Corona Golf and Senior Living Homes

The Best Group of Professional Women in Real Estate

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:43:43 -0400

If you are just starting your real estate career you would do yourself a favor by joining the best networking group in town-Women's Council of REALTORS®! Besides meeting a lot of great friends you will learn how a network of successful REALTORS® can empower you to exercise your potential as an entrepreneur and industry leader. Check out what we're all about at www.wcr.org . Your local chapter will hold education sessions that have some of the top trainers giving you great information that will help you succeed in your business.

I went to the WCR Summit in Chicago a couple of weeks ago and I came back with some great social media advice I hope to apply soon. We had a great time and meet some awesome ladies.

Watch the video and see what fun we had!

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Arms Length Short Sales Transactions- There Are Exceptions To The Rules.

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 21:23:19 -0400

Thought this post was worth sharing. If you need real estate help in Corona, CA or the Inland Empire of Rivierside county call me.

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):

Most of the short sale banks have an arm transaction rule. Many of them require the agents, the title company officers, the buyer and the seller to execute an arms length transaction affidavit.

If you are asked to sign this affidavit and you end up NOT having an arms length transaction than that is called fraud.

To clear up the misinformation about arms lengths transactions, here goes-

Not all short sales have to be arms lengths transactions.

Each bank has their own rules about arms lengths transactions.

It is not against the law to sell a short sale that is NOT an arms length transaction if there is full disclosure to all parties.

Some buyer's lenders will not approve loans in NON arms length mortgage loan applications.

It is against the law to commit fraud. Fraud is when you lie about the transaction.

We just got a bank who always uses the arms length transaction affidavit to waive that rule for our sellers!

We had to promise to not disclose the name of the bank, but I will say, it was a very big one.

You have to be very good at negotiating and have a very compelling reason for the transaction.

How did we get an approval and successful closing on a grandmother buying the house for her son and grandchildren who owned the house?

A local real estate agent called us. She knows we close our short sales. She does not know how to do short sale negotiations so she asked us to list her son's house. Then she told us that she wanted to buy the house for her son so that his family, her grandchildren, could remain in the home they knew and loved. She was going to be paying cash for the house. The house was only worth 350K when the mortgage owed was over 650K. She did not want to lie or do anything fraudulent and either did we.

Nestor told her that there was a shot, but there was a very big chance that the answer would be no, especially knowing the bank that was involved. She said she still wanted us to try.

What was the reason for this request?

Her son went from making $150K per year to just about $50K. Her son owed over 650K on the house and obviously would be in danger of losing his house to foreclosure one day. Her son and his wife had several children but one of their children is blind. The parents had set up the entire house for the comfort of their blind son. He knew where everything was, he knew the back yard and he knew his school. Moving into a rental would have been traumatic and stressful for the blind son. The grandparents do not want to pay off a huge balance that is NOT market value but she was interested in paying the market value on the home.

By being able to do this, the grandmother would be able to pay the home, the son and his family- her grandchildren would remain in their home with security and stability- then they could pay her back over time.

We started the short sale process and when it got to the negotiator he just flat out rejected the file because he said it was NOT an arms length transaction and therefore he could not go further with the file.

Nestor escalated the file to the executive officers. The first thing they said to us was if they do this for us, then others would also want to do this. But the reason for the approval request was for a blind child to be able to remain in his home. This was not a story of someone trying to flip the property or someone just wanting to game the system. Nestor through very good negotiation skills- moved the executives to approve this transaction.

Then the bank came back with a counter offer a little higher than what grandmother had in cash. When she went to get a loan- she was turned down by the loan officer because on the buying end- guess what- it was not an arm length transaction. This bank would NOT budge. Putting all our heads together we came up with refinancing her house with Jeff Belonger and then using the refi money to pay off the short sale acceptance offer. Thanks to Jeff Belonger who is on Active Rain for being able to pull this off.

We had a successful closing. The parents and the grandparents were SOOO happy. They new we were able to do the impossible. The children never knew what all was going on and the parents were so thankful that they did not need to traumatize them. Their lives go on in the same fashion as they had done before the sale.

We are very thankful that this agent entrusted this heart wrenching short sale to us. We are very thankful that the executives had compassion for this family and exhibited that with their exception to their rule. We are so thankful that this short sale is another happy ending for another Wellington Florida short sale family.

Foreclosure Is NOT An Option! Call Nestor and Katerina Gasset today at 561-753-0135 for a confidential interview regarding your options.

Don't Delay! Don't Wait Until The Sheriff Is Knocking On Your Door! Pick up your phone and call us to see if you can avoid foreclosure.



To view Welington Florida Homes For Sale Click here. We know  Wellington Florida Real Estate and Wellington Florida Short Sales and will help you get your home Sold if you need to Sell your home and help you buy your home in Palm Beach County Florida: Call us today.





Copyright © By Katerina Gasset 2010 * All Rights Reserved* Arms Length Short Sales Transactions- These Are Exceptions To The Rules

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Wishing we'd get back to normal

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 20:35:56 -0400

I have just finished the week from hell. It wouldn't be so bad but it appears this is the new norm. I am writing more offers than in past year but many of my buyers are not getting their dream home because they are being bid out of the race by cash buyers. I feel so sorry for these lovely people because they too want the American dream of owning a home. These are people with good income and good credit but they just have 5 or 10% to put down on their first home. With all the short sales on the market I find it hard to believe that there are this many cash buyers. I am now wondering if the agents are just not accepting our offers because we are using an FHA loan. For many of my buyers this is their best option. These are strange times but I'll keep trying and the market will correct itself someday. Keep smiling!

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Things are looking up!

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:51:51 -0500

Just received this data from Realist and it looks like we are heading in the right direction at last. Riverside County has been hit hard with foreclosures which has made our sale prices fall over the last few months. It will be good news to all that we are seeing increase sale price closer to our 2008 numbers. We might have a ways to go but we are smiling.

Sales Statistics for RIVERSIDE County CA
Realist's most recent sale date for this county is 02/12/2010

Single Family Residence
Time Period Number of Sales Median Sale Price
Dec 2009 3,704 $200,000
Dec 2008 3,940 $210,000
Nov 2009 3,176 $205,000
Nov 2008 3,318 $220,000

2009 YTD 42,818 $193,000
2008 39,955 $260,000

Condominium
Time Period Number of Sales Median Sale Price
Dec 2009 378 $181,000
Dec 2008 288 $180,000
Nov 2009 344 $180,000
Nov 2008 217 $185,000

2009 YTD 4,037 $164,500
2008 3,710 $240,000

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Great News- Mortgage Rates Dips below 5 Percent

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:40:50 -0500

Mortgage Rates

30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage Dips Below 5 Percent Again
McLean, VA Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.97 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending February 11, 2010, down from last week when it averaged 5.01 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.16 percent.

The 15-year FRM this week averaged 4.34 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.40 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.81 percent.

The 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 4.19 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.27 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 5.23 percent.

The 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 4.33 percent this week with an average 0.6 point, up from last week when it averaged 4.22 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 4.94 percent.

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Help for the housing market!

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:52:40 -0500

It appears the banks are finally realizing that it is better to help in a short sale process before the homeowner is behind in mortgage payments. Many banks are now telling borrowers to call them before they fall behind and try to work out a short sale process that is easier on them and the bank. This is truly a step in the right direction. Until now many banks wouldn't even talk to a borrow until they were 2 to 3 months behind in their mortgage payments. Even FHA is stepping up effort to help homeowners before they lose their home. According to the HUD website "Homeowners with FHA-insured mortgage loans who are experiencing financial hardship are now eligible for loss mitigation assistance before they fall behind on their mortgage payments. Previously, these homeowners were not eligible for such assistance until after they had missed payments. The Helping Families Save Their Home Act of 2009 signed into law by President Obama expanded FHA's authority to use its loss mitigation tools to assist FHA borrowers avoid foreclosure to include those facing "imminent default" as defined by the Secretary. FHA today issued guidance to FHA-approved loan servicers on how to assist these FHA borrowers."

MORE HOUSING NEWS:

The pending home sales index increased to 96.6% in December from a level of 95.6% in November. The index plunged in November in conjunction with the original expiration of the homebuyer tax credit and has not yet rebounded significantly. Now that the tax credit has been extended and expanded, the pending home sales index and thus existing home sales are expected to increase over the next several months.

The MBA mortgage applications index surged 21.0% to 620.7% for the week ending January 29. The purchase index increased 10.3% on the week as the refinance index rose 26.3%. Refinancing activity accounted for slightly less than 70% of new mortgage application activity. Despite this week's gains, the level of mortgage activity remains quite low indicating stagnation in the housing recovery.

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Haiti Disaster Fund still needs our help

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:35:44 -0500

It has been a couple a weeks since we read of the disaster that occurred in Haiti. We all rushed to help but now that the memory is fading we have other activities that take up our days. That is why I am reminding us all that the people of Haiti need our attention daily. Please ask yourself and your customers to contribute to the cause. We can be proud of our fellow REALTORS and NAR for the help they have given but lets keep our eye on the goal. The REALTORS® Relief Foundation of the National Association of REALTORS® has contributed $550,000 to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake but it is calling on the over million members to keep the dream alive.

On January 22, 2010 we read that "a $500,000 donation will go to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, headed up by former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, to provide immediate relief and long-term support to survivors. Another $50,000 has also been donated to The Harvest of Haiti, a humanitarian outreach program founded by the 2007 winner of REALTOR® magazine's Good Neighbor Award. The program supports Haitian orphans, delivers clean water and provides medical care for more than 3,500 Haitian people each year.

The Foundation is also calling on REALTORS® nationwide to help Haitian victims through the REALTORS® Relief Fund. NAR members can donate using the Foundation's online contribution form."

Please keep this campaign in the minds of everyone you contact. God Bless!

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Keep informed by RRS feed!

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:10:16 -0500

Have you ever visited a great website or blog and wish you could be updated when a new entry is made.

The easiest way to accomplish this task is by using RSS feed. You will see a icon like this which allows you to subscribe to recieve this sites feed. Just click on the symbol and follow the directions.

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a way for writers to make news, blogs, audio, video, and other content available to subscribers at no charge. RSS provides a convenient way to receive news updates and articles from the many Web site automatically.

An RSS "document" (which is called a feed, Web feed or channel) includes at least a headline and a summary. RSS feeds can be read using software called an "RSS reader" or "aggregator", which can either be Web based or desktop based. The RSS reader checks the your subscribed feeds regularly for new posts, downloads any new updates, and provides an interface to read the feed. The user subscribes to a feed by entering into the reader the feed's URI or by clicking an RSS icon in a web browser that initiates the subscription process.

The best part of signing up to great RSS feeds is that once you found something of interest you can share it to friends or websites you might have. Try it today! If you need a reader try signing up for googles free reader at www.google.com/reader or explore another format on your iTune account.

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

New Short Sales Guidelines - Are they working?

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:33:54 -0500

The government announced new Short Sales guidelines early in November. After talking to many of my fellow agents it appears that very little has changed in the minds of the borrowers. They still can't talk to their bank, they get different answers to the same question depending on who they are speaking to. Many homeowners have upon learning that their mortgage does not qualify because they took out the loan over a year ago shake their heads and say " I'm upside down and need help just like the fellow who took out his loan a few months later".

It seems funny to me that we have home values that have fallen to 2005 values but only those homes sold in 2009 can do a short sale! What is the logic in this? If you haven't read the new guidelines here they are:

"To qualify under these new guidelines:

The property must be the home owner's principal residence.
The home owner must be delinquent on the mortgage or close to defaulting.
The loan must have been made before Jan. 1, 2009, and be for less than $729,750.
The borrowers' total monthly mortgage payment must exceed 31 percent of their before-tax income.

Under the plan, borrowers will receive $1,500 from the government for selling homes for less than the amount of their mortgages. Mortgage-servicing companies will get $1,000 for each completed short sale. Second-mortgage holders can receive up to $3,000 of the sales proceeds in exchange for releasing their liens. Investors who hold the first mortgage can collect up to $1,000 from the government for allowing the payments.

Borrowers who complete a short sale under the program must be "fully released" from future liability for the debt, according to the guidelines."

Source: Associated Press, J.W. Elphinstone (11/01/2009) and The Wall Street Journal, Ruth Simon (11/01/2009)

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Interest rates are at an all time low!

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:59:42 -0500

Mortgage Rates 30-Year Rates Match All Time Low This Week 15-Year FRM Drops to Set Another New Low in Freddie Mac Survey History McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.78 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending November 25, 2009, down from last week when it averaged 4.83 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.97 percent. The 30-year has not been this low since the week ending April 30, 2009, when it averaged 4.78 percent.

The 15-year FRM this week averaged 4.29 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.32 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.74 percent. The 15-year FRM has never been this low since Freddie Mac started tracking it in 1991.

The 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 4.18 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.25 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 5.86 percent. The 5-year ARM has never been this low since Freddie Mac started tracking it in 2005.

The 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 4.35 percent this week with an average 0.7 point, unchanged from last week when it averaged 4.35 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 5.18 percent. The 1-year ARM has not been this low since the week ending July 7, 2005, when it averaged 4.33 percent.

**As seen in the Washington REALTORS Friday Facts

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

New Amendments to Regulation Z

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:36:15 -0400

New Amendments to Regulation Z

"In 2008 the FED adopted a new rule amending Regulation Z, which becomes effective on October 1, 2009 and protects consumers by prohibiting certain unfair, abusive or deceptive home mortgage lending practices. This new FED Rule applies to all mortgage lenders—not just those supervised by the FED—and creates new protections for both subprime and non-subprime mortgage loans secured by principal residences.

Subprime Loan Protections

The FED Rule adds four key protections for subprime loans secured by a consumer's principal residence:

• A lender is prohibited from making a loan without regard to the borrower's ability to repay it from income and assets other than the home's value. The lender must assess repayment ability based on the highest scheduled payment during the first seven years of the loan.

• A lender must verify the income and assets relied upon when determining a borrower's repayment ability.

• Subject to certain exceptions, a prepayment penalty is generally banned if the payment can change during the first four years of the loan.

• A lender must establish escrow accounts for property taxes and hazard insurance for all first-lien mortgage loans. This requirement, unlike the others, will be phased in during 2010 to allow lenders the necessary time for implementation.

General Protections

In addition to the new requirements governing subprime loans, the FED Rule adopts several protections for all loans secured by a consumer's principal residence:

• A lender is prohibited from coercing a real estate appraiser to misstate a home's value.

• Lenders and servicers must credit a consumer's loan payment as of the date of receipt and must provide a payoff statement within a reasonable time after it's requested."

My thanks to http://www.glrsonline.com/ for the above information and excellent training.

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Mortgage loan delinquencies rise, foreclosures flat

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:23:01 -0400

Our California Association of REALTORS alerted us this week that Mortgage loan delinquencies did rise but foreclosure were flat. Might this mean that the banks are beginning to work out some of the short sales that have been on their desks for months? I hope so!

"The delinquency rate for mortgage loans on one-to-four-unit residential properties rose to a seasonally adjusted rate of 9.24 percent of all loans outstanding as of the end of the second quarter of 2009, up 12 basis points from the first quarter of 2009, and up 283 basis points from one year ago, according to the most recent Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) National Delinquency Survey. The non-seasonally adjusted delinquency rate increased 64 basis points from 8.22 percent in the first quarter of 2009 to 8.86 percent this quarter, according to the report. The delinquency rate breaks the record set last quarter, based on MBA data dating back to 1972.

“While the rate of new foreclosures started was essentially unchanged from last quarter’s record high, there was a major drop in foreclosures on subprime ARM loans,” said Jay Brinkmann, MBA’s chief economist. “The drop, however, was offset by increases in the foreclosure rates on the other types of loans, with prime fixed-rate loans having the biggest increase. As a sign that mortgage performance is once again being driven by unemployment, prime fixed-rate loans now account for one in three foreclosure starts. A year ago they accounted for one in five.

California, Florida, Arizona, and Nevada continue to have a disproportionately high share of foreclosure starts, although the share has fallen slightly from last quarter, according to the report, with 44 percent of all of the nation’s new foreclosures during the second quarter of this year, down from 46 percent in the first quarter."

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Foreclosures are everywhere!

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:05:11 -0400

I believe everyone is feeling the fallout from this recessions but some parts of the US are coming out a bit on top. Here is a great interactive map from NPR that shows you where you might move if you want to get away from the heavy hit counties. Just click on this link and find your state on the right hand side to narrow your search.

While on the site you might review the unempoyment rate as well.

Just looking at the U.S. as a whole is interesting and if your are from the middle part of our great county you might be smiling more that us on the coasts.

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Market Conditions in Corona, CA

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:10:51 -0400

I am the type of person that believes we should look at the glass half full so I am happy to report that the Corona, CA real estate market is improving. Lets get some good press out to the public and let them know that things will turn around. Here are some facts:

Month# Units Median Price Days on Market

Jul-09	862	329,000	99
Jun-09	1,006	329,850	110
May-09	1,108	325,950	119
Apr-09	1,335	329,000	116
Mar-09	1,570	321,950	115
Feb-09	1,682	324,900	116
Jan-09	1,884	328,900	124
Dec-08	1,970	330,000	129
Nov-08	2,131	330,900	119
Oct-08	2,375	339,000	113
Sep-08	2,473	349,900	113
Aug-08	2,513	354,000	113
Jul-08	2,667	360,000	108

The number of homes for sale are down 68% but the median price is increasing. With less homes on the market surply and demands takes over. Days on the market is decreasing which means the buyers are acting on good buys.

The average months supply of inventory is down 78.3%.

It's time for buyers to start realizing that unless things change soon they should be in the market now!

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Appraisal rules rewritten poorly!

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:28:36 -0400

Appraisal rules rewritten poorly!

In a desire to curb abuses in home loan appraisals our government passed a law that became active on May 1^st of this year. The desire of this law was to curb the bad appraisals that occurred during the housing boom. The new law prevented appraisers from having contact with the lender or REALTOR involved in the transaction. This would prevent undo pressure to be brought on the appraiser to "come in at a certain price". It also prevents the real estate agent from telling the appraiser special features the home my have or the reason why the house down the street with no drywall was sold so low. Yes, you might say the appraiser will find that out when he visits the home but with this new process many appraisers are using pictures in the MLS as their home investigation and doing a drive by only. This lack of effort is partly caused by the low compensation the appraisers are receiving since the Management company is now taking part of their income. They need to do twice as many appraisals to earn the same amount of money they once did.

To protect themselves from liability, most lenders are ordering appraisals from appraisal management companies (AMCs), which intermediate between the lender and the appraiser. The AMC selects and pays the appraiser, receives and evaluates the appraisal, and passes it to the lender, which has no direct contact with the appraiser.

What could be wrong with this plan? Well after just a few weeks we now have a major problem. The AMCs don't have companies in every area so we now have appraisers from one county trying to do appraisals in another county. Their bias for certain areas is showing up with lower appraisals in many areas because they don't know the area or the different complex array of site issues. Many deals are being cancelled because of low value in the appraisals. Recently the National Association of REALTORS worked to get local appraisers doing local appraisals. Although this is suppose to be implemented immediately I don't see it happening.

The new rules is adding time to the mortgage process and preventing anyone from talking to the appraisal to remedy the situation. If a borrower has to change lenders in the middle of a transaction we can no longer use the first appraisal which adds cost to the borrower.

We need to get the housing market back on track and this new law isn't going to do it! Call your representatives today and demand they scrap this law and let the marketplace get back to creating value.

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Are you paying attention to our government?

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:22:01 -0400

Money is tight for us all but the consumer better keep a keen eye on the government in the coming weeks. More laws are being prepared to raise money for the county, city and federal government. Do you think they don't concern you! Think again. Many areas are trying to pass point of sale laws that will have a homeowner replacing wood-burning devices, windows, air conditioners and plumbing before closing can take place. The REALTOR® Action Fund is fighting to protect homeowners but we need everyone to get involved.

If you think I am calling wolf then let me point out two laws that affect millions of sales in the coming years.

New laws have taken effect in San Luis Obispo County requiring residents in Los Osos to retrofit plumbing fixtures at point of sale because of the town's dwindling water supply. Specifically, toilets are to be replaced with toilets rated at no more than 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf).

Contra Costa County in the San Francisco Bay Area adopted an ordinance which requires gas shut-off valves be installed downstream of the meter and at the point of appliance on all buildings sold within unincorporated areas of the county prior to entering into an agreement for sale or prior to close of escrow.

The California Energy Commission currently has a state-wide point of sale ordinance for energy conservation in their strategic plan and the California Public Utilities Commission has a recommendation for local point of sale ordinances in their recently released draft California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan. Therefore, in the future all local governments may be required to adopt more stringent standards.

Since we are seeing very few sales with homeowners walking away from the closing table with equity many transactions are going to fall out of escrow if homeowners don't have money to pay for these requirements and the buyer will not pay for them.

It's time to tell our legislators that point of sale is not the time to demand these repairs.

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Corona Certified Farmers’ Market

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:50:05 -0400

www.Koziel.com

Corona Certified Farmers' Market

To say we are excited in Corona, CA about our new Farmers' Market is an understatement. After a lot of hard work by a lot of local people our dream of a Farmers' Market will be coming true. Beginning on July 11, 2009, Farmers' Market Management Company, Inc., established over 30 years ago and known for its success in farming and managing certified farmers' markets, will be bringing its farmers to Corona. It will be held on Saturdays, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm (rain or shine) Main Street Market Place (Main and Rincon). Mayor Steve Nolan said, "Our heritage is based on farming; it is a natural that we would finally have a certified farmers' market to call our own."

All produce available is locally grown by the farmers selling it and none is brokered. Some farmers will offer organic or certified organic fruits and vegetables.

In addition to the naturally ripened produce, fresh cut flowers and some simple food items such as kettle corn or BBQ beef will also be available. Local artisans will be selling handmade crafts.

Come join the fun and support this new effort. A big thank you for all who worked so hard to achieve this great market for Corona.

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Riverside Homes Sales Increasing

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:57:22 -0400

It's time to look at the glass half full!

Home sales are increasing in Riverside County and although the sale prices are down I believe that supply and demand will correct this shortly. Many investors that I work with say they are buying homes in many cities and that they still are finding renters.

Single Family Residence
Time Period    Number of Sales         Median Sale Price
Apr 2009                    3,363               $197,000
Apr 2008                    3,020               $293,250
Mar 2009                    3,407               $205,000
Mar 2008                    2,555               $305,000
Information gathered from the Multi Regional MLS.

The First Time homebuyer programs are still a wonderful opportunity for people to get into their first homes. The $8,000 credit from the Federal Government doesn't have to be paid back like the earlier programs so don’t miss this opportunity! California also has a program that will give you an additional 5% of purchase price, not to exceed $10,000.

See full chart on both First Time Credits at http://www.koziel.com/New_Tax_Credits/page_2218833.html

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Stop kicking yourself about forgetting that flash drive!

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:34:04 -0400

www.Koziel.com

Stop kicking yourself about forgetting that flash drive!

I have to tell you about my new favorite website! If you have ever been caught sitting in front of the wrong computer when you need to access a document this new program is for you. LIVE MESH! Now connect your work computer, your home laptop, your Mac or your mobile phone. Files are needed on all devices but why keep copies of files on all devices? Synchronize files from all devices easily. Share files with friends and co workers. Now everyone can work on a project and see changes made by the team. Live Mesh notifies you when a member is added to your Mesh or when files are changed.

Second advantage: With software companies limiting the number of times a program can be loaded this is a great chance to access that special program from any computer.

If you are like me I have often emailed myself a file so I would have access to it at the office. Now I can synchronize important files on any device I like. Sync a folder with only one or two of your devices, or with all of them.

Live Mesh is free and you are allowed 5 GB of storage on your Live Mesh site. As the website states, “Who says you can’t be in two different places at once? With Live Mesh, you can connect remotely from one computer to another, so you can access files, programs, and settings as if you were sitting in front of that remote computer.” Check it out today at www.mesh.com.

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Buyers need to beware!

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Sun, 03 May 2009 13:23:35 -0400

www.Koziel.com

Buyers are learning valuable lessons!

It appears that some buyers are finally starting to ask the right questions before they purchase a home. With today's economy being what it is this is a good sign. The last thing you need after purchasing a home are surprise expenses.

Many of the homes that have been built in the past decade have homeowners association but many homebuyers ask few questions about the association finances and protections. It is the buyer’s responsibility to ask for a detail report on the budget of the association and how healthy it is. How many homeowners are not current on their association dues and what action is the board taking to collect this money? Is the board currently saving in a reserve account for repairs that will be needed? If the reserve account is underfunded how is the board addressing this concern?

All associations have rules and regulations. Read them carefully before you purchase. It is unfair to purchase and then use the excuse that I didn't know that or I was never told about that rule. RULES ARE MADE FOR ALL TO FOLLOW!

One rule that is being reconsidered by many people in 55+ communities is the rule on having anyone living in the home that is not 55 for an extended time. Many adults are finding it necessary to have children move back in after they have lost a home. Although this is a very sad situation it doesn't change the rules that control the tax benefits of these developments. Why should the association lose its reduced tax benefits because a few households can't follow the rules.

There are many benefits for living in an area with homeowners associations but be sure you understand both the good and the bad aspects of association living.

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Stop Graffiti-REALTORS and the city of Corona, CA are working together

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 19:15:00 -0400

The City of Corona, CA needs your help to stop graffiti. The city has developed a new graffitii abatement program which involves many of the city's departments. The program is designed to help find and remove unsightly graffiti. Their goal is to remove it quickly and to catch the vandals.

The city's website states, "The Public Works Department administers the City's Graffiti Removal program. The program removes graffiti from public property utilizing environmentally safe methods such as power washing, gel removers, and painting. Please help in keeping Corona beautiful by contacting the Graffiti Hotline at (951) 817-5841 to report any and all markings in the community. When making a report please make sure to provide the location of the graffiti, including cross streets and the object with graffiti on it, such as a wall, utility box or the side of a building. If you prefer, you can also report graffiti locations by filling out an Online Service Request form.

To report graffiti that is currently in progress, dial 9-1-1.

The City operates a reward program for anyone providing information that leads to the apprehension, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for vandalism, graffiti or theft in the City. To report suspicious activity, please call (951) 736-2333 or dial 9-1-1 in an emergency. "

The local association of REALTORS is promoting this program by giving out magnets and brochures to clients and friends. The REALTORS are using parts of the city's public education program that raises community awareness of the problem and educates children on the damage caused by this vandalism in their campaign.
To learn more about how you can help keep Corona graffiti-free, please download the City's "Graffiti Prevention and Removal" brochure.Please be ready with the location of the incident, a description of the suspect(s) and their vehicle.

For more information about this program click here.

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed

Corona CA Golf Homes

Sharon Koziel (IBC Real Estate-Corona) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:49:31 -0400

Funny how life changes make you rethink many ideas you had during your life. I once told my father, who was a golf lover; I would never follow a little white ball around a course. Now that I'm older and I think wiser I have taken up this sport and understand why getting away to the golf course was so much fun for Dad. Here in Corona we are blessed with many fine courses. I recently visited one which is located in South Corona-Eagle Glen. Eagle Glen is peaceful and challenging course that has many scenic vistas. The clubhouse is beautiful with a great menu selection. Since the course is located at the foot of the Cleveland National Forest it is a perfect retreat from your busy schedule. The course was designed by world renowned architect Gary Roger Baird and provides for a lot of fun for golfers of every skill level. View golf homes at my website. My next adventure will take me just down the street to Trilogy. Another beautiful course with the back drop of the Cleveland National Forest. Wish me luck!

Sharon Koziel, CRS,e-PRO www.koziel.com mailto:sharon@koziel.com

My Blog Feed