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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: 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)
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laguna condos: Postage Increase - An Opportunity To WOW Our Clients - 02/21/09 04:02 AM
It's official - postage is going up again. The current cost of 42 cents for a 1 ounce letter will increase to 44 cents beginning May 11. New postage rates effective May 11, 2009.
Even though most of us are doing almost all of our bill paying online, we all need to actually put a stamp on a few things each month. So, I'm going to be sending all my past and current clents ten 2 cent stamps just to tide them over until they can get to the post office. I plan to send along a "green" letter to explain that I want to save them … (6 comments)
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laguna condos: Beautiful La Brisa - Laguna Woods, CA - Active Living Seniors Community for 55 & Over - 11/14/08 12:40 PM
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laguna condos: Affordable Country Club Lifestyle in Laguna Woods Village (formerly Leisure World) - 03/05/08 02:47 PM
Country Club Living for Active Seniors 3144-A Via Vista, Laguna Woods, CA 92637 View Map This IMMACULATE CONDO sits atop a quiet hill. VIEW spectacular sunsets, nearby hills, and snow-capped mountains from the northwest facing living room, dining room and WRAP-AROUND BALCONY. Perfectly situated to catch the view, but avoid the direct, afternoon summer sun. Enjoy the coastal breezes while entertaining on your deck. The LIVING ROOM is large and accommodates even your largest pieces of furniture. It has a wood-burning, travertine-faced fireplace. There is a wall of windows in the living room and dining room complete with custom window coverings. … (7 comments)
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laguna condos: What the Heck is a Half Bathroom? - 02/16/08 10:35 AM
One of the questions I'm often asked as a REALTOR® is, "What is a half bathroom?" Recently, the Southern California Multiple Listing Service incorporated a new set of input fields to their system. And with this change, I'm sure I'll be hearing the question more often. Here's the definition direct from SoCal MLS:
"In most parts of the country, a full bathroom includes a toilet, a sink, a bathtub and a shower. A combination bath and shower counts as two fixtures. If the bathroom has only three fixtures it is a 3/4 bath. If it has only two fixtures it is a … (16 comments)
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laguna condos: Get Ready For Another Postage Increase - Forever Stamps Might Be A Good Answer - 02/11/08 04:41 PM
The U.S. Postal Service has announced today that beginning May 12th it will cost 1 penny more to mail a one ounce letter First Class. The cost will be 42 cents. The price of the Post Office's Forever stamp will increase to 42 cents. There have been over 5 billion Forever Stamps sold since they became available last April. So, here's your chance to save a penny and buy some of the Forever Stamps at their current rate of 41 cents. The post office is planning to have an additional 5 billion of the 41 cent Forever Stamps available to meet … (35 comments)
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laguna condos: Will People Pay More To Be Eco-Friendly? I Did! - 02/10/08 09:06 PM
Today, on the way to the Open House I was holding in Rancho Santa Margarita, I stopped to pick up a case of bottled water. People cruising through lots of houses can work up a thirst and always seem to appreciate getting a nice cold bottle of water.
While at the grocery store, I first picked up a case of the store brand water that was on sale. Then, I saw the new-shaped Arrowhead water bottles I'd seen advertised on TV. I put the store brand back on the shelf and opted for the Arrowhead water because I think it's worth an … (15 comments)
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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, Realtor®
Certified Residential Specialist®
Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
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Orange County, California
(Area surrounding Disneyland)
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