Saturday, April 28, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
I can afford that!!!
Fast Facts
Calif. median home price: April 2012: $266,660 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by region/county April 2012: Marin, $732,140 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price by region/county April 2012: Tehama, $85,000 (Source: C.A.R.)
For more info call me at 310-384-4115 or send me and email at
jonescrestla@gmail.com
Calif. median home price: April 2012: $266,660 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by region/county April 2012: Marin, $732,140 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price by region/county April 2012: Tehama, $85,000 (Source: C.A.R.)
For more info call me at 310-384-4115 or send me and email at
jonescrestla@gmail
#Are You and FHA Buyer???
#Are You and FHA Buyer???
C.A.R. applauds reinstatement of FHA loan limits; urges longer extension of flood insurance
LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Congress passed a “minibus” appropriations measure that will continue to fund the government and includes a provision to reinstate the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan limit in high-cost areas for two years.
The higher Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA conforming loan limits of $729,750 expired Oct. 1, when it was reduced to $625,500. The passage of H.R. 2112 provides for an extension of FHA-insured mortgages at the higher level through December 2013. It also provides for a short-term extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through Dec. 16, 2011. C.A.R. and NAR strongly urge Congress to work on a five-year NFIP reauthorization bill to provide certainty and avoid further disruption to real estate markets.
“C.A.R. is pleased the Senate and House were able to come to a reasonable compromise on extending the FHA loan limit to ensure affordable home financing for middle-class buyers,” said 2012 C.A.R. President LeFrancis Arnold. “However, we are disappointed that the Senate and House could not agree on increasing the loan limits for Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-insured loans, especially since the Senate bill included a premium on high-cost loans that protected U.S. taxpayers from footing the costs.”
The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) and the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) have long advocated making permanent higher loan limits.
A continued government role in housing financing will ensure stability in mortgage markets and that home buyers in high-cost areas will be able to refinance and obtain FHA financing for new home purchases more easily. However, it will cost these home buyers more to finance their homes either through jumbo mortgages or with FHA than it would have through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
The conforming loan limit determines the maximum size of a mortgage that government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can buy or “guarantee.” Non-conforming or “jumbo loans” typically carry higher mortgage interest rates than conforming loans, increasing monthly payments and hampering the ability of families in California to purchase homes by making them less affordable.
Leading the way...® in California real estate for more than 100 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, with more than 160,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles.
Sourced from the CAR Web-Site
Sourced from the CAR Web-Site
California pending home sales highest level in nearly three years
California pending home sales highest level in nearly three years
California pending home sales posted higher for the third consecutive month in March, rising from both the previous month and year, C.A.R. reported Tuesday. Additionally, the share of distressed sales dropped for the second consecutive month, as equity sales typically increase with the start of the spring home buying season.
C.A.R.’s Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI)* rose from a revised 126.5 in February to 143.7 in March, based on signed contracts. The March 2012 index was the highest since April 2009, when the PHSI was 146.9. The index also was up from the 128.9 index recorded in March 2011, marking the eleventh consecutive month that pending sales were higher than the previous year. Pending home sales are forward-looking indicators of future home sales activity, providing information on the future direction of the market.
• The share of equity sales – or non-distressed property sales – compared with total sales increased in March to 55.4, up from 51.1 percent in February. Equity sales made up 50.2 percent of all sales in March 2011.
• Meanwhile, the total share of all distressed property types sold statewide decreased in March to 44.6 percent, down from February’s 48.9 percent and from 49.8 percent in March 2011.
• The share of short sales was down again in March. Of the distressed properties sold statewide in March, 21.1 percent were short sales, down from February’s share of 23 percent but up from last March’s share of 20.1 percent.
• The share of REO sales also declined in March to 23.1 percent, down from February’s 25.2 percent and down from the 29.4 percent recorded in March 2011. Sourced from the California Association of Realtors.
• T.J. Jones, Realtor Lic. # 01434299
• Keller Williams VIP Properties Valencia
• 661-480-1143 or, 310-384-4115
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Flicker stark
By Jesse Hollington
Applications Editor, iLounge (Google+)
Published: Wednesday, April 11, 2012
News Category: Apps + Games
iPont has updated FlickrStackr for the third-generation iPad with the ability to view full-resolution, original photos from Flickr to take full advantage of the new Retina Display. The new optional feature downloads the original photo, when available, and resizes it to 2048px for on-screen display. The new version also provides improvements to the photo editor including iOS 4 support and the ability to process higher-resolution images, the ability to specify a default privacy setting when uploading new photos to Flickr and improvements for viewing photos on an external display or via AirPlay. Several bug fixes and stability improvements have also been made in this latest update. FlickrStackr is a universal app and is available from the App Store for $2.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Santa Clarita tech news
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Arch stone Townhomes in Fair Oaks Ranch Ca
SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Apr 05, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Archstone, a leader in apartment investment and operations, today announced that it has begun construction on a brand-new rental townhome development in Santa Clarita in a joint venture with Resmark Apartment Living, a division of The Resmark Companies, a full-service real estate investment advisor.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on site today to unveil the plans for the 157-unit townhome community located at the corner of Lost Canyon Rd. and Via Princessa on the 12.49 acre site. The site is situated within a short commute of major employment centers in the San Fernando Valley and the greater Los Angeles Area. Archstone expects first units to be available in spring 2013.
“We are excited to partner with Resmark, a well-respected organization, to begin the development of another high-quality community in our largest market -- Southern California,” said Neil Brown, Archstone’s chief development officer. “As one of the largest owners and operators in the market, we believe Archstone Santa Clarita will be an excellent addition to the 55 communities and 18,570 units we already own and/or operate there.”
Ziv Cohen, Chief Operating Officer at Resmark Apartment Living, added: “Resmark is pleased to partner with a developer as highly regarded as Archstone on this unique community, which will be an attractive addition to the Santa Clarita market. We look forward to working with Archstone in creating what we believe will become one of the area’s premier apartment destinations.”
Archstone Santa Clarita offers direct access to State Route 14, which connects to Interstate 5, for a short commute to Los Angeles. Within a mile of the community is the Via Princessa Metrolink Station, which provides service to the San Fernando Valley and Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.
In addition to its proximity to the greater Los Angeles area, Archstone Santa Clarita will offer easy access to one of the strongest job markets in Los Angeles County, the Santa Clarita Valley. The area is home to professional employers in film production, aerospace, manufacturing, biomedical research and high tech.
“The strong job market in the Valley and in the Los Angeles area has helped create greater demand for quality rental housing in Santa Clarita,” said Richard E. Lamprecht, Archstone’s executive vice president of development for the West Region. “We expect Archstone Santa Clarita to be perfectly positioned to capture that demand because of its access to commuter-friendly transportation options and the many thriving employers in the city.”
The community will also be within a short drive of popular shopping options at the recently developed Plaza Country at Golden Valley shopping center, which features Target, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Staples and Bed Bath & Beyond. It is also within two miles of Ralphs, Albertsons, Stater Bros. and Costco, in addition to numerous restaurants and local shops.
While at home, residents will have access to a number of unique amenities, including a resort-style pool, spa and Yoga lawn. Also available to residents will be a club lounge, business center, fitness room, barbecue area and playgrounds.
Each of the 3-bed, 2.5 bath townhomes will feature 2-car garages and high-end finishes. The kitchens will feature European-style, flat panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Select townhomes will offer mountain views, an over-sized patio with outdoor fireplace and a second private patio.
About Archstone
Archstone is a recognized leader in apartment investment and operations. The company's portfolio is concentrated in many of the most desirable neighborhoods in and around Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, New York, Seattle and Boston. Archstone strives to provide great apartment rentals and great service to its customers--backed by service guarantees. As of December 31, 2011, the company owned or had an ownership position in 432 communities located in the United States and Europe, representing 72,996 units, including units under construction.
About Resmark
Founded in 1995, Resmark is a leading national private equity firm focused on real estate and powered by core foundational discipline and focus. A fully integrated real estate investment group, The Resmark Companies' divisions--Resmark Land and Housing, Resmark Apartment Living and Resmark Shopping Centers--finance, acquire, develop and manage real estate in California and the Western United States and other select major metropolitan markets nationwide. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Resmark also maintains corporate offices in San Diego and La Jolla. For additional information, please visit www.resmark.com .
SOURCE: Archstone
Archstone
Peter Jakel, 720-873-6392
pjakel@archstonemail.com
Copyright Business Wire 2012
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Canyon Country
Monday, April 9, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
I can afford that!!!
Fast Facts
Calif. median home price: February 2012: $266,660 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by region/county February 2012: Marin, $732,140 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price by region/county February 2012: Tehama, $85,000 (Source: C.A.R.)
For more info call me at 310-384-4115 or send me and email atjonescrestla@gmail.com
Calif. median home price: February 2012: $266,660 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by region/county February 2012: Marin, $732,140 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price by region/county February 2012: Tehama, $85,000 (Source: C.A.R.)
For more info call me at 310-384-4115 or send me and email atjonescrestla@gmail
How can I help you buy or sell your home
Fast Facts
Calif. median home price: February 2012: $266,660 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by region/county February 2012: Marin, $732,140 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price by region/county February 2012: Tehama, $85,000 (Source: C.A.R.)
For more info call me at 310-384-4115 or send me and email atjonescrestla@gmail.com
http://jonescrestproperties.com
Calif. median home price: February 2012: $266,660 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by region/county February 2012: Marin, $732,140 (Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price by region/county February 2012: Tehama, $85,000 (Source: C.A.R.)
For more info call me at 310-384-4115 or send me and email atjonescrestla@gmail.com
http://jonescrestproperties.com
Location:Canyon Country Real Estate
SOLAR INCLUDED, Fair Oaks Ranch CA, New Homes
The Next Generation of Pardee Homes
SOLAR INCLUDED! Picturesque mountains frame the master-planned community of Fair Oaks Ranch® and set the stage for family-friendly, earth-friendly life at LivingSmart® Homes. Enjoy an extensive trail system and private community recreation center with Jr. Olympic-sized pool and many additional amenities. Stroll to a 6-acre park with playground, basketball courts and barbecue areas. High-ranking schools, shopping, easy freeway access and Metrolink service are all close to these homes.
First neighborhood in California to earn the National Green Building Standard Gold certification.
Jonescrestla@gmail.com
Solar Included, Go Green and Save the Enviornment in Fair Oaks Ranch CA
The Next Generation of Pardee New Homes in Fair Oaks Ranch CA
SOLAR INCLUDED! Picturesque mountains frame the master-planned community of Fair Oaks Ranch® and set the stage for family-friendly, earth-friendly life at LivingSmart® Homes. Enjoy an extensive trail system and private community recreation center with Jr. Olympic-sized pool and many additional amenities. Stroll to a 6-acre park with playground, basketball courts and barbecue areas. High-ranking schools, shopping, easy freeway access and Metrolink service are all close to these homes.
First neighborhood in California to earn the National Green Building Standard Gold certification.
Location:Pardee New Homes in Canyon Country c
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
What can a Realtor do for you?
How can a real estate agent help me?
Seven main roles of your real estate agent
A Buyer’s Real Estate Agent:
1. Educates you about your market.
2. Analyzes your wants and needs.
3. Guides you to homes that fit your criteria.
4. Coordinates the work of other needed professionals.
5. Negotiates on your behalf.
6. Checks and double-checks paperwork and deadlines.
7. Solves any problems that may arise.
T.J. Jones Realtor # 01434299
· Keller Williams VIP Properties
· 661.480.1143 310.384.4115
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Fair Oaks Ranch Real Estate: Opting for New Home Construction
Fair Oaks Ranch Real Estate: Opting for New Home Construction: Opting for new home construction Whether to buy an existing home or have one built is yet another decision to make during the home-buying pr...
Opting for New Home Construction
Opting for new home construction
Whether to buy an existing home or have one built is yet another decision to make during the home-buying process. If you decide to go with new construction, a real estate agent can be a powerful advocate in your corner as you negotiate upgrades, a move-in date and other terms with the home builder.
Below are some basic pointers to prepare you for the journey ahead.
Selecting a builder
Shopping for a large production or custom home builder can be a daunting task. Start by defining what architectural styles appeal to you and then seek out the builders in your area who offer those styles. Due diligence is essential. Ask friends for referrals to get firsthand accounts; verify the builder's state license status, if applicable; and check whether they're certified by the National Association of Home Builders.
The builder representative and your real estate agent
A builder representative's ultimate goal is to sell you a home. His or her role is to provide a wide range of information to help you in your decision-making, from building restrictions, roads and easements to inspections, warranties, rebates and upgrades. A real estate agent knowledgeable in new-home construction will be able to help you wade through all the data and point out the downsides and upsides of each line item. Your agent also can look out for your interests in reviewing the builder's contract, which often contains more legal jargon than consumer-friendly language.
It's all about timing
Market conditions greatly dictate a builder's incentive to make a deal you cannot refuse. When a builder has inventory on his hands, his carrying costs start adding up. When this happens, a builder might be more amenable to strike a favorable deal, whether it's throwing in upgrades or taking a bit off the asking price. A real estate agent can help you know when market conditions are right for these benefits. Also, watch for builder close-out sales. Builders promote these special events when a new subdivision is near completion but empty inventory still remains.
A word about paying up
While there are always exceptions, most builders require a deposit when a purchase agreement is signed. They also require that the buyer pay for any upgrades prior to closing. If you back out prior to closing, unless the agreement states otherwise, you will lose that money. Make sure you understand every detail in the builder's contract before signing it.
Below are some basic pointers to prepare you for the journey ahead.
Selecting a builder
Shopping for a large production or custom home builder can be a daunting task. Start by defining what architectural styles appeal to you and then seek out the builders in your area who offer those styles. Due diligence is essential. Ask friends for referrals to get firsthand accounts; verify the builder's state license status, if applicable; and check whether they're certified by the National Association of Home Builders.
The builder representative and your real estate agent
A builder representative's ultimate goal is to sell you a home. His or her role is to provide a wide range of information to help you in your decision-making, from building restrictions, roads and easements to inspections, warranties, rebates and upgrades. A real estate agent knowledgeable in new-home construction will be able to help you wade through all the data and point out the downsides and upsides of each line item. Your agent also can look out for your interests in reviewing the builder's contract, which often contains more legal jargon than consumer-friendly language.
It's all about timing
Market conditions greatly dictate a builder's incentive to make a deal you cannot refuse. When a builder has inventory on his hands, his carrying costs start adding up. When this happens, a builder might be more amenable to strike a favorable deal, whether it's throwing in upgrades or taking a bit off the asking price. A real estate agent can help you know when market conditions are right for these benefits. Also, watch for builder close-out sales. Builders promote these special events when a new subdivision is near completion but empty inventory still remains.
A word about paying up
While there are always exceptions, most builders require a deposit when a purchase agreement is signed. They also require that the buyer pay for any upgrades prior to closing. If you back out prior to closing, unless the agreement states otherwise, you will lose that money. Make sure you understand every detail in the builder's contract before signing it.
· T.J. Jones Realtor # 01434299
· Keller Williams VIP Properties
· 661.480.1143 310.384.4115
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