 250 tree Redwood grove is located at Ganesha park which happens to be Pomona's oldest park. The grove is at the north end of the park in the Ganesha Hills neighborhood along Mc Kinley Ave. The Pomona Fairgrounds are also across the street from the grove. This Redwood grove is the only one in So. California.

Eastern Los Angeles County Absorption Rate

2008-02-11T13:18:29Z

Absorption rates are a calculation of how long it will take for all the homes on the market to be sold, or absorbed, based on how many homes are on the market and how many were purchased in the last 30 days.

Exactly, how does a buyer or seller know when the real estate market is considered to be a buyers' or sellers market'? No buyer wants to pay too much and no seller wants to leave money on the table by pricing too low. The answer is in knowing the market absorption rates.

Property absorption rates in any local real estate market are usually considered the best indicators of whether that market is a sellers', buyers', or a neutral market. Knowing the current real estate market cycle is essential for success as either a buyer or seller.

Sellers' Market - Absorption Rates 1-4 months
Neutral Market - Absorption Rates 5-6 months
Buyers' Market - Absorption Rates greater than 7 months

Current absorption rates in months for Eastern Los Angeles County neighborhoods:

Claremont, 91711 - 16.3
Pomona, 91766 - 32.4
Pomona, 91767 - 23.2
Pomona, 91768 - 22.7
La Verne, 91750 - 12.3
San Dimas, 91773 - 13.3

Knowing absorption rates for local markets will be helpful for anyone trying to figure out the current real estate cycle and how to formulate a winning buying or selling strategy.

FYI Market Matters

2008-02-08T13:27:30Z

Over the long-run, the median home price of an existing single-family home in California has increased about 9 percent a year since 1969, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

The Mortgage Bankers Association in Washington said Wednesday that its index of total mortgage applications rose 3 percent last week to its highest level since March 2004, and applications were up 73 percent from a year earlier. This could be a sign that potential buyers are regaining confidence in the market.

Homeowners accumulate significantly more wealth than renters. According to the most recent Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net wealth of a renter household is $4,800, while the median net wealth of a homeowner household is $171,700.

Foreclosure Scam - Homeowner Beware!

2008-02-08T12:41:05Z

Fox 11 has a foreclosure scam story that's worth watching. Reporter Gina Silva profiles "real estate consultant" Raul Altamirano, whose advice to would be real estate investors includes: "When you don't make the payment, you should be very, very happy! ... I didn't make the payment, and I'm still here!" A couple of alleged victims tell how they followed Altamirano's advice, borrowed against their home equity, and invested money with Altamirano, never to see the money again.

Some of you will take the view that only an idiot would fall for this kind of scam. Perhaps, but the scam could only exist in an environment when lenders fought for the chance to make loans to these people.

Stress Free Holiday Travel Tips

2007-11-10T01:54:51Z

As we get busy with the upcoming holiday season I thought these travel tips and checklist would be of beneficial. Enjoy.

Five Stress-Free Holiday Airline Travel Tips With Thanksgiving just weeks away and the December holidays looming, it's time to start thinking about travel arrangements to avoid any unnecessary holiday stress. Last year, the Air Transport Association reported that more than 25 million passengers traveled on U.S. airlines during the Thanksgiving holiday season and travel industry experts predict that holiday travel this year will be even busier.

So what are the keys to stress-free holiday travel? Here are five key travel tips:

1. Book early - Cheap airline, cheap hotel and cheap airport parking reservations are still available for the holidays - book early.

2. Get organized - Organize holiday travel using http://www.tripstuff.com/, a great new Web site from the founders of http://www.insuremytrip.com/, the Internet's foremost travel insurance comparison site.

3. Don't pack too much - Some airlines charge a fee for overweight luggage. Be sure not to pack too much or use a luggage concierge service to ship your bags.

4. Know the rules - Know about the Transportation Security Administration's 3-1-1 Program to help eliminate TSA delays - so whether you are flying out of LAX, MDW or PHL, you can keep security lines running smoothly.

5. Pick your seat - With flights crowded, a good seat matters http://www.seatguru.com/ tells you where to sit.

If you are like me there is always something I forget to plan out. Use these tips as a guide so you can enjoy your holiday travel time. This is a wonderful time to take in and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery from above. Let's not be bothered during this season by the stress of not properly planning our trip out.

Sell Your Home This Fall

2007-10-27T13:59:54Z

Sell my home in the Fall?? Why would I do that? I thought Spring and Summer were the best time for home sales. While that may be true statistics have proven that Fall is a great time to sell. People get job transfers, divorced, deaths can occur, a new family member is added into the household, kids get married and household get smaller, etc. When these things happen we might be required or decide to sell our home and his can occur during any season.

OK, I understand that, but who purchases homes in the Autumn months? The kids are in school now, the holidays are around the corner, and I am getting busy at work with projects that must close before the year's end. Ahh, I will tell you who. Serious, motivated, ready, willing, and able people buy homes during the Autumn months. Summertime is over, the "looky-loos" and the "tire kickers" are back to their corners for now at least.

So for those that are considering selling during the Autumn season here are some cool tips to follow:

Make a good first impression. Your entryway sets the tone, so clean the front door and polish the brass door knocker. If your welcome mat has lost its luster, replace it with a new one.
Wash the windows. On sunny days, the strong southern light can reveal dirt and grime you might not have noticed. Sparkling clean windows suggest to potential buyers that your home is well maintained.
Warm it up. Give your home that "cozy" feel by keeping the room temperature warm and comfortable during showings. Build a fire or turn on the gas logs, but only if you plan on returning home right after the showing.

Add seasonal touches like warm throws and fall floral arrangements. Update your planters with fall favorites such as pansies and mums.

Give your home a nice aroma. Use a cinnamon candle, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies or a faint pine scent. Don't overdo it, as buyers might wonder what you're trying to cover up.

Turn on the music. Create a relaxed atmosphere by playing classical music or soft jazz, but keep the volume low.

See the light. Shorter days means less natural light. So make the most of your indoor and outdoor living spaces with lighting such as accent lamps.

Clean gutters. After the leaves have fallen, clean your gutters before snow and freezing rain set in. Clogged drains can cause back ups, resulting in visible water damage that could scare buyers away.

Keep walkways clear. When the temperature drops below freezing, make sure your home is easy to show by keeping walkways and driveways free of snow and ice. A treacherous path to your front door can keep potential buyers inside their cars!

Paint works wonders. Remember that neutrals work best when selling a home, but you can use throw pillows and small area rugs to bring the autumn colors to life.

Hope these tips help! Best wishes to the Autumn seller.

My Home, My Colors

2007-09-13T15:57:43Z

My neighborhood prior to where I am living now was nice, quiet, and simple. The homes were all custom built during the late 1920's to the mid 1930's. The homes were all modest in color light beiges, creams, tans, with accent colors of blue grays, burgundy, forest greens...you know the type. People that did not live in the neighborhood appreciated the way it seemed to be perfectly color schemed. Nothing was flashy, or over the top.

Where I live now is a whole different ball game. I know when we purchase a home providing there is no HOA or city rules we can pretty much make it look however we choose. I have seen that liberty taken here in my neighborhood. Here's a classic example: a nice, large two story home with shabby landscaping (OK, so they aren't too keen on landscaping design), but what the FREAK gives on the shocking bright purple house with even brighter more shocking turquoise and hot pink trim?? And this is not an ART DECO home either. It literally hurts my eyes to look at it. I stare at it everytime I drive by like it is the first time for seeing such a hideous hing.Thank God I don't have to see it very often. Granted bright shocking turqouise, hot pink and purple may be their favorite colors, but come on now, talking about an eye sore. The poor neighbors.

So tell me folks, what is your opinion on My Home, My Colors?