Property Tax Review for Reduction Just Got Easier In Orange County California - 03/31/09 10:36 PM
It just got easier to apply for a reduction of your property tax bill.  Orange County, CA Assessor Webster Guillory  has been quoted by the Orange County Register as saying that homeowners who are looking at reducing their property taxes due to the downturn in market prices don't have to provide comparable sales to prove that the value of their home has dropped.  Orange County Homeowners who purchased after 2002 are likely to see a reduction in their property taxes by applying.  You still have until April 30th to request an informal review of your tax assessment. 
 
 
Send this … (8 comments)

The Making Work Pay Tax Credit Is On It's Way To Your Paycheck - 03/31/09 10:14 AM
 
You may notice a few more dollars in your next paycheck.  The "Making Work Pay Tax Credit" goes into effect this week.  Employers are supposed to have adjustments in place by Wednesday, April 1, 2009.  This is a part of the economic recovery package passed in February.
You won't be able to buy a new car with it, but it could get you a pizza if you have a coupon!  How much money are we talking about?  For singles you may see $15-20 per week.  For marrieds who file joint returns, probably about $15-20 per week.  If you have earned … (4 comments)

Seniors Real Estate Concierge Service – Available in South Orange County California – Laguna Woods and Surrounding Area - 03/30/09 10:22 PM
In attending numerous real estate classes, I've had an opportunity to hear other Realtors® share what drew them to Real Estate as a career.  The majority of them have one thing in common...they love to help people.  Theologians call this having the gift of helps.  For me it was just one of the reasons I chose real estate as a career, but in reflection, I can certainly see it's one of the biggest reasons for staying in this business.
Today, I had an opportunity to speak with a lovely lady who has a coop in Laguna Woods Village (formerly Leisure World) … (6 comments)

Don't Give Up Too Soon If You Are A Buyer Who Has Made An Offer On A Short Sale In Orange County California - 03/30/09 12:39 PM
                                                                                                                                                                         
 
 
 
This is by far one of the most interesting times we've ever experienced in Orange County California real estate.  It's like the wild, wild west!  Lenders are inundated with short sales and foreclosures to process.  Each lender has their own system or quasi-system for handling the deluge of paperwork.
 
 
 

When you make an offer on one of these short sale properties you actually have to get acceptance from two parties:
You make an offer that is accepted by the Seller (the owner of record) The accepted offer (Purchase Agreement-signed by both buyer … (7 comments)

Attention Home Owners - Keeping Accurate Records Could Save You Big Dollars When You Sell Your Home - 03/30/09 02:18 AM

Chances are that if you've owned your Orange County, California home for ten to fifteen years or more and have never refinanced it, you have accumulated a considerable amount of equity.  Equity is the difference between what you could sell your home for less the amount you owe in mortgage(s).  I've had clients tell me that they really like to make a move, but just don't want to pay the taxes on the sale or have to pay higher property taxes when they move.
What's the answer?  Well there's good news on both accounts.  If you qualify, California Propositions 60 … (2 comments)

Did You Know That You May Qualify To Sell A Home Every Two Years And Not Pay One Cent of Capital Gains? There Are Guidelines - SURPRISE - It's Actually Not Difficult To Qualify - 03/30/09 12:44 AM
There are numerous tax advantages to home ownership.  One of the advantages is the included in the Taxpayer's Relief Act of 1997.  Previously the Tax Code allowed for a once-in-a-lifetime capital gain exclusion.  The Taxpayer's Relief Act of 1997 changed that rule to benefit homeowners who have accumulated equity in there homes and wish to move to either a larger or smaller home.  Unlike the previous rules, there is no age requirement to qualify.  However, this is great news for seniors who are considering downsizing or trading using their equity to buy a smaller home and a second home.
For couples … (2 comments)

Wow! What a Beautiful Difference A Few Hours And About $150 Can Make - An Upscale Garage Floor For A Budget Price! - 03/29/09 03:07 PM
You can sure learn some great things when you take a walk through your own neighborhood.  Recently, while out walking, I saw a neighbor making an interesting improvement.  He was painting his garage floor.  Not with just any paint.  He was using a kit especially made for garage floors.  Beautiful garages have become a "must-have" in higher end homes here in South Orange County, California.  Since our homes typically don't have basements or attics, our garages become a primary place to store everything from toys to kitchen overflow.  Until now, I always thought that garages with those organized garages with gleaming floors had … (16 comments)

One of the Most Significant Factors To Consider If You're Thinking About Buying A Home In Orange County, California - Affordability - 03/29/09 01:34 PM

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                One of the best ways to communicate the concept of affordability is with a real-life example. About a year and a half ago, I began working with a couple who had just celebrated their first anniversary.  He had a steady job as a firefighter.  She had worked in her own business for about 7 years.  They had saved some money and decided it was time to move from their one bedroom apartment.
They got pre-approved by a lender.  Their lender recommended they call me to help them begin their home search.  When we first began looking in their … (21 comments)

Good News For California Seniors (55 and over) Who Are Considering Downsizing Their Homes - Tax Relief - Your Tax Base May Be Portable - 03/25/09 11:12 AM

Many people in California after raising their families discover that they no longer need the large homes they once had.  If you've been in your home for a long time, you probably have a very low tax base.  If you're considering moving into a new home, even though it's less expensive than your current home could create a property tax price tag that's higher than what you're accustomed to...Unless, you apply for Proposition 60 or 90 tax relief.  You may be able to retain your current tax base when you move into your new residence.  So, if this is one … (9 comments)

Why A For Sale By Owner (Sort Of ) Can Be A Do It Yourself Disaster - Landlord Tries to Sell His Own Home in a Buyer's Market - 03/22/09 01:32 PM
This week I received an inquiry from my website. So I immediately picked up the phone trying to respond quickly and demonstrate professionalism.  When the man on the other end of the line answerd, he seemed pleased with my prompt reply to his web inquiry.  I asked him how I might be of service to him as it appears from his inquiry that he is interested in selling his home and buying another one.
The would-be-client (We'll call him Ted) responds with, "No, I like the home I live in and have no intention of selling it, I just want you … (15 comments)

Laguna Woods California - Real Estate Market Update - February 2009 Sales Summary - 03/20/09 12:41 AM
The City of Laguna Woods is home to one of the country's largest Active Senior Communities, Laguna Woods Village (formerly Leisure World).  The wonderful climate, close proximity to the ocean with Laguna Beach only 10 minutes away, the mountains only 1 1/2 hours away and the comfortble lifestyle are just a few of the reasons people settle in this wonderful community.  But, hands down, probably one of the biggest draws is the golfing.  You can play 18 holes of golf in Laguna Woods for only $8...that's not a typo...only $8 for 18 holes of golf.

 
COMPARISON
FEBRUARY 2008 AND … (8 comments)

Market Snapshot - South Orange County, California - Data includes New Listings, Sales and Average Days on Market - 03/19/09 02:25 PM
The graph below tracks market activity from January 2008 through February 2008 in South Orange County California.   Here's a quick recap:
New listings coming on the market in February were down from January by 15.6% Properties that went under contract in February were up from January by 43.5% Closed Sales for the month of February were down from the month of January by 11.28% Average Days on the market for February increased slightly from the month of January by 3.66% - The days on market dropped in July of 2008, then began an upward trend in August 2008.
Lets take a … (11 comments)

HELP!! - Clutter Has Taken Over The Whole House! - Tips From Organizational Expert Peter Walsh to Overcome the Clutter Before It Overcomes You - 03/18/09 09:02 PM
Today, I took a little break while waiting for a conference call to begin. I thought I’d turn Oprah on for a couple of minutes while I opened and sorted some mail that had accumulated on my kitchen counter. There was a time when clutter was confined to one room. But like a fungus, it has spread and it is threatening to take over my whole house! There was a segment on Oprah today about reorganizing a dorm room for two college girls. The organizational expert said something that absolutely stopped me in my tracks. He said that one of the … (15 comments)

Orange County Business & Economic Update at Laguna Hills Mayor's Breakfast for 2009 - 03/15/09 07:04 PM
The annual Laguna Hills Mayor's Breakfast was graced by a list of local dignitaries both in the audience and on the stage.  The event is presented each year by the City of Laguna Hills and the Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce (which is part of the South Orange County Regional Chambers of Commerce).  If you're in business in Orange County and haven't been to one of these events, you may be mission out on something.  It's a great opportunity not only to learn, but to meet and greet some of the most influential business leaders in our community.  See the star-studded … (9 comments)

Two Minutes of Video to Rekindle a Memory & Lift Your Spirits - 03/14/09 01:01 AM
In an effort to go on media fast and avoid all the negative commentary, I've been cruising the web for positive.  I came across this YouTube video this evening and wanted to share it with you.  It brought back some memories of great films, some heroic characters, some people who through perseverance triumphed.  Hang in there friends...the best is yet to come!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®
 800 777-1775
Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
 SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009
Marlene is a highly … (12 comments)

Mayor Joel Lautenschleger Calls Laguna Hills "A Model City" - Challenges State & Federal Government to Match Their Fiscal Policy - 03/13/09 10:18 PM
 

 
The Laguna Hills Community Center and Sports Complex was the venue for the 2009 Laguna Hills Mayor's Breakfast.    The City of Laguna Hills and the Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce partner each year to present this popular event.  There were approximately 130 attendees who came to hear not only Mayor Lautenschleger's update on the state of the city, but also to hear from an elite panel comprised of  State Senator Mimi Walters, Orange County Business Council's CEO - Lucy Dunn, and University of California Irvine Professor Linda Cohen.

 
 
 
Following the panel presentation (highlights … (5 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - Got Wind? - 03/12/09 12:15 AM

Beachfront - Zihuatanejo, Mexico
October 2008
 
 
 
 
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®
 800 777-1775
Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
 SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce 2007-2009
Marlene is a highly experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission … (5 comments)

Keeping It Positive - Keeping It In Perspective - 03/11/09 11:48 PM
Every once in awhile, I can get a little down.  And, when that happens I try to remember to count my blessings.  Today, I was thinking about how hard we're all working these days.  There are people who are struggling to keep families fed and to just survive.  While there are always some who struggle, I don't believe there has been a time like this with so many people working so hard to make ends meet in my 60+ years. 
So, one of the things that helps me to snap back to being positive and seeing the glass as half full is … (7 comments)

Protect Your Identity - Get An EIN To Keep Your Social Security Number Safe From Identity Theft - 03/07/09 05:04 PM
 
 
This week, I've been registering online with a few REO companies.  As I've been filling out my applications, they invariably need a W-9 which requires a Tax Identification Number.  A few months ago, I took a great REO class through SoCal CRS from fellow CRS and National Association of Realtors® speaker, C.J. Johnson of Silver Lining Workshops.  C.J. taught us that we don't need to be giving out our Social Security number for anyone to see.  She explained that all we have to do is apply for an EIN - Employer Identification Number.

 An EIN is issued by … (21 comments)

City of Laguna Woods Celebrates Their 10 Year Anniversary - 03/06/09 12:01 PM
One of the events planned to celebrate the tenth anniversary is a dinner sponsored by the Historical Society of Laguna Woods on Sunday March 22, 2009 at Clubhouse Five.  It will be my honor to attend this event as President of the Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce.

As a bit of background, Laguna Woods cityhood was founded by a group of concerned citizens who saw a need to rally support against the possibility of an airport at the former El Toro Marine Base.  Thanks to their efforts, we in South Orange County have the peaceful use and enjoyment of … (6 comments)

TCF Financial Plans to Return $361 Million in TARP Funds - 03/05/09 02:31 PM
Oh my goodness, a bank with integrity...what a good, old-fashioned concept!  TCP Financial actually has to ask permission to give the money back...here's the video interview:
 
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®
 800 777-1775
Orange County Real Estate Website
Orange County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
 SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce
Marlene is a highly experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa … (5 comments)

If You've Ever Wondered If You'd Like Living In Laguna Woods (Active 55 or Better Living)-Here's Your Opportunity To Try It - 03/05/09 11:36 AM
Here's your opportunity to take a "test drive" of Laguna Woods (Formerly Leisure World) an Active 55 & Better Community located in South Orange County, California.  Nestled in the Saddleback Valley, just a few miles inland from beautiful Laguna Beach, this active community is set upon gently rolling hills.  There are wonderful ocean breezes, lots of activities, two golf courses, an equestrian center and riding trails, fitness centers, seven clubhouses, 18 holes of golf only $18, over 200 clubs, free cable TV, free bus transportation to shopping, close to Laguna Hills Mall, lots of activities, trips and fun for active seniors!
This … (3 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - Blooming Desert - Lotus Blossom at Fairmont Hotel Scottsdale, AZ - 03/04/09 08:56 AM


 
Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®  800 777-1775
South Orange County Real Estate Website
County Seniors Lifestyles Blog
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist®
President - Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce
Marlene is a highly experienced and respected South Orange County CA REALTOR® specializing in residential Real Estate and the sale of Homes and Condos in South Orange County, California and Saddleback Valley cities of: Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo.   
________________________________________________________________________
… (7 comments)

Circle Today's Date on the Calendar - It's a Red Letter Day - 03/03/09 09:49 PM

 
 
Today was a unique and special day for a couple of reasons -   It's a square root date.  It only happens eight *nine times each century!  Today is 3-3-09. 
 *Thanks to my buddy Joseph Lang for reminding me on this one!  
 
This century's square root days are; 1-1-01 , 2-2-04, 3-3-09, 4-4-16, 5-5-25, 6-6-36, 7-7-49, 8-8-64 and 9-9-81
So, for some we may not see too many more of these square root days in our lifetimes.
Today was special for me for a completely different reason.  I must admit that three weeks ago, I wouldn't have … (8 comments)

 
00003rr4x6-reverse_resized Rainmaker_large

Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos| Laguna Real Estate|Marlene Bridges

Laguna Hills, CA

More about me…

Village Real Estate Services, Inc.

Office Phone: (949) 363-0901

Cell Phone: (714) 745-2592

Email Me

Marlene Bridges Orange County California Real Estate, Laguna Homes, Laguna Real Estate, Laguna Condos

Marlene Bridges, Realtor®

Certified Residential Specialist®

Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

Real Estate Services

Orange County, California

(Area surrounding Disneyland)





Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog