If your home is on the market, you have probably already taken great care in cleaning the interior and making necessary renovations that could help attract prospective buyers. However, before your home is shown to any buyers or agents, you should consider performing a few tasks to help protect your privacy. Not only should you try to remove personal items from tabletops or counters, but it is also wise to remember that potential buyers will open closets, cabinets and built-in drawers as they assess the property. To protect your privacy and prevent prospective buyers from forming any biases against you, you may want to follow these four simple steps before showing your home.

1. Hide your mail

When dealing with your mail, you should either remove it from your home or place it where it cannot be found. If prospective homebuyers spot collection notices or excessive credit card bills in plain sight, they might immediately assume that you are in debt and need to sell your home quickly. Furthermore, as no one wants strangers to read any of their personal materials, you should try to conceal all of your mail - down to the last furniture catalog.

2. Take down photos and diplomas

While some home sellers feel that such personal documents could add an atmosphere of coziness to their property, you may want to consider clearing the walls. Following this simple step could help prevent any type of bias from prospective homebuyers. For instance, home sellers with recent diplomas might be perceived as deep in debt and willing to sell at any price. Likewise, wedding photos can reveal the homeowner's religion, which could influence certain buyers.

3. Clean the closets and drawers

If you have ever been to an open house or toured a home for sale, you can probably understand the desire to dig around. In most cases, prospective homebuyers simply open closets and cabinets to inspect the space or make judgments about the construction of the home. While most people who view your home will not try to snoop in your personal belongings, try to pack away anything that could tell an unwanted story about your life.

You may want to clear out all drawers and closets entirely before the home is shown to buyers. After your personal belongings have been removed from the home or carefully packed away, work with your agent to stage closets and large cabinets. By replacing your own belongings with examples of how the home can be utilized, you will take the focus off yourself and help prospective buyers visualize themselves in your home.


4. Turn down the answering machine

This final step is probably the most overlooked by home sellers. Just as you can not anticipate what arrives in the mail each day, you cannot predict when you might receive an unwanted phone call. If you are engaged in an open house or private viewing, you certainly don't want a prospective buyer to overhear a message from a collection agency or credit card company. Furthermore, as you are in the process of selling a home (and possibly buying another), you don't want buyers to know anything about your personal business. Hence, before any prospective buyers enter your home, you may want to mute your answering machine to prevent any uncomfortable exchanges.

In conclusion, when you are ready to show your home to prospective buyers, try to remove anything that might drive a buyer away or create an unwanted bias. Whether it's as simple as removing your personal mail or staging the closets of your home's bedrooms, a bit of work can not only protect your privacy but can potentially help sell your home.

7 Tips for Moving with Kids

Moving can be a life-altering experience for a child. If you are moving out of the area and your children will be attending a new school, the difficulties for children may only be magnified. However, there are plenty of things you can do for your children during the moving process that can turn a stressful event into a time of excitement. Here are some suggestions.

1. Share the news early
Once you have made the decision to move, let your children know and listen to their opinions. While some kids may be disappointed - especially if you are moving out of the area - they may find some solace in providing input. Furthermore, the more time your children have to prepare themselves for the move, the better.

2. Show some excitement
Rather than expressing regret about the decision to move, let your kids know that a new home will be an exciting opportunity for everyone. Talk about the activities your family can do after moving and the benefits of their new school. As moving day approaches, you may find that your children are looking forward to everything from decorating their bedrooms to making new friends.

3. Get the kids involved
As you make the preparations to move, try to get your kids involved in the process. To help your kids remain focused and happy, work with them to schedule some fun activities before moving out. Find some local guide books or websites that your children can read and let them serve as tour guides after moving into the new neighborhood. When packing, it can also be helpful to let children box up and label their own belongings allowing them to feel more in control of the process.

4. Incorporate some creativity
To help your kids take their minds off the stresses of moving, encourage them to be creative. Younger children might enjoy painting pictures of your old house to display after you've moved. Older children can keep a journal or scrapbook during moving and have a story to share later. During the moving process, you could also give your kids jobs - complete with badges and uniforms - to help them stay involved.

5. Have a party
Prior to leaving your home, throw a party for yourself and your kids. Invite the friends of everyone in the family and plan some fun, all-ages activities. Afterward, make sure your kids receive contact information for everyone they want to stay in contact with.

6. Get acquainted with your new surroundings
Once you have unloaded the truck, try to make the first night in your new home as exciting as possible. Have fun playing hide-and-seek or a board game before worrying about unpacking and organizing. After you have settled in, start taking walks or bike rides around the neighborhood. You can introduce yourselves to the neighbors and the kids might find some new friends.

7. Get back to normal
For the sake of the entire family's happiness, try not to take too long to resume doing what your family enjoys. If your family had a custom of bowling every Friday, try to find a bowling alley near your new home. You may also want to drive through the area and acquaint yourself with the locations of businesses like grocery stores and restaurants. When Saturday rolls around, try out the pizza parlor you found.

Though moving can be difficult on children of all ages, it can also provide something to look forward to. By keeping your kids involved during every step of the moving process, you will help them feel in control of the situation. After moving into your new home, help them understand that life will be as fun as it always was; it will just take place in a different location. Most importantly, do your best as a family to stay together and have fun along the way.

44 Home Seller Tips

 

Seller Tips to Prepare Your Home For Sale

How you prepare your home for a potential buyer can affect the likelihood of selling quickly. Here are a few selling tips to help guide you along the way.

Outside:
People tend to judge a book by its cover. Investing some time and money into your homes' exterior can pay dividends.

1. A trim landscape can attract buyers, so mow and water your lawn.
2. Trim trees and bushes, and tidy up mulch and other ground cover.
3. Cover bare spots in your lawn with grass seed.
4. Plant flowers - an oft-repeated tale says that yellow flowers symbolize new beginnings and can evoke buying emotions.
5. Clean sidewalks, walkways, and the sides of your home -- renting a power washer can be a good investment.
6. Make your house number clearly visible from the street.
7. Keep clutter to a minimum - store bikes, toys and other equipment.
8. Repaint the home or touchup the necessary areas to present a clean and kept appearance.


Inside:
Give potential buyers a blank canvas to work with; let them see your home as a place they will live their lives in, and not the home that you are living in.

9. Depersonalize your home by removing pictures, paintings, trophies, etc.
10. Remove clutter around the house -- pack up random items you will be moving, remove books from shelves, and empty all counter space.
11. Organize things behind closed doors -- smart buyers will want to open cabinets and closets, so keep it neat. This will show the buyer that you take care of the home down to the smallest detail. Some examples include:
- Alphabetizing your spice rack, place cup handles uniformly, and neatly stack dishes
- Hang jackets or shirts together and uniformly, and line shoes up
12. Remove unnecessary furniture such as shelving units, extra leaves from the dining room table, or any thing else that may increase the appearance of a room - rent a storage unit if you must.
13. Leave enough furniture to give potential buyers enough to imagine what the room is used for.


Fix-It:
Take care that you're not selling a "fixer-upper" - from replacing light bulbs to touching up the paint, be sure to present your home in move-in condition.

Replace:
Items that are moving with you should be replaced before showing the house. The general rule of thumb is, anything attached to the home is expected to be part of the deal. Minimizing any confusion will minimize potential negotiating issues later on.

14. Replace that light fixture which has been in your family for years.
15. Change the bathroom sink you aren't willing to part with.
16. If you are taking any major appliances be sure to have their replacements in place before showing the home.


Minor Repair:
Consider making some small, inexpensive upgrades to your home.

17. Replace any cracked tiles, or repair them.
18. Patch any holes in the wall.
19. Fix leaky faucets.
20. Fix doors that don't shut properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
21. Replace light bulbs that are burnt out - more light gives a spacious perception.
22. Replace worn bedspreads.


Major Repair:
Be sure the costs of the repairs you are making don't outweigh the benefits they will create.

23. Paint rooms neutral colors - it will give the room a bigger feel and eliminate your perception of a "good" color (for example, red may not be good for everyone).
24. Discuss any other major repairs with your Sales Associate. (>> link to find a sales associate).

Freshen Up:
Give your home a good "spring cleaning" both inside and out before someone sees it. Continuous maintenance will help keep your home in good order and prevent you from that last minute clean up before someone comes to see your house.

25. Clean windows on both sides.
26. Rent a pressure washer to clean the exterior of the house.
27. Clean cobwebs.
28. Re-caulk bathrooms and bleach grout.
29. Clean out the refrigerator.
30. Wax floors and vacuum daily.
31. Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
32. Replace worn rugs.
33. Hang fresh towels in bathrooms.
34. Clean out musty smelling areas.
35. Stop smoking inside the house.
36. Bathe pets and clean out litter boxes.
37. Empty all trash, recycle bins, etc.
38. Dry-clean drapes and shampoo carpets.
39. Use baking soda boxes in smell-prone areas.
40. Place flowers, potpourri or air fresheners around the house.
41. Monthly cleaning can preserve a floor's shine.
42. Clean all carpets.
43. Clean all windows and mirrors.
44. Clean water stains in all sinks and tubs.


Ask a "buyer":
Invite a friend or neighbor to walk through your home like a buyer would. Get their opinion on whether or not it's inviting, clean and well maintained. Strongly consider making any changes they suggest.

The Justice Department and the National Association of Realtors announced yesterday a lawsuit settlement regarding how much information had to be provided to brokers, including Internet discount brokers.  The Justice Department had argued that the NAR shut out discount brokers through its MLS policy limiting information that could be provided on Web sites.  Discount brokers who rely heavily on the Internet were said to be disproportionately affected.

The exact terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but our guess is that the settlement will not affect the Orange County area.  Redfin, Ziprealty and other "virtual" real estate brokers seem to have the same access to information as other brokers in Orange County already.  It is not apparent in this area that virtual brokers were being shut out.

In fact, some of our clients have used Redfin and Ziprealty as information sources before coming to us, suggesting to us that they are providing enough information to be useful.  That additional information, however, is not adding up to additional sales.

According to Trendgraphix, in April 2008, the top broker in Orange County sales was First Team Real Estate with 361 sales.  The next highest was Coldwell Banker Residential with 138 sales.  In 21st place was ZipRealty with 23 sales and in 402nd place was Redfin with 1 sale. 

From our perspective lack of information is not the issue in Orange County, but rather consumer preference for working with brokers that sell.

Considering all of the negative press the housing market received in late 2007, it's more important than ever for buyers to separate fact from fiction when deciding on a time to buy a home. This report is intended to help home buyers assess the facts of the real estate market objectively.

About Inventory

FACT: The housing market is undergoing a natural cyclical correction. It's impossible to ignore the ongoing news surrounding the downturn of the housing cycle. The recent "housing boom," which lasted from 2001 to 2005, was caused by low interest rates and a rapid increase in property valuations, resulting in high numbers of renters opting to buy. Three factors caused this decade's housing boom to spiral upward:

1) A run-up in home-price valuations that spurred a high sense of urgency in home buying and selling.
2) Poor lending practices, which caused many home buyers to secure loans that they ultimately couldn't afford over the long term.
3) Speculative purchases of homes also increased, with buyers investing in real estate with the hope of a quick return on investment.

Like the dot-com bust, the housing market has begun to correct itself after a number of years of unwise purchasing, but unlike what the media would have us believe, a correction in the housing market doesn't equate to a crash. Unfortunately, the ongoing negative news about the troubled areas in the U.S. has caused a ripple effect, with home buyers and sellers on a national level exercising caution before making a decision. This has caused an overall slowdown in the marketplace.

The National Association of Realtors' chief economist, Lawrence Yun, projects that nationally, the "median existing-home price will drop about 1.7% this year. This is a small, minor adjustment after a strong run-up in housing prices."

True, the number of homes sold in 2007 will have dropped from the year before, but 2007 is still among the highest years on record, with numbers of sales for both 2007 and 2008 projected to be even higher than the levels seen in 2002.

However, with homes taking longer to sell, the number of homes on the market has grown. In markets like California and Arizona where homes are taking much longer to sell than the 11-month national average, this has caused a glut in the marketplace.

In the Pacific Northwest, where the inventory of homes on the market ranges from seven to 10.5 months as of November 2007, this equates to good news for buyers who have more homes at more price ranges from which to choose.

About Mortgages

FACT: Low mortgage rates give buyers more house for their dollar.

With the 30-year fixed rate hovering between 6-7%-a 45-year low-qualified buyers continue to have access to incredibly low interest rates. This means that although housing prices have risen, monthly mortgage payments remain reasonable for those who look at real estate as a long-term investment. For example, today if a buyer secured a 6.5% interest rate on a 30-year fixed loan for a $300,000 home (with no money down), the monthly mortgage payment would be $1,896.20. In 1991, the same monthly mortgage payment would have bought a house worth only $230,492 when mortgage rates were 9.25%. In 1982, when the 30-year fixed rate was 14.6%, the same payment would have bought a house worth only $151,657.

FACT: Heavy speculation and overbuilding result in an increase in foreclosures when prices go down.

The media has been focusing on the hardest-hit areas of the country that have seen a dramatic downturn in the market: California, Nevada, Florida and Arizona. Over the past five years, these markets have experienced an abundance of new housing, a rise in investment properties and a rise in prices that was high above the national average.

Now that home prices are starting to drop and stabilize, the areas that went through a building frenzy and experienced the largest price increases are suffering a heavy devaluation in home prices, which in turn has caused homeowners to foreclose on loans.

Those suffering the most in California, Nevada and Florida are far above the national average of foreclosure with one out of every 325, 152 and 282 homes in foreclosure, respectively. Washington, Oregon and Idaho are well below the national average of one in every 617 homes in foreclosures because fewer home buyers in the Pacific Northwest opted for subprime mortgages and because home values have continued to steadily appreciate.

Washington has seen one in 1,072 homes in foreclosure, and Oregon and Idaho have one in 1,275 and 893, respectively.

FACT: Subprime borrowers get a reality check.

Then there are the problems that are affecting subprime borrowers: those who are considered at a higher mortgage risk due to a past history of bankruptcy, delinquent loan payments and low credit scores. During the last number of years, some home buyers in the U.S. qualified only for these riskier subprime loans to fund the American dream.

But, again, unlike the media's portrayal, the reality is that subprime loans comprise only 9% of total loans nationwide and of those 9%, less than 11% of those subprime ARM and fixed borrowers have defaulted on their loans. The Pacific Northwest stands apart as its own micro-market, with more home buyers qualifying for prime loans. Homeowners in the Northwest have been able to successfully sell their homes for a profit or refinance to pay off their subprime loans.

Real Estate Cycles and Economics

FACT: Over the long-term, real estate has always appreciated in value.

The continuing appreciation of homes in the Northwest is not an anomaly. Real estate has always been one of the most solid investments in the U.S, because, after all, people always need a place to live. Real estate has less volatility than the stock market and over the historical long-term it remains a guaranteed return-on-investment. Take this example from NAR's Yun: If a buyer were to put down $10,000 for a down payment on a "typically priced home in the United States at a typical appreciation rate of 5%...(he/she) would see a return of $110,300 after 10 years. The same $10,000 invested in the stock market appreciating 10% annually will result in $23,600."

As history has shown, for those who choose to keep their home for six to 10 years (and not flip for a quick profit) real estate investments do pay off, and pay off well. In fact, what we're seeing now is a repeat of a housing cycle we've seen before. In the early 1980s and 1990s, some areas of the country experienced the worst downturn they had seen in the last 25 years, which were caused by localized economic weaknesses and loss of jobs while on a nationwide average, others, including the Pacific Northwest were barely affected at all. But even those areas that were hit the hardest in the past experienced a historic uptick in prices, and then a continuing long-term appreciation.

May 3-4 2008

The 4th annual Temecula Wine and Music Festival - Bigger and Better!
New Venue, More Music , More Wineries, More Vendors!  With over eighteen acts over the weekend and over ten wineries offering  a unique wine tasting experience we are one of California's largest wine and music events.

Don't miss the concert event of the year in Temecula's wine country. Our venue location at Vail Lake RV Resort is within an hour drive from Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego and  San Bernadino counties. 

Come and enjoy a weekend of music, wine, and community support. All in support of All From The Heart benefiting Military Families in need of assistance

The Temecula Wine and Music Festival is one of the most prestigious music events in the Temecula Valley. With it's mix of Pop, Jazz and R & B artists coupled with the atmosphere of  Temecula's  venue Vail Lake Resort, this will be an event you don't want to miss!  Along with this great experience, we will also be benefiting The Southern California All From The Heart - Supporting Military Families in need of assistance.

"Come and enjoy World Class Music and a unique wine tasting experience from Temecula's
award  winning wineries all at the Temecula Wine and Music Festival!"

Home Improvements

The Home Improvements tax credit has expired. The credits were available for home improvements "placed in service" from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007. You have until April 15, 2008 to claim credit on your 2007 taxes for any qualified home improvements made to your primary residence during 2007. If you made any qualified home improvements in 2006, but did not claim them on your 2006 taxes, you will need to file an amended return. You can not claim credit on your 2007 taxes for improvements made in 2006.

Tax credits were available for insulation, replacement windows, water heaters, and certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined is $500 during the two year period of the tax credit.

If you are building a new home, you do not qualify for the tax credits for "eligible building envelope components" (windows, doors, insulation, roofs) or "qualified energy property" (HVAC & non-solar water heaters). However, the tax credit for photovoltaics, solar water heating, and fuel cells is available for homeowners building new homes.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance for consumers:

Efficient Cars

Tax credits are available to buyers of hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles. The tax credit amount is based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models. These credits are available for vehicles placed in service starting January 1, 2006. For hybrid and diesel vehicles made by each manufacturer, the credit will be phased out over 15 months starting after that manufacturer has sold 60,000 eligible vehicles. For vehicles made by manufacturers that have not reached the end of the phase-out, the credits will end for vehicles placed in service after December 31, 2010.

Solar Energy Systems

Tax credits are available for qualified solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. The credits are available for systems "placed in service" from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008. The tax credit is for 30% of the cost of the system, up to $2,000. This credit is not limited to the $500 home improvement cap.

Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings:

A tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot is available to owners or designers of new or existing commercial buildings that save at least 50% of the heating and cooling energy of a building that meets ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2001. Partial deductions of up to $.60 per square foot can be taken for measures affecting any one of three building systems: the building envelope, lighting, or heating and cooling systems. The credits are available for systems "placed in service" from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008.

Incorporating eco-friendly measures in homes has moved beyond installing energy efficient appliances and swapping out incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescents - going green is giving home sellers a competitive advantage. With luxury condos touting eco-friendly features like rain water recycling, and home builders incorporating energy saving features into new homes, it's no wonder real estate professionals say more and more home buyers are asking about "green homes." In the end, small changes to a home can help the environment and help a property stand out among the competition.

The following are eight tips from that outline how to make homes sustainable, energy- and cost-efficient now, and appealing to eco-conscious homebuyers:

1. A Ray of Light: South-facing windows provide more natural daylight making a home more bright and cheery. But, more importantly, natural daylight can help keep the indoor climate comfortable during the winter months, allowing a homeowner to set the thermostat a bit lower. Alternatively, drawing shades during key daylight hours during the summer can help cut down on air conditioning needs.

2. Green Gardening: Sustainable landscaping is becoming all the rage to eco-conscious homeowners. Planting native plants, vegetation and shade trees strategically around a yard can keep a home cool during the summer and block cold winds during the winter. And native vegetation will thrive in its preferred environment without requiring excess water.

3. Switch to Green Power: The use of renewable energy in a home, such as solar, wind, water or geothermal, greatly helps reduce pollution. However, installing solar panels or wind generators property can be cost-prohibitive for some. Fortunately, many utility companies in the United States offer options to purchase a form of renewable energy that is cost efficient for the homeowner.

4. Dial it Back: Lowering the settings on water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry machines reduces the amount of energy required to maintain the temperature. Installing low-flow sink faucets and shower heads also lessens water consumption.

5. Reuse Rain: Recycling rain water for gardening is another great way to conserve. For example, a water collection system under drains can catch the water and then reuse it for watering landscapes.

6. Less Lawn does More: Eliminate as much of the lawn as possible and plant native bushes, flowers, etc. Depending upon a number of factors (including the climate of the region), homeowners can simply cut back on the amount of space that they have to mow to promote energy conservation in lawn care.
7. Turn Old into New: Refurbish the home's existing materials when remodeling instead of buying new ones (cabinets, tiles, flooring). If brand new appliances are required, homeowners should make sure they are energy-efficient, and should consider donating their old appliances to be recycled or reused.
8. Insulation is Key: Insulating cold-water pipes will prevent them from dripping condensation, and insulating hot-water pipes will prevent costly heat loss and save on energy bill.

For the week that ended Thursday, the average rate in Orange County for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan up to the old conforming limit of $417,000 fell to 5.912 percent with a one-point fee. That's down from 5.922 percent last week. Yet the average on a similar jumbo loan - one above the old limit but not sold to a government-sponsored buyer - rose to 7.023 percent, up from 7.007 percent last week. The gap between the rates grew to 1.1 percentage points after falling for three straight weeks from a peak of 1.2 percentage points. Also, the average rate on a 30-year loan fixed for one year fell to 5.198 percent with a one-point fee. That's also up to the old conforming limit.

When beginning the process of finding a new home, it is often difficult to know where to begin. Before researching the market or analyzing housing options, home buyers may want to start by prioritizing their family's needs, determining what are "need-to-haves" and what are "nice-to-haves." Below are some factors you may want to consider when trying to find the right home for your family.

When you begin searching for the right home for your family, you may first want to determine what would be the best location. One of the best ways to find a home location that suits your family is to assess your needs and determine how much your family can compromise. For instance, do you have small children or pets that require a large backyard to play in? Or would you be equally happy taking your kids and dog to the local park? Do you need quiet surroundings, like a dead-end street, or do you prefer the hustle and bustle of metropolitan areas? These are the types of general assessments which may help you determine an ideal location for your family.

Though it may be easy to determine what type of environment your family wants to reside in, you will want to spend more time analyzing the details of the neighborhoods you are considering. As you try to determine which neighborhoods are best for your family, you may want to take into account such factors as the quality of nearby schools and the proximity to shopping or your workplace. After seeing what different neighborhoods have to offer, compare the pros and cons of each area you are considering to determine the best location for your family.

After you have a chance to look at a few homes and research various neighborhoods, try to visualize the best home for your family. Though you have probably already thought about how many bedrooms and bathrooms your family needs, consider keeping a list of desired amenities - both essential and those that you could live without - as you continue the home buying process. You may also want to consider what type of home construction your family needs, from a standard single-family home to a condominium or even a multi-family home. Upon viewing particular homes, you may realize that your family needs a certain amount of storage space or more overall square footage than you realized. Add and subtract from this list as you look at more homes, always keeping track of where your family can compromise.

For instance, if you find a home that meets all of your family's needs but has a smaller than desired garage, you could still be faced with an opportunity that is too good to pass up. Furthermore, you might find the perfect home in a neighborhood you never thought to consider, or in a specific type of construction that was initially ruled out of your search. Quite simply, try not to limit your family's options too much and remain open-minded throughout the home buying process. You might even find a great home with special features you never thought your family could afford - like a pool, a spa or an extra fireplace.


When trying to find the best home for your family, try to stay organized and keep your priorities straight. As you look at different homes, try to consider how each property fits your family's needs. After finding some homes that meet your family's needs, you may then want to focus on each home's desirable extras to help narrow down your search. By making such lists and assessing your family's needs throughout the home buying process, you might be surprised how quickly you uncover the home of your dreams.