John And Marena's Blog

Complete Marketing Advantage (CMA)

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:35:10 -0500

Complete Marketing Advantage

John Murray is a member of Complete Marketing Advantage, known as "CMA." It is one powerful real estate networking group. Formed in late 2000, this group consists of some of the Conejo Valley's finest real estate agents from different offices, all working together to serve their clients' needs. This networking group goes above, beyond and over the top to market their clients' listings, find their buyers homes and do this in unique ways not available to other agents that are not a part of this networking group.

The agents in this group meet twice a month at a local breakfast cafe, rain or shine, to pitch and update their listings, wants and needs. Often, an agent who pitches a property in the meeting may have the perfect buyer for what was described, which, among all of the other marketing devices and tools one can use as an agent, is a very powerful tool in serving the seller to the utmost.

Like other agents not in the group, they, too, offer a variety of the customary marketing concepts, but these agents are able to go beyond the scope of the ordinary to the extraordinary. Also, armed with brochures of their listings, the agents pass out these sheets, all taking turns describing the merits of the property they are showing. These are quality real estate agents offering the complete and ultimate advantage to their clients and their marketing needs.

The CMA agent has a variety of areas for their advertising which also sets them apart from the ordinary. The Acorn Newspapers, the Mann Theatre and Homes & Land Magazine are all part of their networking sphere. CMA agents' broad spectrum of experience allows an enormous amount of knowledge and education to pass between each other. The agents' interest in the quality of their community and those it attracts help to inspire the link and connection each has for the other in this network where information, contacts and experience is exchanged for professional purposes.

Your Front Entry: On Duty 24/7

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:33:29 -0500

Your Front Entry: On Duty 24/7 (ARA) - Your front entry needs to be on duty 24/7. Not only does it present a welcoming invitation for guests to enter your home, it also needs to shield you from prowlers and burglars, insulate your home from extreme temperatures and ensure safety and property protection from storms with high winds, flying debris and driving rain.

"Homeowners want beautiful doors and windows that enhance the curb appeal of their home, but they also want them to provide security against break-ins and performance against the elements," says home improvement expert Tom Kraeutler, AOL's Home Improvement Editor and co-host of "The Money Pit'" nationally syndicated home improvement radio show. "Fortunately, several easy improvements can help homeowners secure their home's entryway, from upgrading the materials to simple changes in lighting and landscaping."

Here are some ways to ensure your front entry has what it takes to provide security and protection 24/7:

Upgrade your Locking Systems

Unlocked or improperly locked doors and windows are responsible for nearly half of all home break-ins, according to the Home Safety Council. You can upgrade your locking system by adding a surface-mount, rim-mount or vertical deadbolt lock. Better yet, choose a door with a multi-point locking system that engages the door frame at three points instead of just one.

Choose Durable Materials

Whatever locking system you choose, your door's weakest point is generally the area surrounding the lock, especially if it is a wood door, which can warp or crack over time, making it an easy target for an intruder to kick in and enter. That's why it's important to choose an entry door made of an exceptionally durable material, such as fiberglass.

"Doors made of fiberglass are great for entryways because they can provide the rich look and style of wood doors, but they are extremely strong and won't warp, crack, rot, swell or split like wood, or rust, ding or dent like aluminum and steel," says Kraeutler. "They can also withstand temperature extremes, high humidity, and they're easy to stain or paint."

Manufacturers offer a wide variety of fiberglass door lines to choose from, available in dozens of designs to complement the most popular types of home architecture. Some leading door makers also offer fiberglass doors that replicate the look and wood-grain texture of mahogany, walnut and cherry.

Weather the Storms with Impact Glass

You might think doors made with glass would compromise security and privacy. However, impact-resistant glass is now available in decorative designs and patterns that are so beautiful, no one will be the wiser. In addition to providing beauty and home security, "impact rated" glass is approved for installation in areas with the most stringent building codes, meaning it can withstand severe storms with heavy winds, rain and flying debris. Impact glass is also available in clear, grilles-between-glass or Low-E versions for improved energy efficiency.

Be Wise with Windows

For the safety of your family and property, choose windows for your home - especially near the entry - made with tempered safety glass. Two panes of glass are adhered to a durable plastic interlayer, much like a car windshield. If someone tries to break it, the glass will shatter, but broken pieces remain adhered to the interlayer, preventing glass from falling into the home. Be sure to only open windows that young children cannot reach. Simonton offers ventilation locks that allow windows to be partially opened for fresh air while remaining securely locked.

Protection for Patio Doors, Too

Patio doors have a reputation as easy targets for intruders. In addition to security concerns, many patio doors are susceptible to air and water infiltration.

Look for a patio door system such as Therma-Tru's Tru-Defense System that offers a Design Pressure rating of 40 or higher. This means that the system can withstand structural test pressure of 60 pounds per square foot; the equivalent of 150 mph winds; will not allow air infiltration under 25 mph winds; and prevents water penetration under test conditions equal to 8 inches of rain per hour driven by 49 mph winds. Ask for a high-performance sill that will resist rotting and swelling, especially if you live in a rough coastal climate.

Adjust Landscaping and Lighting

Take security a step further by adjusting landscaping and lighting to eliminate places where burglars can hide in waiting or enter unseen. Trim shrubbery near doors and windows and illuminate porches, garage doors and rear and side doorways.

Inside lighting is important too, so install timers that automatically turn on lights at a certain time every day, even if you're not there. Lighting manufacturers also offer one-touch lighting control systems that let you turn on lights from anywhere, even in your car - so you can avoid entering a dark house.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

It’s Easy Living Green

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:35:38 -0500

It's Easy Living GreenEco-Friendly Homes Reduce Carbon Footprint, Save Energy, Money (ARA) - Everywhere you turn, there's something "green" - whether it's a commercial for a hybrid car or a reminder to pick up reusable bags at the local grocery store. The green movement is under way and concerned Americans are looking for ways to do their part to reduce energy use and pollution, and preserve natural resources.

Whether by changing their daily routines like biking to work instead of driving, or taking up a new hobby like planting trees in the community park, more and more Americans are going green. One aspect of the multifaceted greening of America is the building and buying of "green" or eco-friendly homes.

According to a recent survey conducted for McGraw-Hill Research and Analytics, consumers list environmental concerns among the top three reasons to purchase a green home, along with lower operating costs and health benefits for occupants. Across the country, homebuilders and homebuyers are realizing the benefits of green building and living, from reduced construction waste to better indoor air quality. Homes planned by green developers can also reduce utility bills by more than 50 percent, minimize pollution and demands on infrastructure, and provide greater environmental protection.

"It's amazing how small steps can add up to big results," says Fred Maas, president and CEO of Black Mountain Ranch LLC, the developer of Del Sur - a new green 1,800-acre master-planned residential community in San Diego, Calif. "For example, tankless water heaters are as much as 50 percent more efficient than conventional water heaters - and heating hot water is second only to heating and cooling in terms of residential energy use. If every household in the United States converted to high-efficiency, tankless water heaters, America could save the equivalent of 300 million barrels of oil a year and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by up to 150 million tons."

Similarly, replacing just one light bulb in each American home with an efficient compact fluorescent bulb could save enough energy to light more than three million homes for an entire year. This could save more than $600 million in annual energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to removing more than 800,000 cars from America's roads.

Residents of the Del Sur community are learning firsthand the advantages of green home features. Del Sur used its unique size and buying power - 2,500 market-rate homes and 469 low- and moderate-income homes - to negotiate lower prices for solar, tankless hot water and weather-based irrigation systems, making these energy-saving, environmentally-friendly features more affordable for homebuyers.

"All things being equal, homebuyers want to go green, but they don't want to pay a fortune to do so - and they shouldn't have to. Our vision of sustainability is to integrate a core set of ‘attainable' green elements into our homes that do their part for the environment and increase value and savings for the consumer," says Maas.

By providing homebuyers with green features at lower costs, homebuilders can help to reduce the nation's carbon footprint and preserve the environment without putting all of the burden on the homeowner. By taking advantage of available tax credits and incentives, it is possible to equip homes with solar photovoltaic technology to generate electricity at a reasonable cost, greatly reducing homeowners' electric bills.

"Our homeowners with solar power can draw power from the grid at night and make the meter spin backwards during the day," says Maas. "Some have cut their electric bills to nearly zero. When homeowners realize the savings, they really get a kick out of showing their new energy bills to neighbors and friends in the community."

"When I see American families living the Southern California lifestyle in 3,000-plus-square-foot homes with gourmet kitchens and all the latest appliances - and their monthly electric bill is close to zero - I know there's no barrier to America going green," says Maas. "We're doing it here in San Diego and I think that, community-by-community, the entire nation can go green."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

SIDEBAR:

Top Five "Green" Living Facts

* According to a recent McKinsey Global Institute report, the U.S. residential sector is second only to Chinese heavy industry in terms of inefficient energy use.

* The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that if every American home exchanged the five most frequently used bulbs with efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, one trillion pounds of greenhouse gases would be kept out of the air over the course of the bulbs' lives (a lifetime range of five to as many as eight years or so). That's equivalent to the annual emissions of 8 million cars, the annual output of more than 20 power plants, and $6 billion in U.S. energy savings.

* Many conventional building materials and coatings release chemical vapors into the air, sometimes for decades after construction. Green building design and construction dramatically reduce or eliminate emissions of volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde.

* According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nationwide, landscape irrigation accounts for almost one-third of all residential water use. If all residential irrigation systems in the United States were replaced with weather-based systems (systems that adjust irrigation levels based on local weather conditions), America would save 24 billion gallons of water annually.

* The National Association of Home Builders estimates that building a 2,000 square-foot home in the United States generates an average of four tons of construction waste. With a little planning and preparation, it is possible to recycle as much as 90 percent of the construction waste from the homes without raising costs for builders or home buyers. Green home building practices could eliminate more than four million tons of construction waste annually.

When Investing in a Vacation Property, Be Sure to Compare Options

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:34:26 -0500

When Investing in a Vacation Property, Be Sure to Compare Options (ARA) - Investing in a vacation property is an investment in memories. It promotes relaxation and spending quality time with friends and family. But with all the options available, there are a lot of things that should be considered before making a final decision.

"Choosing the right vacation property is complex," comments Steve Greer, CEO at The LUSSO Collection, an organization that specializes in luxury vacation residences. "It's not as simple as buying a second home or participating in a shared-usage program. People need to take a close look at their expectations and all the cost considerations, so years down the road they are happy with their choice."

Second-home ownership is one option. This could include buying a home by the slopes, a villa on the beach, or a penthouse in the city. Club membership is another option. This is a situation in which a group of people share the use of a collection of properties. Here's how both of these options compare:

Second Home -- Vacation homes are permanent destinations that work well for those who know they enjoy one area, want to return time and time again and might need to stay for an extended period of time.

* Positive
Owning the home gives the person the freedom to decorate, organize and change the home to fit their needs.

* Negative
Home maintenance often takes a lot of time and can be costly. If you live away from your vacation home for most of the year, you will need to hire someone to clean and care for the yard. When you are at the property, this maintenance can take time away from more preferred activities. And with any home ownership, there is bound to be unanticipated problems and expenses.

"Owning a second home is an option that seems to make sense in the beginning, but if you investigate the restrictions and maintenance costs associated with this ownership, many people think twice," comments Greer.

Destination Clubs -- Destination clubs consist of members who join a country club type of organization to utilize a portfolio of properties that the club owns.

* Positive
The clubs work well for people who enjoy the privacy, space and conveniences a home offers, but don't want to be tied down to just one location. Additionally, members don't have to worry about maintenance because the organization takes care of each property. Certain destination clubs also provide vacation planning and on-site concierge services that you would normally find at a luxury hotel.

* Negative
Decor and amenities are determined by the club. Although this freedom is forfeited, this could also be viewed as a positive depending on what you value. Some people prefer not to spend their own time on these items and find comfort in knowing the organization is consistently keeping the properties in top shape.

Chris Cowan of Dallas, Texas, has experienced the hassles of second-home ownership and decided to become a member of the LUSSO Collection. "My wife and I have owned mountain houses, ranches, and still have a lake house. LUSSO is such a relief. They eliminate the maintenance, staffing, and upkeep hassles," comments Cowan.

With a single-tier membership structure and a members-to-residence ratio of 5.5-to-1, LUSSO is a choice that makes sense for a lot of people. Residences are fully equipped with all needed items including a Lincoln Navigator, golf clubs, a gourmet kitchen stocked with pre-arrival groceries and amenities for all travelers regardless of age.

With an economic structure that is similar to a country club, members pay a fully refundable deposit (currently $425,000) and annual dues for unlimited access to the club's portfolio of residences and services. Properties are in locations such as Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Aspen, Colo.; Manhattan; Hawaii; the Bahamas and other choice destinations. For more information, visit www.lussocollection.com, or call (866) GO LUSSO.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

A Cost-effective Way to Add More Living or Work Space

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:26:46 -0500

A Cost-effective Way to Add More Living or Work Space (ARA) - There's no slowing down Mary Cordes of Hayden Lake, Idaho. The 85-year-old recently came out of retirement only two years after ending her life-long career. "I closed down the art gallery and framing shop I had run for 25 years back in 2006, thinking it was time to retire, but retirement just didn't agree with me," she says. "I went stir crazy."

So she decided to open a new art gallery on a smaller scale. It was originally supposed to go up in her backyard, but instead ended up on the site where her old home once stood. "I used to live in a house on beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene, but it burned down in 2005. We were planning to rebuild, but then my husband died and it became too much for me to handle on my own, so I changed my plans."

Before the fire, she had planned to set up a backyard pottery studio next to the lake inside a yurt -- a portable, tent-like structure with circular lattice walls and a cone-shaped roof supported by rafters that meet a center ring. But with the house and her husband gone, she decided to make it into something more: an art studio/gallery where local artists, including herself, would be able to gather, customers could come to find unique pieces, and everyone could enjoy the scenery.

The majority of people who purchase a yurt are putting them on vacation properties and some in remote areas where they were only going to be used for a portion of the year. However, Mark Altmann of Rainier Industries, a leading manufacturer of yurts, indicates that recently there have been a lot of people buying them to expand living space instead of adding on to their homes. Among the more common uses for yurts: as a guest house, home office, secluded spa enclosure, art, music or fitness studio.

"They make a lot of sense from a cost savings perspective," says Altmann. "Starting at just $5,500 for a 16-foot structure, they are an affordable alternative for people who want to add living space, but are on a tight budget." The average home addition now costing upwards of $78,000, according to Remodeling Magazine's 2007 Cost vs. Value Report.

Cordes spent about $15,000 on the Eagle Yurt she purchased from Rainier in late 2007. The structure is 30-feet in diameter, which offers plenty of room for her gallery. "I got help from my son and we got the structure up in November right before the snow came," she says. "As soon as the snow melts and temperatures warm up, we're going to add on a deck overlooking the lake, and an entryway. I'm also going to move in the easels and partisans where the artwork will be put on display." Cordes plans to open her new business in the late spring or early summer.

To learn more about yurts and the various types available, log on to www.rainieryurts.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

In a Down Market, Just Add Color

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:25:12 -0500

In a Down Market, Just Add Color (ARA) - When it comes to your home's exterior, color is currency. With millions of homes across the country currently on the market, smart homeowners are differentiating their houses and wowing potential buyers with color - from the roof all the way down to the landscaping.

"Fortunately, you don't have to resort to beige siding and basic black shingles to play it safe when it comes to exterior color," says Leslie Segrete, co-host of the Money Pit home improvement radio show. "Contrast can be tastefully done with the home's enduring architectural elements, while bold or trendy can be reserved for elements that are more easily changed, like landscaping."

Whether you're planning to sell your home in this highly competitive market, or just create a classic look you'll enjoy for years to come, here are some things to keep in mind when adding color to create curb appeal.

From the Top Down
Homeowners might not think of their roof as a part of the overall aesthetic of their home, but it is one of the first things a prospective buyer sees. A roof can account for as much as half of your home's exterior, yet is an often-overlooked design opportunity. "A new roof is certainly a selling point for a house, but an interesting new roof - one that makes a statement with color or design - can really help pump up curb appeal and enjoyment," Segrete says.

Color choices in asphalt shingles have been expanding in recent years, and it's no longer necessary to resort to costly exotic materials - like tile or slate - to create a character-filled look. You can add elegance or whimsy by creating patterns with splashes of color outlined in a contrasting color against a conservative background. Owens Corning, America's number one brand of roofing shingles, offers a wide selection of shingle colors that can be used in contrasting colors to create eye-catching designs in your roof shingles.
You can see examples of a diamond motif and download information from the Owens Corning website, www.owenscorning.com/ibs2008.

Color Cues
Color can help sell a house, real estate experts agree, and a poor color choice can alienate your neighbors; not only will it be an eyesore but it can devalue your home and others around it.

According to Segrete classic, clean and elegant, white consistently shows up on the top of the list in surveys of Americans' most popular color choices for homes. Earth tones of beige, green, brown or tan usually follow closely in terms of preference. While, historically, the more conservative colors have been popular to Americans, times are changing and homeowners are becoming more adventurous with color. Blues and grays are slightly less popular, but still considered within the range of what's acceptable. Reds and pinks are the least popular, unless, of course, your home has a brick façade or is in a tropical or historic neighborhood.

Whatever color you choose, don't forget that complementary colors and shades can be used to highlight the architectural style of your home. Darker color blends provide contrast while lighter colors simplify a home's lines and angles and can make the home appear larger. For example, you may be able to get away with lavender on a gingerbread-style Victorian, but the color would be far less appropriate on many of today's modern homes.

Liberty to Landscape
Landscaping is the area where homeowners can have the most versatility - and fun - with color. Because plants are not permanent, it's possible to take risks or make bold statements with color choices. If you don't care for something or your real estate agent advises you to tone down the color scheme, it's relatively easy to redo small landscaping elements.

While you have more wiggle room choosing plant and floral colors, do keep in mind positioning and location, especially for large elements like trees or shrubs. Generally, you want colors near the home that will contrast or complement the color of the house itself, and remember to avoid one of the worst landscaping faux pas - obscuring windows or the front door with large trees or shrubs.

With a little know how, homeowners can easily differentiate their home from the neighbors, and in a down market that can make other sellers green with envy.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Seven Tips for First-time Homebuyers

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:23:49 -0500

Seven Tips for First-time Homebuyers (ARA) - If you've ever thought about owning a home, now may be the time to take action. Lower interest rates combined with a large inventory of homes in most markets across the U.S. may translate into a good opportunity for buyers in negotiating the terms of a sale with a seller.

The home buying process may seem daunting to someone who has never purchased a home before. But, through home buying educational seminars offered in your community, and with the assistance of an experienced loan officer, a first-time home buyer can obtain a better understanding of their financing options, leading to a more positive home buying experience.

"Whether you've been dreaming of owning a home for years or you've just decided it would be a smart financial move to make, your first home buying experience will be a memorable one," says Jim Ferriter, executive vice president for GMAC Mortgage. "It's important to learn about your financing options in order to find the mortgage that's right for you."

Ferriter offers the following tips for first-time home buyers:

1. Educate Yourself About the Mortgage Process - By taking the initiative and learning about the mortgage process, you can be more confident in the financial decisions you are making. It's important to learn about different types of mortgages, how much you can afford, how your credit impacts your interest rate, and the benefits of home ownership. A mortgage tutorial is available at http://smartedgebygmac.com, which breaks down the home buying process into easy-to-understand steps.

2. Save Just a Little Bit More - It's not only important to save money for the down payment and closing costs, but it's important to factor in some of the other costs of home ownership such as decorating, repairs and maintenance. Many mortgage lenders recommend that first-time home buyers have at least three to six months of additional savings in their possession in anticipation of these additional expenses.

3. Check Your Credit - An individual's credit score will have a significant impact on his or her mortgage loan approval and interest rate. A good first step in financing a home purchase is to check your credit history. You can request a free credit report from any of the three credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion or Experian. Carefully review your report and contact the credit reporting bureaus to correct any inaccuracies.

4. Shop Around for a Mortgage Lender - As you start thinking and preparing for the home buying process, start shopping for the mortgage lender from whom you would like to obtain a mortgage for your new home. Because this process is new, it's easy to go with the first lender or loan officer you meet. Instead, take your time and shop around. Start by asking friends, co-workers and family members for recommendations. When you've identified two or three loan officers, ask for references. In addition to pricing (interest rate and closing costs), focus on customer service as well as other services and tools that a mortgage lender may be able to offer you.

5. Get Pre-approved - Before you start working with a real estate agent, consider contacting a mortgage lender to obtain a pre-approval credit decision. A loan officer will review your financial status, including your income, cash flow and credit score, to help you determine the maximum monthly housing payment for which you may be able to qualify, and, if qualified, "pre-approve" your mortgage before you've found a home. Armed with a credit pre-approval, you can start searching for homes with a much better idea of your price range, and in turn save time as you will know the right homes to focus on. Obtaining a pre-approval may offer more confidence and certainty to home sellers in your ability to purchase the home.

6. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions - Once you've found your new home, the mortgage lender will help you through the details of the loan process. From application to closing, your loan officer will work through the financing process with you, just as your real estate professional should do in the home buying process. Throughout the process, read all loan documents carefully, and involve an attorney, if necessary.

7. Inspect - Before you commit to purchasing a home, don't forget to hire a licensed home inspector to conduct a thorough assessment of the property. An inspector can alert you to any major problems with the home, and/or help you understand potential short-term and long-term home maintenance issues.

For more information about the process for buying your first home, contact an experienced loan officer at GMAC Mortgage by calling (800) 888-GMAC or by visiting http://www.gmacmortgage.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Your Credit Score: A Home Improvement Power Tool

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:05:53 -0500

Your Credit Score: A Home Improvement Power Tool (ARA) - What's the most powerful tool you can employ in your home improvement project? It's not a great contractor, creative architect or even a lot of do-it-yourself know-how.

"Your good credit score is a powerful tool for achieving your home improvement objectives," says Maxine Sweet, vice president of public education for Experian. "Your credit score can impact the financing you need to pay for your home improvement project."

If you're considering a home improvement project this year, the first step to accomplishing it should be to make sure your finances are in order. A recent Experian-Gallup survey indicates that most people know their credit rating is important, and 19 percent actually say their happiness depends on it. A third of those surveyed said they intend to take steps this year to improve their credit rating.

Next, set the budget and scope of your project. What exactly do you want to achieve and how much are you willing and able to spend for it? Are you refurbishing your kitchen to improve resale value? Or adding a room for your growing family? Know what it will cost to reach your goal and take steps to ensure you can stay within your budget.

Once you know how much money you'll need, you can explore your financing options. Some popular financing tools include home equity lines of credit (HELOC) and bank loans. A HELOC allows you to borrow against the equity you already have in your home but with the flexibility of a credit card; you can draw the money as you need it up to your approved amount. A traditional second mortgage can provide you with all the funds in a lump sum up front. In many cases, the interest on both may be tax deductible. Do your research and consult several mortgage professionals before deciding which product is right for you.

Before you apply for any financing, be sure to check your credit report and score for free with enrollment in Triple Advantage at www.FreeCreditReport.com.

If you have some blemishes on your credit report, try following these steps to better stay on top of your credit situation:

* Pay your bills on time. Delinquent payments and collections could potentially have a strong negative impact on a score.

* Keep balances low on credit cards and other revolving credit. High outstanding debt could lower a score.

* Apply for and open new credit accounts only as needed.

* Pay off debt rather than moving it around. Also don't close unused cards as a short-term strategy to raise your score. Owing the same amount, but having fewer open accounts may lower your score.

To learn more and obtain a copy of your free credit report and score with enrollment in Triple Advantage, go to www.FreeCreditReport.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich?

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:04:37 -0500

Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich?A Smart Real Estate Investor's Secrets Revealed (ARA) - The cost of living is higher than ever, there's weakness in the job market, stocks are in a free-fall and the housing market is in a slump. Sounds like a bad time to be a real estate investor, or is it?

According to G. William Barnett II, author of "Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich?" from AMACOM Books, exactly the opposite is true. "These are the times smart real estate investors live for. There's more money to be made in chaos than at any other time, and no other investment strategy has created more millionaires than real estate," he says.

In the just released second edition of his book, Barnett, who has more than a decade of experience in real estate investing, has added chapters that lay out his strategies for being successful in the current marketplace. The key, he says, is knowing how to decipher not only which markets to invest in, but which neighborhoods hold the key to wealth.

"One of the greatest frustrations I had early in my career was reading about places where great things were happening, but not having the confidence to take advantage of them," says Barnett, who still regrets not investing in Hawaii back in the late 1990s when the crash of the Japanese stock market sent housing prices into a free fall. "Back then, I told my wife we have to invest in Hawaii. She said, ‘No, we don't know anything about that market.' If I had known then what I know now, boy would I be better off."

Barnett has spent the past decade finessing an investment strategy he calls "Hot Mapping," which is outlined in the new edition. "Basically it's a business overlay that you can apply to any market in the U.S. to identify the areas in that market you should be investing in," he explains.

Here's a brief synopsis of how it works. Step one is to establish a market's median price which you can do with the help of resources on the Internet. Next you'll want to purchase two maps. One electronic, the other a 6-by-6-foot map that covers the town or county you want to invest in. Step three will be to break down the market from a pricing standpoint using color coding.

"Once you finish making your map, pick up the classifieds and start adding pins representing each of the homes for sale. This technique gets you to the point where you can just pick up the phone, call an agent and tell them exactly which subdivision you want to look at and how much you're willing to pay. You're in essence equipping the agent to do a great job for you," says Barnett.

In "Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich?," Barnett offers other strategies for making a fortune in real estate, including instructions on how to find and take ownership of troubled properties before they go into foreclosure and how to move faster than your competition when it comes to getting your hands on lists of already foreclosed properties the banks and mortgage companies want to sell.

As for the housing markets Barnett likes best right now, he says number one is Las Vegas, which currently has $10 billion worth of commercial construction going on and will soon have a demand for thousands of new employees. He also likes San Diego, which due to this summer's fires doesn't have enough housing to meet its citizens' needs; and Central Florida which thanks to the Disney empire will always have room for growth.

"Real estate is cyclical. Before you know it, the economy will recover and banks and mortgage companies will once again become more creative in their lending practices. Then there will be another string of foreclosures, and smart investors like you will be lined up to help clean up the mess," says Barnett.

The second edition of "Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich?" is available for purchase at bookstores nationwide or visit www.amacombooks.org for more information.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Four Ways to Find a Contractor You Can Love

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:03:22 -0500

Four Ways to Find a Contractor You Can Love (ARA) - When it comes to sheer potential for relationship disaster, the worst in-laws in the world can't compare to a shady contractor.

Hire a questionable contractor and you could be setting yourself up for serious heartache. Find a contractor you can love and you'll be building the foundation of a lasting, happy relationship - not to mention the home of your dreams.

But the numbers show that many Americans have difficulty finding reputable contractors. In fact, the Better Business Bureau logged more than 9,600 complaints against contractors in 2006. Of the 3,800 different categories of complaints accepted by the BBB, those against contractors rank lucky 13 in terms of prevalence.

Here are four steps towards building a lasting, happy relationship with a quality contractor:

1. Run From . . .

Despite the volume of BBB complaints logged against certain contractors, most are honest and operate within the law. The Federal Trade Commission offers the following tips for recognizing a contractor who possibly isn't on the up-and-up:

* Beware of signs such as soliciting door-to-door, only accepting cash, not having a listed business number in the local telephone directory, or offering to do your project with materials "leftover" from a previous job.

* Watch out for contractors who want you to obtain required building permits or find them new customers (some will offer discounts if you find them new business).

* If the contractor is offering something that seems too good to be true - like exceptionally long guarantees or offering to do your home as a "demonstration" - it probably is too good to be true.

* Finally, if a contractor pressures you for an immediate decision to hire him, or to borrow money for the project through his preferred lender, you may want to take your business elsewhere.

2. Check Them Out

Don't hesitate to check out the background of the contractor you're considering for your job; he won't be offended if he has nothing to hide. Likewise, find out if he intends to subcontract some work, and do a background and financial check of those contractors as well. Fortunately, there are a number of resources with information on contractors, from the BBB to Web sites that maintain databases of contractors, such as ContractorCheck.com.

Launched by Experian, the company known for its credit reporting and protection services, ContractorCheck allows consumers to search for contractors in their area, check a specific contractor's business background and avoid contractor fraud. For each contractor in the database, consumers can check to see if he is bonded, the status of his business license and insurance, how long the company has been in business, and if the contractor has any judgments or liens against him.

3. Talk to People Who Already Love Them

During your dating years you probably "checked out" prospective dates by talking to their friends and others who knew them. You need to do the same kind of word-of-mouth research before committing to a contractor. Talk to past clients to determine how reliable, speedy and reasonably priced they think your contractor candidate is. Were they pleased with the work but thought it took too long to complete? Did the contractor deliver on-time and on-budget?

Reputable contractors maintain a list of satisfied contractors who have agreed to act as references. If your potential contractor can't provide the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of past satisfied customers, you may want to ask yourself why he can't.

4. Get it in Writing

Good contractors will give you a binding estimate in writing. They also won't work without a written contract. The contract should clearly spell out, in easy-to-understand terms, exactly what the project will cost, what will be accomplished and the anticipated time frame for completing the job. Don't hesitate to get an attorney to review the contract before you sign it, especially if you are dealing with a high-price-tag project.

Beware of verbal agreements; as the saying goes, in a court of law, they're often as good as the paper they were written on.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

FHA: Old Mortgage Program Finding New Life

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:01:23 -0500

FHA: Old Mortgage Program Finding New Life (ARA) - The sky is falling, the sky is falling! Or so you would think if you listened to all the news coverage about the mortgage market. The news is filled with reports of declining home values, resetting adjustable-rate mortgages and people feeling the pinch of tightened credit.

However, despite the doom and gloom, much of the media haven't reported on the proverbial silver linings in the storm clouds. One of the bright spots is the resurgence in popularity of a loan program that has been around since the 1930s -- the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan.

Historically used almost exclusively by consumers to purchase their first home because of its low down payment requirements and competitive rates, FHA loans are making a comeback and quickly gaining prominence among those looking to refinance as well.

"A large number of people are really benefiting from the FHA loan program, and what is most interesting is many of them have just recently been turned down for more traditional conventional loans," says Bob Walters, chief economist for Quicken Loans, one of the nation's largest mortgage lenders. "This program isn't the answer for everyone, but we have found that it can be a very viable option for many people."

According to Walters, FHA loans are being used by consumers for cash-out refinancings, or to consolidate debt up to 95 percent of the home's value -- moves that are extremely difficult and often not financially practical to make with current conventional lending guidelines.

"Through the first half of 2007, homeowners had no problem making their mortgages work for them. However, since that time, tighter lending guidelines have resulted in many loan programs being taken off the table. Fortunately, FHA loans can fill some of the void. When used responsibly, FHA loans can provide much-needed relief. Every day, we help clients purchase homes, pay off medical expenses, eliminate high-interest credit card debt and generally improve their financial position through the FHA program," Walters adds.

Consumers are also finding that in some instances, FHA loans can close very quickly, in less than 14 business days in some cases.

"The bottom line is that FHA loans are an option for many folks, but not for everyone. It is very important that every homeowner consult with a reputable lender who will listen to their needs and goals, and then suggest the best mortgage for them. In some cases it could be an FHA loan, and in others it may be a conventional fixed or adjustable rate mortgage. What is important is that the loan actually works for the consumer and puts them in the best possible financial position," Walters concludes.

For more information about FHA loans, visit www.QuickenLoans.com/FHA.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Customer Service

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:37:54 -0600

Customer Service

One thought that always comes to everyone's mind when the word salesperson is mentioned is "pushy". If you really want to be great in sales, you need to be just the opposite of that. You need to be "pullee." So, what's the difference between pushy and pullee? A pushy person is that interesting extrovert who is always pushing people with statements of fact. Whereas, a pullee person is always asking a lot of questions and is an eloquent listener--not only to the verbal messages, but the non-verbal things that are being communicated.

In order to curb that image of "pushy", I would like to cover with you now, what I call the Seven C's of Effective Customer Service.

All of our research has shown that the people who will stay in business and prosper through the next decade are people that live seven words. If you take these seven C-words and make each one a part of your make-up and a part of your daily business, you'll not only prosper, but you will build that wonderful referral base we are all after.

The first C stands for Concern. I think people want to know that you are more concerned with serving them, more concerned with helping them, more concerned that they are happy, more concerned they want a long term relationship with you than making the sale and getting the check. They want to feel that concern and many people in sales don't get the dollar signs out of their eyes. If a person feels you need the sale and they feel pressure to purchase a home they are not ready to commit to, they will fight you because they want your concern.

The second C is Competence. People demand competence today. They expect you to be an expert. They want you to know your trade and your profession. They want to be able to rely on your professionalism.

The third C is Courtesy. Great people in sales are very polite. They are concerned about their manners, and they are very concerned about their vocabulary. They don't in any way insult a person's values by saying anything that might offend them. Now our society is constantly changing it expectations for business behavior. Sadly, those expectations are often lowered, but I really believe the highest paid people in the real estate business are very polite, very courteous and watch their vocabulary so they don't insult the values of the person they are speaking with.

The fourth C is Commitment. This is one I find lacking in the real estate industry today. People are not willing to really commit and dedicate themselves to become the very best. They aren't willing to commit the time and effort to really achieve their goals. As you read this, I hope you realize that the top professional makes a commitment--it's called being willing to get out of balance for a period of time so that someday they can have complete balance. I believe in balance in our lives today, but I also believe that in building a real estate business you have to be willing to spend some time out of balance. That means if you have a family, you need to sit down with the family and say, "We are going to commit 24 months of putting in more time and effort. And, if I do everything that I have to do as a professional, I can work less time with much more income for the family. This will come about only because we are willing to make this commitment."
And of course, the fifth C is Composure. It's important that we don't allow ourselves to get upset and frustrated with this business. Realize that you are not really in the real estate business--you are in the people business and have chosen a vehicle called real estate. But in the people business you can get messed up if you don't keep your composure.

And of course, the next C is Consistency. Every professional I have ever trained that has gone on to be one of the best is consistent. They know exactly how many contacts they need to make each day. They know exactly the number of calls, exactly the number of people they are going to visit, which will result in so many homes sold and they make that commitment to consistency.

And the seventh C is Creativity. The people I meet that do the best are very creative people. In other words, if they have a challenge, they overcome it by being creative. If something is wrong in their life, they handle it by being creative. If you have a sale that is about to fall out or cancel, get creative. If it doesn't go through, don't get depressed--become more creative. Approach it with the attitude that you will take what you learn from this opportunity and develop your creativity.

By concentrating on our customers' needs and giving them the proper service they deserve while searching for a home, I hope we can become more "pullee" and give them the opportunity to see our concern for them along with the other C's of customer service!

Buying A Home

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:29:16 -0600

Buying a Home

Whether you've spent years saving and preparing to buy a home, or are unsure if you can afford it, the questions surrounding a house purchase can feel endless.

You can find the answers - and peace of mind - by working with RE/MAX, the industry leader in experience and service.

Here are some tips to help you become your own landlord.

Hire a real estate professional.
An important first step is selecting a professional to help you find your dream home and fine-tune your financial expectations. Working with a buyer's agent is worth consideration because he or she is legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction. Before making a decision, however, have a Realtor explain the pros and cons of using a buyer's agent versus a sales or dual agent. Your RE/MAX Associate can guide you through every step of buying a home.
Shop for mortgage rates and terms.
A difference of even half a percentage point can mean a considerable savings over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.
Prequalify for a loan.
Also early on, you'll want to get prequalified for a mortgage loan, which determines how much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious and can afford to buy the property.
Outline what you want.
The next step is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can't live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on the market. Your real estate professional can then show you houses that meet your expectations.
Visit properties.
Now you're ready to visit houses. Ask your RE/MAX Associate to arrange showings, and be sure to keep track of the properties you've seen. Each time you venture out to see more properties, revisit your notes to immediately eliminate any that clearly do not meet your standards.
Know the features that help or hurt resale.
In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may affect the home sale and future value. Your RE/MAX professional can point out features that hurt or help resale value.
Rate the houses you tour.
After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the field. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard. Avoid trying to track more than four top choices at any given time since this can quickly become overwhelming.
Make an offer.
Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Let your RE/MAX Associate guide you through this sensitive process. Because you and the seller have different goals, rely on your RE/MAX agent's experience and expertise can bring order and calm to the process - and help both parties reach a favorable outcome.
Arrange for a home inspection.
After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It's common to find problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and foundation problems. Your real estate professional can help find a reputable inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector's report is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase, ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the paperwork. Ask your real estate expert about home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.
Close.
Before your closing date, make sure you've made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork - including mortgage, title, homeowners insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments. Your RE/MAX agent will be there to help you complete that closing checklist and avoid any last-minute snags. You deserve to enjoy every moment of the homebuying process.
Prepare for life in your new home.
Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address. The best time for renovations is often before you move in.

Selling A Home

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:27:55 -0600

Selling a Home

As a homeowner, you can play an important part in the timely sale of your property. When you take the following steps, you'll help your RE/MAX Sales Associate sell your home faster, at the best possible price.

The easiest and most reliable way to improve the appeal of your home is to enlist a quality home service professional. The right professional can help you get everything in order - from repainting the kitchen to providing a thorough cleaning.

Make the Most of That First Impression
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted - or at least freshly scrubbed - front door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.
Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends
Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Tidy the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor touch-ups and redecorating. Updating the hardware on kitchen cabinets, adding new slipcovers to sofas and keeping a vase of fresh flowers in the entryway are some simple touches that can go a long way. If you're worried about time, hire professional cleaners or painters to help get your house ready. Remember, prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look "with a little work."
Check Faucets and Bulbs
Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned-out bulbs or faulty wiring leave prospects in the dark. Don't let those problems detract from what's right with your home.
Don't Shut Out a Sale
If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's mind. Don't try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.
Think Safety
Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps: roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low-hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as safe as possible for visitors.
Make Room for Space
Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They're looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.
Consider Your Closets
The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now's the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.
Make Your Bathroom Sparkle
Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.
Create Dream Bedrooms
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.
Open Up in the Daytime
Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so that prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.
Lighten Up at Night
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.
Avoid Crowded Scenes
Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.
Watch Your Pets
Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot. So do everybody a favor: Keep Kitty and Spot outside, or at least out of the way.
Think Volume
Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your home, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.
Relax
It's best if you're not there when your home is being shown. However if that's not possible, be friendly - but it's not necessary to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with minimal distraction.
Don't Apologize
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment about your home's appearance, let your experienced RE/MAX Associate handle the situation.
Keep a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But RE/MAX Sales Associates know buyers - what they need and what they want. Your RE/MAX Associate will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.
Don't Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.
Defer to Experience - It's the Experience®
When prospect buyers want to talk price, terms or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your RE/MAX Sales Associate.
Help Your Agent
Your RE/MAX Associate will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through his or her office. You'll appreciate the results!

Slight Economic Growth Forecast For Ventura County

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:07:44 -0600

Ventura County's economy will come to a near-standstill in 2008.

The real gross county product, a measure of economic growth, grew by 4.5 percent in 2006 and is expected to grow 1.4 percent in 2007. The forecast is 1 percent for 2008.

Real gross county product is the value of goods and services produced annually in the county and adjusted for inflation to give a true sense of how the economy compares year over year.

"Because of (layoffs at) Amgen and Countrywide, we've significantly downgraded our forecast for Ventura County," said Bill Watkins, executive director of the UC Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project. "It's a huge decrease in growth rates. ... For businesses, it's pretty hard to tell between 1 percent and 0 percent."

Watkins is presenting an economic forecast today for the city of Oxnard, but the report touches on conditions countywide. It is the first economic assessment since news hit about job cuts at Amgen Inc. and Countrywide Financial Corp., the county's two largest private employers.

Close attention is being paid to this year's report, said leaders of the organizations sponsoring the event - the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corp. of Oxnard.

"The Chamber of Commerce is always looking at the challenges presented to our community ... for those who live here, those who work here and employers who provide jobs here," said Nancy Lindholm, chamber president and chief executive. "It's all about quality of life and a healthy economy."

Home sales fall 30 percent

Watkins said Countrywide and Amgen cuts will mean decreased demand for goods and services, weak job growth and a decrease in home demand. Median home prices could fall as a result.

Ventura County's home sales have dropped by about 30 percent from 2006 to 2007.

Restructuring at Countrywide and Amgen could cause the median home price for single-family homes in Ventura County to decline in real value adjusted for inflation by 10.7 percent in 2008. That shakes out in actual dollars from a 2007 median home price of just under $670,000 to a median of $624,100 in 2008. The median is the midpoint, where half the sales are more and half are less.

Home sales are expected to rebound next year.

The good news for the county is the economy will start to pick up again fairly quickly by 2009, according to the forecast, which predicts real gross county product growth of 3.7 percent that year.

Still, there's a lot of uncertainty. Ventura County is expected to rebound slower than elsewhere in the state because of the after-effects of the layoffs, Watkins said.

Steve Kinney, president of the Economic Development Corp. of Oxnard, said his general sense was that Oxnard and other west county cities would be hurt less from the Countrywide and Amgen cutbacks than cities in the east county.

"Our economies are not so closely bound up directly in the fortunes of those companies as the east county cities," he said. "That's not to say that we are immune."

Particularly with the housing market, Kinney expects the hits will come first in the east county and then ripple outward through the county.

Oxnard in better shape

In past years, Watkins described Oxnard as the city with "the most dynamic and well-balanced economy in the Tri-Counties," said the chamber's Lindholm. "I'm not getting the feeling we're going to hear any of that good news this year."

Oxnard should ride out the down economy better than some other parts of the county, Watkins said.

The city has grown more rapidly than the rest of the county in recent years, and that's expected to continue. Oxnard's real gross product for this year is expected to be a "healthy" 4 percent gain from 2006, according to Watkins' report. It is forecast to grow 4.3 percent in 2008.

Kinney said Oxnard has been able to encourage new business because it had more land available for development than other cities. New residential development is drawing in new retailers, providing job growth for the city.

"The growth is certainly a trend that is powerful enough to stay in place over the years," Kinney said. "The slope line is definitely upwards, it's just a matter of what angle the line is riding at the moment."

Watkins said Oxnard has Naval Base Ventura County and the Port of Hueneme, which are economic engines of their own, boosting the city's economic strength. It also has a good industrial base to draw on and relatively inexpensive work force. The city's average salary in 2007 is an estimated $39,620, though it ranges from an average of $22,533 in agriculture to $107,227 in mining.

Another meeting slated

Four things could have an effect on Oxnard's economy going forward, Lindholm said. They include the real estate market, Countrywide, Amgen and a traffic initiative before Oxnard voters that would halt development within five miles of congested intersections until the problem is corrected. A study commissioned by the city showed it would halt 10 pending projects with a combined value of $7.2 billion.

Westlake Village

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 20 May 2007 14:33:28 -0500

History of Westlake Village

Settled snugly on the western edge of Los Angeles County, the city of Westlake Village is 9 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and 38 miles west of downtown Los Angeles. Occupying only 5.4 square miles, averaging 900 feet above sea level, the community is framed by the Simi Hills to the north and the Santa Monica Mountains to the south.

About 3,000 years ago, Chumash Indians moved into the region and lived by hunting rabbits and other game, and gathering grains and acorns. On-going excavations, archaeological sites, and polychrome rock paintings in the area provide a glimpse into the social and economic complexity of the ancient Chumash world. In 1770, Captain Gaspar de Portola led a party of Spanish explorers and missionaries, traveling north on the route that became known as the El Camino Real. The party camped near a Chumash village, believed to be the site of present-day Westlake Village. Father Juan Crespi, chaplain and diarist of the expedition wrote: "We are on a plain of considerable extent and much beauty, forested on all parts by live oaks and oak trees, with much pasturage and water." When the Spanish finally did settle the area, they were given huge land grants, the largest of which was Rancho Simi, given to the Pico family. When Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821, California became a territory of Mexico, and a few more land grants were given. When California was admitted to the union in 1850, most of the land that later became Ventura County was divided among only 19 families. The picturesque future Westlake Village site among rising knolls, arroyos, barrancas and ancient oaks was recognized as the central part of two Mexican land grants: Rancho El Conejo and Rancho Las Virgenes. In 1881, the Russell brothers purchased a large portion of the land for cattle ranching. According to Patricia Allen, historian and family descendant, Andrew Russell beat the competition in buying the land by racing across 6,000 acres on a fifteen-minute trip in a buckboard, and sealed the deal with a $20 gold piece. The price per acre was $2.50! The area continued to be known as the Russell Ranch although it was sold in 1925 to William Randolph Hearst and again in 1943 to Fred Albertson. The Russell family leased back part of the land to continue their successful cattle ranch operation while the Albertson Company used the vast acreage as a movie ranch. Many movies and television shows were filmed here, including "Robin Hood," "King Rat," "Laredo," and various episodes of "Tarzan," "Buck Rodgers," "Gunsmoke," and "Bonanza."

In 1963, the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company bought the 12,000-acre ranch for $32 million and, in partnership with Prudential Insurance Company, commissioned the preparation of a master plan for a "city in the country". Prominent architects, engineers, and land planners participated in designing a unique, integrated community that has become a nationally acclaimed model for the planned community concept. "The city in the country" was named Westlake Village and soon became recognized as one of America's most successful suburbs and finest areas to live, work and raise a family.

Today, a population of 8,800 resides within this beautiful, natural environment of award-winning neighborhoods, thriving businesses, and enviable lifestyles. The original master-planned community of Westlake Village is transected diagonally by the Los Angeles and Ventura County line. The Los Angeles County side, consisting of 3,456 acres, was incorporated as the City of Westlake Village in 1981 and became the 82nd municipality in Los Angeles County. The Ventura County side, comprised of the remaining 8,544 acres of the original Russell Ranch, was annexed into the City of Thousand Oaks in two portions in 1968 and 1972. Today, both sides of Westlake Village, with an area population estimated at 30,000, identify as a single community despite the county boundary that separates them. The wisdom of the master planners in preserving, protecting and enhancing the natural environment of the area is evident today in the consistent growth and vitality of Westlake Village. Residents and businesses receive high quality community services operated on a contract basis with private and public agencies and overseen by a 5-member elected City Council and an appointed City Manager. Under the protection of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the city consistently maintains one of the lowest crime rates in the nation. Although the city is almost built-out, residents and officials look forward to the completion of a new resort hotel and health spa in the next few years.

Westlake Village

The City of Westlake Village is a Los Angeles County municipality created in 1981. Located on the eastern side of the Ventura/Los Angeles County line, Westlake Village was formed in 1966 by the American Hawaiian Steamship Company. It includes a total land area of 5.4 square miles and a population of 8,836. Less than nine miles from the Pacific Ocean and 38 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, it is approximately 900 feet above sea level. The community is framed by the Simi Hills to the north and the Santa Monica Mountains to the south.

The City of Westlake Village is located in the heart of the Ventura Freeway (Highway 101) "Technology Corridor". The Corridor stretches along the freeway from Calabasas westward through the Oxnard plain, and is recognized as one of Southern California´s major R&D and technology growth areas. A host of high-tech manufacturing and Research and Development firms, biotechnology companies and healthcare organizations are located here, including the corporate headquarters of Dole Food Company and K-Swiss.

Events and activities include Summer Friday Fun Nights with concerts, shows and entertainment at the Westlake Village Civic Center. There are also play for children and a variety of camping, hiking, bicycling and other sports available.

      Native settlers include Chumash Indians. In 1770, Captain Gaspar de Portola led a party of Spanish explorers and missionaries, traveling north on the route known as the El Camino Real. The party camped near a Chumash village, believed to be the site of present-day Westlake Village. Father Juan Crespi, chaplain and diarist of the expedition, wrote: "We are on a plain of considerable extent and much beauty, forested on all parts by live oaks and oak trees, with much pasturage and water".

      Spanish settlers were given huge land grants that included the largest Rancho Simi, given to the Pico family. Westlake Village was recognized as the central part of two Mexican land grants: Rancho El Conejo and Rancho Las Virgenes. In 1881, the Russell brothers purchased a large portion of the land for cattle ranching. The area was sold in 1925 to William Randolph Hearst and again in 1943 to Fred Albertson. The Russell family leased back part of the land to continue its successful cattle ranch operation while the Albertson Company used the vast acreage as a movie ranch. Many movies and television shows were filmed here, including "Robin Hood," "King Rat," "Laredo," and various episodes of "Tarzan," "Buck Rogers," "Gunsmoke," and "Bonanza."´

      In 1963, the American- Hawaiian Steamship Company bought the 12,000 acre ranch for $32 million in partnership with Prudential Insurance Company and commissioned a master plan for a "city in the country." The original master-planned community of Westlake Village is transected diagonally by the Los Angeles and Ventura County line. The Los Angeles County side, consisting of 3,456 acres, was incorporated as the City of Westlake Village in 1981 and became the 82nd municipality in Los Angeles County. The Ventura County side, comprised of the remaining 8,544 acres of the original Russell ranch, was annexed into the City of Thousand Oaks in two portions in 1968 and 1972.

      With Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area adjacent to Westlake Village, a variety of nature trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, picnics, horseback riding and camping. Westlake Village maintain numerous scenic sidewalks, green belts, and protected bike lanes. Visitors can enjoy these outdoor activities plus golfing, tennis, swimming, fishing, boating and sailing.

      Westlake´s 150-acre lake is stocked with bass, blue gill and catfish. Docking privileges, fishing licenses, boating and sailing are available to residents. Nearby commercial harbors offer sports fishing, whale watching and tours to Channel Islands National Park, five islands that begin just 12 miles off the mainland, where the marine sanctuary contains giant kelp forests that shelter more than 1,000 species of ocean life. Hiking and camping is permitted on all the islands and there are many sea caves and deserted coves that attract snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as kayaking and boating. Many excellent state and county beaches and campgrounds are scattered along the coastline just 9 miles across the Santa Monica Mountains. Swimmers, sunbathers, and surfers enjoy nearby Malibu, Point Dume, Zuma, Leo Carrillo, County Line, Sycamore Cove and Point Mugu beaches. Birdwatchers can watch migratory birds heading south for the winter. Herons and egrets in the protected areas.

      11 public golf courses, 10 tennis courts and several swimming pools are open to the public. The Conejo Recreation and Park District manages 33 developed parks, 5 play field parks, and 1 district-wide park in addition to the 1,300 acre Wildwood Park, 12,000 acres of open space and 75 miles of trails. The District offers more than 2,500 organized recreation and leisure programs each year. Westlake Village manages three city parks and a recreation program as well. Organized sports available for youth through area organizations include soccer, football, softball, baseball, basketball, swimming, boating, and track and field.

      Buses into the Los Angeles area are provided by Rapid Transit District. Taxi and bus services are available within the local area. Greyhound Bus Lines pass through Thousand Oaks daily and maintain a flag stop. Metrolink commuter rail lines connect Ventura County with four other counties and are accessible from a station 10 miles north of Thousand Oaks in Moorpark, or from Simi Valley, 15 miles north of Thousand Oaks. Amtrak has a station and ticket office in Oxnard, about 30 miles west of The Conejo. Three commercial airports are located within a 45-mile radius: Los Angeles International; Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport; and Oxnard Airport. Several bus, van and limousine services offer transportation to and from the Los Angeles and Burbank airports.

Courtesy of Beach California.

John Murray CMA

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 20 May 2007 14:23:39 -0500

John Murray

John Murray of RE/ MAX Gold Coast Realtors has been asked to join a group of local real estate professionals known as Complete Marketing Advantage or "CMA." The group is a real estate networking group, formed in late 2000, which consists of Conejo Valley real estate agents working together to serve their clients' needs. This networking group goes above, beyond and over the top to market their clients' listings, find their buyers homes and do this in ways not available to other agents who are not part of the group. The CMA agent has a variety of areas for their advertising. The Acorn newspapers, the Mann Theatre and Homes & Land magazine are part of their networking sphere. CMA agents' spectrum of experience allows them to share their knowledge and education with each other.

Murray is an experienced broker/associate knowledgeable in the Conejo Valley/Ventura County real estate market. Call John Murray at (805) 497-8305.

John Murray Broker-Associate

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 19 May 2007 20:44:12 -0500

John Murray

When you are buying or selling property in today's real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Our commitment as your local REALTORS is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why our goal is to keep you informed on trends in the marketplace using the latest statistics in your local area. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of the communities, our objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail us.

Thank you for visiting our website - please consider it as your online source for local real estate information, and return often for the latest property listing updates.

Ph: (805) 497-8305
Email: Murray_RE@Yahoo.com
Website: www.JohnLMurray.com

Thank you.

- John and Marena Murray

John Murray CMA

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 19 May 2007 20:39:42 -0500

John Murray

Murray is an experienced broker/associate knowledgeable in the Conejo Valley/Ventura County real estate market. Call John Murray at (805) 497-8305.

John Murray Broker-Associate

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 19 May 2007 20:33:17 -0500

John Murray

Camarillo Named Fastest Growing City In Ventura County

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 11 May 2007 23:52:53 -0500

Camarillo named fastest growing city in county
Village at the Park housing development drives growth
By Daniel Wolowicz camarillo@theacorn.com

For the second year in a row, Camarillo ranks as the fastest growing city in Ventura County, according to a recent report by the California Department of Finance.

The city's population grew an estimated 2.4 percent, from 64,075 last year to 65,601 as of January 2007, state records show.

Camarillo's growth spurt, primarily driven by the new Village at the Park development, may be deceiving, said City Manager Jerry Bankston.

Bankston said that because the state uses new housing units to estimate population growth as opposed to an actual person count, the numbers are typically not as accurate as a federal census- taken once every 10 years. The state's numbers, Bankston said, are usually inflated.

Because Camarillo has less than 70,000 residents even a relatively small increase in housing would make the city one of the fastest growing in the county even though the overall population numbers are far less than other cities.

Oxnard, the second fastest growing city, showed a 1.7 percent jump in population. That number, though, represents a population increase of more than 3,100 new residents, as compared to Camarillo's increase of about 1,500.

Bankston said that if Camarillo's growth was charted over a 10-year period, it would compare similarly to neighboring cities.

Although the city only allows a maximum of 400 new housing building permits per year to help manage urban growth, developers can "bank" their allotted permits and build the new homes at a later date.

The Village at the Park developers are still building homes granted permits nearly five years ago. City officials said the housing development is about 80 to 85 percent complete and that once the final homes are finished, Camarillo's growth spurt will slow.

In the case of the new Village at the Park, Bankston said the state's projected numbers are high because many of the development's new condominiums are typically occupied by single owners as opposed to a two- or three-person family.

John Murray, a broker associate and realtor for RE/MAX in Camarillo, said younger buyers from the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles are moving to Camarillo because the development's condos offer first-time homeowners a chance to get into Southern California's pricey housing market.

"Village at the Park does provide the entry level home," Murray said. "There's a great demand for the young individuals who are moving there . . . (they) like newer housing."

Murray said Camarillo- much like the rest of Southern California- has seen about a 5 percent slowdown in the overall housing market. The average price for a Village at the Park home is around $825,000, slightly down from last year.

Regardless of the recent growth, the Pleasant Valley School Disrtict is in the midst of school closures caused by declining enrollment numbers.

Ventura County Real Estate Forecast

John And Marena Murray (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:37:43 -0500

2007 real estate
Housing experts remain optimistic
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION--New housing starts and exisiting home sales in the area have dipped, but experts don't see the trend continuing for long, especially with interest rates low.

The housing market softened in 2006, but professionals aren't anticipating a long-lasting slump. The market is only normalizing itself, experts say.

"The circumstances bringing the real estate market into balance are happening unusually quickly," said Glen Scalise, president of the Conejo Valley Real Estate Association and broker-owner of Century 21 Rolling Oaks in Thousand Oaks.

In some area cities, oversupply is a key ingredient that has prompted housing sales to level off, yet prices haven't dropped significantly because east Ventura County and the Las Virgenes corridor are still desirable areas for homebuyers.

"The general trend is that sales of existing homes are down by 30 percent or more," said Bill Watkins, executive director for the Economic Forecast Project, a research program of UC Santa Barbara that provides the community with information on economic, demographic and regional business trends.

"What's been surprising is that the transaction drop has not translated into a large price drop," Watkins said. Prices have remained relatively steady because the job market in the area is stable.

"We're not experiencing a large job loss; in fact we are seeing a job gain."

The economy remains strong and interest rates low, said Watkins, who predicts home prices will stay relatively unchanged in 2007.

Others take a more bearish view.

John Murray, a Realtor with RE/MAX Gold Coast who sells homes throughout the area, said the housing market has definitely softened.

"I have seen prices drop from 5 to 10 percent versus earlier this year in a number of areas," Murray said.

Because of the declining market, some homes have become worth less than what the owners paid for them. Short pays, in which lenders forgive all or a portion of a debt to make up for loss of equity due to decreasing house values, are becoming more common, Murray said. "Part of the problem has been the prevalence of interest-only loans," he said.

But there's hope on the horizon. Although market was slow during most of 2006, it appears to be on the rebound, said Judy Lewicki, a realtor with Troop Realty who has been selling homes in the region for about 20 years.

"There was a little reduction in price but it's leveling off. We have seen an actual increase in the last month," Lewicki said.

People are starting to buy again as they realize interest rates aren't going up. Some properties are even receiving multiple offers, like in the past, Lewicki said.

While a price adjustment occurred because costs went too far up and homes became unaffordable for many buyers, there's no reason to believe housing costs will take a dive in 2007, Lewicki said.

Developers are making some concessions to sell homes quickly, but don't appear overly worried about future demand.

"The market goes up and down, but developers are used to this," said Dave Bobardt, planning manager for the city of Moorpark where several large tract housing developments are underway.

Developers build in phases and sell the homes before they are constructed. If sales are sluggish, they slow down the pace of construction, Bobardt said.

Trends in local cities

As planned developments still sprout in Calabasas, Moorpark, Simi Valley and Camarillo, the cities of Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills and Westlake Village saw only minor infill, or pocket development because the communities are running out of buildable open space.

Calabasas

In Calabasas, the 557 residences in The Oaks by New Millennium Homes and the 48 homes in the Colony by Shea are nearing completion with most units almost sold , said Maureen Tamuri, community development director for the city.

The New Millennium homes cost between $3 million and $8 million depending on the size of the property, said Kim Kuciel, the New Millennium project manager.

"We have not been in a situation where we felt the need to cut our prices." The high-end market hasn't been affected by changes in the real estate market, Kuciel said.

Strong demand still exists for single-family housing, but a pair of senior condominium projects slated to be constructed in the Calabasas area haven't moved forward, Tamuri said.

New construction has fallen off because few parcels in the city remain available for development. Many developers obtained permits when the area was still under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County, Tamuri said.

"There's still a strong demand for affordable homes-but not enough supply, because the land prices are high and it's very difficult to build affordable homes without significant subsidies," Tamuri said.

Camarillo

Camarillo is growing rapidly due to an expansion of high-paying jobs in technology.

It is the fastest-growing city in Ventura County, bucking the statewide trend of a general slowdown in population growth. Two new large developments will add about 2,000 homes to the central Ventura County community.

The 1,040-home Village at the Park development is among the city's biggest projects.

Although Camarillo allows only 400 new building permits for housing per year to help manage urban growth, developers can "bank" their allotted permits and build the homes later.

But more expensive homes means fewer young families can afford to live in the area, a fact that's not likely to change in the near future, according to real estate experts.

Prices remain high even as the housing supply continues to grow, Jim Chutuk, a senior branch manger with Prudential of California in Camarillo told The Acorn earlier this year.

A typical home that received multiple offers within 48 hours a year ago now takes two to three months to sell. The current 60- to 90-day timeline is closer to what the market average has been since the 1970s, Chutuk said.

Single-family homes in the Village at the Park complex are selling for around $850,000.

About 900 new homes are being built next to Cal State Channel Islands to house the university's faculty and staff.

Moorpark

Moorpark is still seeing significant growth following the approval of several large housing developments in recent years. The Moorpark City Council is slated to review another proposal in 2007 that could add more than 600 homes inside the city, but the overall pace of construction appears to have slowed.

Approximately 150 new homes in Moorpark were completed in 2006.

The Pardee Homes project now under construction in the Moorpark Highlands will include single-family homes and several condos. The developer is building in phases and selling the homes before they are constructed. Single-family homes in the Pardee project start at $650,000.

Simi Valley

Prices also are leveling off in Simi Valley as properties stay on the market longer, said Linda Enderson, a director on the Simi Valley-Moorpark Association of Realtors. Enderson sells real estate with Century 21 Hilltop in Wood Ranch.

"It's more like a normal market," Enderson said; lower priced homes sell more quickly. "A couple of years ago you couldn't find a single-family home under $500,000 but now you can."

Still considered a frontier for new housing, Simi Valley has seen several large developments come on line, most notably the Big Sky project.

The Big Sky homes began as a hot item, but the market's recent change of pace has lessened the demand, Enderson said.

Overall, Simi is still one of the more affordable areas in the region, she said.

Conejo Valley: Agoura, Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, Westlake Village

There aren't many new big tract developments in the Conejo Valley, but the market is still being driven by supply and demand basics, said Russ Watson, housing manager for Thousand Oaks.

"Homes stay on the market a bit longer than they used to, and that causes pressure to reduce the price a little, but there is still a high demand in the Conejo Valley," Watson said.

The inventory of homes in the Conejo Valley is low because the cities mostly have reached maximum size, but several smaller tracts still are being developed in Newbury Park.

In the Conejo Valley there are approximately 275 residential properties currently in escrow, which is a high number for the December real estate cycle, said Glen Scalise, president of the Conejo Valley Real Estate Association.

The real estate market outlook remains fairly strong for the Conejo Valley because the area remains insulated from economic peaks and valleys, Scalise said. Median sales prices in the Conejo have remained steady.

"Our great quality of life, quality schools and plentiful high paying jobs do counterbalance the higher housing costs to a degree," said Marena Murray, a Realtor for RE/MAX Gold Coast.

Thousand Oaks, especially Newbury Park, is still benefiting from high demand for housing because of large local employers such as Amgen and Countrywide Home Loans.