Westport at Mandalay Bay

Channel Islands Harbor pictures

Double Up On That Loan

Word to the wise...when in doubt, double apply. In today's buyers' market, we as real estate professionals need to be aware of the possibility of frivolous loan pre-approvals. I have been in that circumstance where my seller and myself are very excited about the incoming purchase offer and open escrow right away, with hopes that the loan pre-approval from the mortgage broker is a for sure thing...only to find out days, if not weeks later, that it was never going to be.

Something so simple, to take those few extra steps and request that the buyer also get pre-approved with a lender you trust. You can reassure the buyer and explain that they are not required to use your lender, unless their loan representative cannot close the deal. Which is what we all want...right?

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights

The Ventura Harbor's 31st Annual Parade of Lights "The Polar Express" will be held December 14th and 15th. Activities will begin at 5:00 pm with visits from Santa Claus, train rides, live music, photos and holiday characters, games and winter carnival rides. The Parade of Lights will begin at 7:00 pm and the fireworks will end the evening at 9:00 pm.

If you are interested in entering your boat in the parade, please contact the Ventura Harbor. There is no entry fee and a grand prize of $500. Free parking and admission.
Free Admission and Parking.

You may also visit the Ventura Harbor web site for more information on upcoming events and delectible restaurants http://www.venturaharborvillage.com/.

Channel Islands Farmer's Market

Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market & Fishermen's Market

Our local Farmer's Market is held every Sunday from 10am to 2pm. It is free admission and supports our local growers and retail. You will find an array of local farm fresh produce, fruits, flowers, fresh seafood, bakery, BBQ, arts and crafts, entertainment and more. Located at the Channel Islands Harobr at 3350 South Harbor Blvd., Oxnard. Hope to see you there!

Parade of Lights

Are you new to Channel Island Harbor in Oxnard, CA and are looking for an event that is a blast or are you looking to take a vacation to our beach/marina community and not sure what would be a worthwhile event to attend?

You are in for a treat. On December 8, 2007, the 42nd Annual Parade of Lights will begin at 7:00 pm. People from all over bring their decorated boats with lights, caroler's and displays. You don't want to miss it!

• The parade begins with Santa and his reigndeer flying overhead assited by a helicopter. 
• You can view the parade from the walkways along the water channels or by local restaurants along the parade route. Get a close up look by taking a ride with the Channel Islands Water Taxi, 805-985-5828, reservations required. 
• The decorated boats begin in front of Peninsula Park and moves towards the Main Channel, turns at Hobie Beach, turns in front of the launch ramp then goes towards the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club. This route is repeated twice.
• Remember to dress warm.

Are you pricing your home too high?

Changing Market

There is no questions - we are in a "down" real estate market. The question is: Who does this hurt, and who does it benefit? This month, we will discuss the winners and losers in the current real estate market. Losers - If you purchased a home in the last two years and need to sell in this market, you have been hit hard by lower prices. Unless you had a down payment of at least 15-20%, you will likely need to bring in additional cash or will need financial assistance in order to close escrow. You also could be hit hard if you purchased your home with a low down payment and an adjustable-rate mortgage that is now adjusting to a significantly higher monthly payment. In appreciating markets, you could refinance into low-interest, fixed-rate loan. With the current market conditions, that option does exist. Winners - Buyers who could not afford the higher prices of two years ago may now be able to afford to enter the marketplace. This market also presents an opportunity for investors who look for two ingredients - low prices and low interest rates. Since both are present today, we look to see 2008 as an investor-rich market. There is a third category into which the majority of people fit. Most people fall into the unaffected category. They own a home that they do not plan on selling in the near future. Although the market has trailed down, history suggests it will be on the rise in the future, and they will be virtually unaffected by this "down" real estate market. In conclusion, real estate can be a volatile short-term investment, but it is a stable investment over the long term.

by Fidelity National Title Company

Seller Competition

With the amount of homes that have saturated the Ventura County market, seller's may not only have to consider reducing their price, but include incentives. Incentives are popping up from offering a one year home warranty, paying the first year of HOA dues, helping with closing costs or the buyer's downpayment, buying down the buyer's monthly house payments or the interest on their loan. Incentives can help separate your home from the rest of the crowd in the current housing market. With an organized and internet savy agent, you can put a great marketing plan together with an incentive to bring prospective buyer's to the table.