glendoraREALTORmom

New Year, New Goals, New Home!

2015-12-28T11:18:00.003-08:00

It is that time of year once again...we are winding down from the past 12 months and preparing lists of new accomplishments we would like to obtain in the new year. For many people that were rocked by the recession, and had to short sale or foreclose on a home, there is good news! Interest rates are still low - and I you thought you couldn't get back into the housing market - you can a lot sooner than you probably expected! Per Anne Gahshan at Movement Mortgage in Glendora, CA: After filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you can obtain an FHA loan 2 years from the bankruptcy discharge date and a conventional loan in 4 years from the discharge date. For short sale and foreclosures, an FHA loan can be obtained 3 years from the date and a conventional 4 years from the date. Today's base rates are 4.375 for conventional loans (20% down, 30-year fixed, 740 FICO) and FHA is 4.25 3.5% down payment. There is low inventory, but there are also great buys. Serious sellers are in the market, and serious buyers are looking now! What are your 2016 real estate goals? I will gladly help you reach them! Give me a call or email and let's get started! Happy 2016! Stacy

Thankful!

2014-11-27T06:07:00.000-08:00

It's Thanksgiving morning 2014 and I am writing to share how THANKFUL I am or YOU - my client, my potential client, my referral, my referral source....Real Estate is my livelihood, which allows me to contribute to my household and give back to the community. Thank you to all who have said nice and good things about me... "Professional, "hard-working", "honest and ethical", "knowledgeable" .... ETC.! I truly hope you have a wonderful day .... There is always something to be thankful for! ~ Stacy #Thankfulglendorarealtormom #dovergetsitdone #stacydoverrealestate #stacydoversoldit

Nothing Like a Good Word Being Said and Spread!

2014-10-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

I like to say that if I wasn't in real estate, my absolute dream job would be as a fiction writer and poet. The reality is, I am a REALTOR . . . but, for as long as I can remember, the power of words has always impressed me! Recently, I received a phone call from a potential client who was referred to me from a previous client, and the woman said, in part: "I wanted to call you because....(this person)....said you were really knowledgable, a hard worker and you were the person to ask all of my questions". That was in and of itself, quite flattering. I also have a few reviews I would like to share from clients and industry professionals that took time to say something nice about me..... From Bob M. - Stacy is a personal professional. She is knowledgeable, friendly and communicates really well. Every real estate transaction becomes part of her. She has a real vested interested that everyone feels great about the transaction. She sells homes not houses. She takes the responsibility that her customers have a great experience. She works with her heart and her clients become her friends. From Susie B. - Stacy is hardworking and will go the extra mile for her clients. She is is honest and will tell you what she thinks. She knows the local market very well. I would highly recommend Stacy Dover. From Andrea S. - Andrea Schneider, MSW, LCSW Psychotherapist at andreaschneiderlcsw.com We contacted Stacy to discuss refinancing our home, and she put us in contact with a great referral source...Stacy is an authentic, knowledgable, genuine real estate agent who knows her area and also is very in tune with her customer's needs. I highly recommend Stacy for all of your real estate needs. From Mike Muras - M & K Electrical & Plumbing - Stacy Dover’s successful attitude is a major factor in how she works hard to make her client’s dreams come true. Stacy’s positive response to changes helps everybody “remain calm and carry on”. Stacy is a fantastic agent and consultant. Monique Marino - Stacy is a very active and involved resident of Glendora. Stacy is very informed with houses in the city and surrounding cities which helps narrow down the research process. She is very educated with the paperwork and helpful in getting things processed quickly. If you find yourself - or someone you know - looking for a professional REALTOR - Please contact me - or pass on my information! I am here to serve my clients with the highest quality of service possible! Happy Real Estat-ing! Stacy

When It's Time To Say Goodbye

2014-07-21T11:37:00.001-07:00

In my line of work, the reason for working is because someone is buying or selling real estate - and that usually means that someone is moving. Moving is HARD work for those involved. It is physically and emotionally taxing - even whem the move is for a wonderful reason. A house I have sold this week is a house that, for me, had some personal attachment. The family moving were our neighbors for 9 years. Through raising our kids from pre-school to Jr. high...The early years were when she brought her youngest baby home, and also when she carpooled my kids to school after my third child was born. We spent New Years eves together, family nights, sent kids up and down the street for play dates, traded hand me downs for the kids, cooked meals together, did Christmas shopping....A lot of living. And now, this precious family has moved. As their Realtor, I felt an extra dose of responsibility to my friends...for I knew how much this house was loved. There are times when the love in a home is palpable...and this is one of those times. In this wonderful sellers market, we were able to get their house sold quickly. As their Realtor, I was extremely happy they were able to sell, above asking price, and felt they found the right people to buy their home. As their friend, when I went by the day they loaded their moving truck, my husband working alongside his friends, I felt a sadness in my heart as the memories of such amazing neighbors hit me hard. Yes, I was glad I was chosen to sell their home, but in real estate, you realize, some sells are easier than others!

Why not to list as "For Sale by Owner"

2014-04-22T11:27:00.001-07:00

In today's market, more and more home prices are selling for at or above asking price. In fact, California Association of Realtor's sent a report stating in 2013 around 50% of homes sold something over asking price. When we see a market increase so rapidly, we also see a trend in "For Sale by Owner" homes. Below is a list of just a few reasons it is a good idea to avoid listing your house as a house that is "For sale by owner": 1. For Sale By Owner listings sales prices, statistically show a sales price of 13% less than those represented by a qualified professional. 2. For Sale By Owner's do not have the same Error and Omissions insurance coverage that they would have if represented by a broker. Should something go wrong, you will be exactly where you started - on your own! 3. Advertising locally and on the web is easier with a licensed professional. The cost of one print ad for a single for sale by owner is far more than an agent who has a contract for advertisements on a regular basis. 4. Coordinating your own showings leaves you open to anyone, without pre-screening for qualifications or intentions. Realtors are trained in pre-screening, pre-qualifying and assessing the real buyers from the not so real. 5. Last, your REALTOR is your guide through a very difficult and often convoluted process. Would you go to a friend for medical advice if they were not a doctor? Probably not. Selling your house should be done by a licensed professional for the best results! As always, I am here to help or answer any questions you may have! ~ Stacy

Navigating an Ever-Changing Market

2014-03-03T11:44:00.001-08:00

Whether or not you're in the market to buy or sell real estate, you may have noticed all of the news reports about an increase in property values in 20136, prompting sellers who may have been under-water just one-year ago, to sell. There has been a rash of properties receiving multiple offers, many going higher than the list price, as well. I have now seen another trend...houses coming on the market grossly over-priced! These homes may have been on the market as much as $100,000 less a year prior....And now, they are listed, and they are sitting.... This can lead to a lot of buyer and seller confusion. The buyers are wondering what happened to their ability to afford in the same neighborhood they are now priced out of....And sellers may wonder what happened to their sudden increase in perceived equity. How can we tell where a market is? Usually the sold comparable properties are a great indicator, as well as the percentage of inventory sold vs. listed, the number of days on the market and how many homes see a price reduction, or multiple offers. The indicators to me are usually what helps us see where a market is headed. There are no crystal balls available to us REALTOR's, there are projections from many directions...but, as I see it we are in for a slower price increase this year vs. last. In some areas, houses have one up over 25% in the last 18 months. The real proof of if those prices are accurate is if they will sell. In 2012 I saw the ramp up of activity with multiple offers on properties that were fairly priced, and suddenly people were ready to go over asking price. The trend continued to grow in 2013, and in the later months, it started to wane. The real estate market usually slows down during the November and December months, although it stayed steady in 2013, the price increases were not as rampant. Enter the new year, and the beginning of a new spring selling season. New listings are popping up and I am seeing a lot of homes priced more than $100,000 higher than they would have been a year ago. I have yet to see a good closed comparable in the market area, but as usual, time will tell. My advice for sellers right now? List your home based on actual sold comparable properties and condition of your home. Do not reach into the future and guess what you think your home may be worth in a few months. For buyers, don't be afraid to keep looking. The right house will show up, and as long as you are ready to make an offer when it does, you will have your home this year! The key is being prepared with your pre-approval, current proof of funds, and any possible contingencies handled. If you have any questions on what you think you may qualify for as a buyer -- or if you have questions about what your home may be worth as a seller, please contact me. I will take the time necessary to give you the best possible scenario! Happy House-Hunting - Or Home Selling!!! Stacy

Spring Cleaning for Senior Citizens

2014-01-27T12:18:00.001-08:00

Over the years, I have been blessed to represent many senior citizens selling their home. I consider it a blessing, because so many of them have really awesome stories, and I love a good story! Talking to them, you actually get a sense of what they would have been like as young adults, and parents. I have marveled at the photograph of Mars taken from the first rover hanging over one special clients fireplace. She was a Computess - before computers, massive and complicated mathematical computations for space exploration were done by hand. And here she was, a woman, working in a scientific and male dominated industry back when most were washing clothes by hand and hanging them to dry (and no, there is nothing wrong with that, just a comparison to show her unique situation). She was responsible for computing distance and longitude and latitude, and who knows what else, so this amazing feat of science could land on another planet! Hearing her stories of motherhood, marriage and Cal Tech were very inspiring. Recently, with the loss of my father-in-law, I have seen many phases a senior citizen goes through as their health transitions into new stages and their loved ones caringly support them. There have been many moments I have thought my mother-in-law was in a perpetual state of spring cleaning. If you find yourself supporting a loved one who is a senior citizen and either living at home or in assisted living, below are some great tips to help them "spring clean". Seniors for Living Blog has posted this detailed list of what Spring Cleaning for senior citizens looks like: 1.Make a checklist. Write down everything you and your senior loved one would like to get done. Tasks may include washing windows and curtains, wiping out the refrigerator, scrubbing the floor, etc. Be sure to include the following tasks to reduce senior safety hazards: 1.Clean out the medicine cabinet and dispose of expired medications or those no longer prescribed 2.Throw away any expired food 3.Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors 4.Remove clutter from walkways 5.Replace light bulbs if necessary and ensure rooms and hallways are adequately lit 6.Get rid of throw-rugs to eliminate tripping hazards 7.Consider installing grab bars in the bathroom 2.Schedule it. Just like a doctor’s appointment or other important commitment, block off time in your schedule that you can devote to spring cleaning. You may want to knock everything out in one weekend, or you may want to take it one chore at a time over several weeks, fitting it in when you have time. Either way, consider it time well spent with your loved one. 3.Enlist help. Make it a family affair. The more the merrier. If you can’t convince family members to lend a hand, consider hiring help. A professional caregiver can assist with laundry, dusting, vacuuming and other light housekeeping tasks. 4.Involve your senior loved one. It’s important to keep your loved one engaged and feeling useful, no matter what his or her limitations. If it’s not easy for Mom to get around, hand her the silver polish and silverware. Or give Dad a stack of papers to go through while you take care of the rest of the home. 5.De-clutter, then clean. Seniors who have accumulated a lifetime of belongings often have so much stuff that it clutters the house and makes it difficult to clean, much less live safely in. Don’t just clean around the piles—tackle them first. But, be careful not to get trash-happy. Learn the 10 reasons seniors hang on to stuff and how to handle the clutter in a diplomatic manner. Finally, be sure to address any problems you uncover while cleaning. You don’t want to see the fruits of your labor reverse back into a pig sty in less than six months. If you discover your loved one has piles of unpaid bills, expired food in the pantry or hasn’t been cleaning up after the pets, perhaps it’s time for some extra help around the house. A little housekeeping help from a caregiver for just a few hours a week can help keep the home clean while offering your loved one companionship and support on a regular basis. As always, if you are looking for an honest, ethical and hard working realtor to support your needs, let me know. I am here to help! -Stacy

Change is GREAT!

2013-10-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

If you have been following me since I began, you know I do not change things much. Well, right in-line with my favorite season, fall, when leaves fall from branches to make way for fresh growth, I am joining a new, dynamic real estate firm! I have started working with COLDWELL BANKER MILLENNIUM in the downtown Glendora "village". I am excited to be back downtown with all the excitement that goes along with it....The events, the friends coming and going, the visitors checking out our great town! I am thrilled because not only is the office centrally located, and a great place for clients to feel the warmth of our city, there are also wonderful marketing opportunities that I think make the office above par. Next time you're in the area...stop by and say "hi". And when you are ready for a change and ready to make a move...CALL ME! I am still here providing the personalized service I am known for. Bring on the change! Happy Fall. - Stacy

Summer is here!

2013-06-05T07:35:00.004-07:00

Southern California seems to have endless summers....The warm breezes, sunny skies and laid back attitude are all a part of life here. Yet, when school is out, and summer "officially" begins, something happens to home sellers & buyers...something almost like a frenzy. A seller may have thought of selling and played around with the idea, looked over prices, home staging...but once Memorial Day has come and gone, there is a new sense of urgency! Homes are listed, buyers are pounding the pavement from open house to open house and contracts are written in a quicker pace. We are now in the midst of this cycle. There are a few things to be careful about if you are buyer - you may be caught up in the harsh reality that the market has changed and your choices have dwindled while prices & competition have climbed. Here are a few things to look out for: 1. More sellers are asking you waive your appraisal contingency or pay the difference in cash. IF you choose that option and your offer is accepted, make sure you and your agent are continuing to track actual sales prices up to the point of no return on your contract. Do not blindly waive your appraisal. 2. More sellers are asking you waive an inspection. Unless you plan to completely remodel the home, I would not advise this of any buyer. Even if the house is "as-is" with "no repairs", an inspection, for your own peace of mind, is always a good idea. 3. If you like a home, do not wait to make an offer. Homes are gone days after they are listed. There are many eager buyers hoping to catch the low interest rates and the great, standard sales in today's market. The early bird truly gets the worm. 4. ALWAYS make sure your have pre-qualified with a reputable, direct lender. I do not usually recommend a large bank because the customer service always seems to be lacking. Being able to close on time is of the utmost importance always, but especially in today's market. 5. Be patient....Buying a home is a huge process, too often simplified by 30 minute television programs. Everyone that is working on your behalf wants the best possible outcome. Tune in for my sellers tips on the next post!

Home is ... Everchanging!

2013-04-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

In real estate there is no down time. The market is constantly shifting and realtors and brokers must stay on top of the current market, locally and nationally. As the market changes, people's needs change. Maybe that young couple is ready to try for a home of their own - maybe that family is ready to move up, perhaps the empty nesters are ready to down size. Whatever the need, the market is ready to take on the latest shift. The current market is posting increases in sales, the likes of which we have not seen in several years. Watching neighborhoods specifically, some areas are back to 2002 prices. A huge difference is we are looking at interest rates which are nearly half the 6% range of 10 years ago. The market is perfect for buyers and sellers and I think it is only going to get better as late spring turns to summer. What are you looking for? A new place to call home? Or maybe a friend or relative is looking to make a change? I am here to help navigate the process for start to finish. A home for various needs can be a complex formula, ever changing as specific needs change. Rest assured, there is something out there for everyone! And if you are a seller, this is a wonderful time to sell! A home is one of the best investments you could make. A home is a source of shelter, comfort and peace while it also has long term investment gains. If you are ready to make a move - I am here to help. Call me today for a free consultation.

Why Make a Move?

2013-03-14T11:13:00.001-07:00

It's March and almost St. Patrick's Day....a sign to me that spring is just around the corner. My great-grandfather was scots-Irish and, I am told, enjoyed St. Patrick's day when he came to America...but, I don't think it included green-beer. My moms birthday is the first day of spring, so every year, her card from him included some sort of good luck motif. This time of year is happy - hopeful - and can be full of luck! When it comes to real estate - timing can be everything. The timing of your move, whether you are selling, buying, leasing, can be crucial. Many think the investors are lucky right now....they get offers accepted faster than your average buyer. For non-investors, home prices are are still low and you are still getting a phenomenal interest rate. Although inventory is low, it usually picks up once the weather gets warmer, and I am hopeful it will. If you are looking to sell your home - times are wonderful! You can expect a well-priced home to receive multiple offers right now. If you are looking to buy, don't get discouraged by the lack of inventory or investor activity; the right agent can help you - and will work with you until you're in your new home - no matter how many offers have to be written! If you are flat out discouraged, you can look at leasing a property for a year. There are many wonderful homes just waiting for a new occupant. For real estate - times couldn't be "luckier". If you need any help with navigating your next transaction, give me a call. I am always here to help with honesty and integrity. You will receive personalized attention and you won't be another "client in the queue". Happy St. Patrick's Day! Stacy

It's November - isn't it a time to WAIT and RELIST after the holidays?

2012-11-06T14:10:00.001-08:00

So, the title of this post is a long question... I know....To get straight to the point, I understand that the consumers are wondering, "why bother selling now and looking to move when it's almost Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then New Year..." aka "the holidays"? I have 67 good reasons why...That is, there are 49 active listings in Glendora, zip code 91741 only, and there are 67 listings under contract (they have accepted an offer and are in various stages of escrow). There are more homes under contract then available! It is a sellers market! It has been a long time since that has happened. In fact, I closed three properties in the past month, and I definitely saw a shift in market trends from a buyers market to a sellers market. Reasons people are buying? Low interest rates, good loan programs and for many people, a more stable job in the past couple of years. This means, the ability to qualify for a loan is higher than a couple of years ago, and prices are lower! More sellers can now sell their starter home and move up -- and the market for both starter homes and move up is huge -- but the inventory is not. Thus, a sellers market. Although the economy is still struggling, we are rebounding in some areas - and housing is one of them. If you have been thinking of selling and don't know where to start - contact me! I can help! And if you are thinking of buying, please call me! I will always work my hardest to get you the best deal with the utmost integrity and professionalism! Happy house hunting! ~ Stacy

Home is...where you go when vacation is over!

2012-07-28T22:02:00.002-07:00

It is a midsummer evening and the crickets are playing their tune with sheer, creeping consistency; The warm afternoon temperatures have given way to a cool, slightly breezy atmosphere. Eyes are tired - yet there is no real rush to sleep. This is summer. This is summer, after vacation, before a real school schedule, with the pace of something between dreams and reality. Summer is the "hot" selling season, too. Real estate continues to be a wonderful investment and buyers all around are taking note. This time of year, things seem more possible - like homeownership. Choosing between that amazing vacation and a down payment becomes a little bit easier. For, as we all know, all good things come to an end. After a very busy year, my family finally took a vacation a couple of weeks ago. We stayed in a couple of cities and one in particular had a very nice hotel room with a bay view - heaven on earth! Even so - we all knew it was temporary. It was vacation, after all! We admired the furnishings, the view and the lobby (seriously), and I promised myself I wouldn't forget some of the specific decorations I really liked, you know, so I could repeat at home.... (already forgotten). When we left, however, and finally arrived home, it was just as wonderful. And as I thought about this, I reminded myself that home is where you go when vacation is over! The best thing you can do as a potential buyer is to dream...visualize your home, what you like, how it makes you feel...and then call me! I will help you make that dream a reality. As a seller, look at your home with a buyers critical eye....and then after you have de-cluttered and cleaned, call me! I will help with more ideas (if needed) to stage your home, and I will provide you with statistical information to help get your house sold (yes, the market is good for selling right now)! As always if you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell -- and you need someone that will work hard, be honest and not stop until the job is done - call me! Until then, enjoy the rest of your summer!

2012-07-13T12:16:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot in the news about the California Homeowner Bill of Rights which was signed into law this week. A few facts about this law, which was created to help struggling homeowners in the state of California: 1. This law prevents a lender from dual tracking a home mortgage - which means a lender cannot simultaneously have a home in the foreclosure process while at the same time working on a loan modification. 2. Homeowners must be provided with a single point of contact when negotiating a loan modicfication. 3. The bill expands notice requirements that must be provided to a borrower before taking action on a loan modification application or pursuing foreclosure. Additional information on this new law can be found at www.dsnews.com The new law is effective January 1, 2013. If you or anyone you know if not eligible for a loan modification, but want to prevent the negative credit effects of foreclosure, a short sale may be the best choice. Contact me today of you are interested in learning more about the process. Best - Stacy

2012-06-03T21:30:00.000-07:00

It is a Sunday night in June and I have had the sincere pleasure of enjoying dinner outside on our back patio, then watching our three kids play nicely... which included them configuring a jump-rope fashioned as a safety belt for each rider on our backyard tree swing. Whilst attached to said swing via jump-rope seat-belt, the rider was spun completely into one direction until the swing could no longer turn. Then, a swift back turn released the child into a quickly unwinding spin. The backyard (and probably several backyards) were then filled with the deep laughter of our 11 1/2 year old, the squealing excitement of our 5 year old, and the alternating giggle-squeal from our 8 year old. Good old fashioned backyard hi-jinks. Afterwards, I was watering the garden and realized the moon was full. So, I peeled the kids from their ice cream bowls, pulled on flip flops and we walked. The outside air was pinched slightly with the scent of jasmine. The distant sounds of restless peacock echoed ala fantasy island and the kids - especially the two boys, wheeled ahead of mom and pop with youthful exuberance and sibling symmetry. When we rounded the corner, my oldest son tricked me into thinking there was a dead lizard on the sidewalk. A quick step and scream, and an unseen slap on his behind got us moving again. As we came home, the kids put away their scooters and bike, went in the side gate & hopped up the back steps. Bath time -- there was still school tomorrow...Bed-time....this pleasure has to end, I suppose. And now, as I quickly jot this down before my memory fades, the $40 water fountain I got on deep discount churns water through with the consistency of rain drops. My daughter has a book to read while I write and I am more than thankful as I reflect on this evening. As a Realtor, I make memories like this possible...as I help people find their home. As a mom, I make memories like this building blocks, as my kids experience and grow. Today, I not only had a wonderful evening but I also met with some clients who are a family of their own. We are selling their house, they are also buying a new house, and I am hopeful for them and the memories they will make in their new home. I have to say, I think that is what I like BEST about my job!

Volunteerism + Community = Home

2012-03-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

It is the official "busy" selling season. Every year, as the tax deadline looms and the sun starts to shine more, people start thinking about buying, selling or both. It is inevitable that once the new year hits, then super-bowl passes, people really start turning their wheels about this whole "house thing"!

Also this time of year, the school year is more than half over, kids start getting spring fever and the teachers prepare in a wild dash for open houses, science fairs, field trips, report cards, testing.....It is also when baseball and softball are in full-swing. I am sure I am missing something, but, I think you get my point....it is just plain busy!

This school year marks my first of two serving in a volunteer position at a local elementary school as PTA President. I have spent every year of my children's school careers volunteering in various capacities of PTA. I thoroughly enjoy having a hand in the programs my children experience with the funds I have helped to raise and budget. I also enjoy watching a team of volunteer parents, many of which work "outside of the home" as well. When I think about the major feats we conquer - just as one small schools' PTA, I am almost overwhelmed at how much of a difference each person truly makes.

One of the things which attracts potential buyers to a new place to live is the sense of "community" they feel. If there are buzzwords for buyers with young families they are "community", "Good schools", "home-town feeling". And when I work with a buyer like that - I know exactly what they are looking for. Because no matter where you are -- California, Nevada, Oregon, Hawaii, if you are looking for a place that feels like "home", it is usually a place that offers a sense of community. Community - when used as a verb means the volunteer parents working the fields preparing for each game, shopping the big box store to stock the snack bar, crunching the numbers to maximize the last fundraiser, having a yard sale to support their scout troop, helping the lost child, housing the lost and tag-less dog (thanks to my neighbors, the Mikesells), etc.

Besides your family, friends and pets, what makes a home to you? If you don't already, I encourage you to get involved in your community and volunteer even a small portion of your time. Helping build something brings people together! And, in reality, it will help your property values as you maintain your community spirit!

New, new, new!

2012-01-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

This is the month we, as consumers are hit with weight loss plans, planning calendars, organization systems, etc. all in the name of starting new -- starting fresh -- new beginnings! So here we are, January 2012! What have you decided to do "new" this year? What are you looking to renew?

As a goal oriented person, I always make "new" goals this time of year. My husband and I have professional and personal goals -- short and long term. When we bought our first house, it was the realization of a long-term goal -- and it felt wonderful. Sometimes, in a world that changes constantly, and is about new beginings on a cyclical basis, it is nice to have some constants.

For many people, the constant is their home. I love real estate because it is the realization of someone's long term goal when they buy a home. Even selling a home is usually part of a new plan with some good goals attached.

I am a fourth generation Glendoran, and as such I can still walk past the first house my great-grandfather built here in town (On Leadora Ave). My kids, fifth generation Glendoran's, do not yet realize how lucky they are to have so many constants around them. Even though we are surrounded by family history, my grandfather eventually moved up to Redding to retire (not before he built some more there).

Moving is synonymous with change, and change can be wonderful. If you plan to move this year, and need someone who will work for your best interest -- and who is a full-time realtor with roots in town (and extended roots to Temple City) -- give me a call. I can and will work hard to make your dreams a reality.

Happy Holidays and Welcome 2012!

2011-12-16T11:27:00.000-08:00

As I begin this post, I am sitting at my office desk surrounded by calendar magnets and Christmas Cards. As I address envelopes, I realize a great number of my family Christmas cards are also going to include a calendar magnent (saving the environment one combined mailing at a time!) The reason, though, is that many friends are clients and clients are friends. I am sincerely thankful to each friend that has also been a client. It is a true testimony to be able to say friends choose me - it is a true blessing, indeed!

As I look back on my year, it has been a whirlwind of activity. The real estate market has not been any easier, but I have been able to close deals and get people where they'd like to be -- or need to be -- and that feels great!

I thank each of you that has chosen me - or referred me - this year. As I have sold from Temple City to Fontana, I can say I put my heart into each transaction. And I am thankful for the friendships I have nurtured through the integrity I have in my business.

By the way -- RATES ARE RIDICULOUSLY LOW! Buy or refi if you can -- you'll be so glad you did!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Stacy

Hello, Fall!

2011-09-20T12:50:00.003-07:00

There’s an older children’s book called Now it’s Fall by Lois Lenski I read each year to my kids as the season’s change – the beginning and end are the same….
“Summer’s over,
Now it’s fall -
Just the nicest time of all”

It is a basic rhyme that holds a lot of truth to it! Fall is here – a time to harvest what was worked on throughout the year. A time to clean out, start over, make changes….the last few months of a year, one last chance to make it end on the right note!

If you have been watching the news, reading a magazine or newspaper, you are probably aware that the economic recovery has been slow in the United States (and many parts of the world). What this year has taught many of us is that once again, with interest rates low and prices rock bottom, it has been a fantastic year to buy a home. For those with equity, it has been a great time to sell. Buyers are coming out of the woodwork with cash, or large down-payments, or just highly credit-qualified. Over 60% of the population can now afford the median home price in LA County. That statistic is truly remarkable.

Have you been on the fence about moving? Are you ready to make a change? Why not now? After all, “summer’s over, now it’s fall…Just the nicest time of all!”

Warm Regards,

Stacy Dover
REALTOR ®
DRE #01768476

Summer is here - NOW WHAT?!

2011-06-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

As a mom of three, I am constantly preparing my household for the next transition...maybe that's why I seem to clean more frantically, read more and write more at a seasons transition. There's a shift in the house and how we function every few months. Summer is here - so now what?!

Well, all the kids are home and keeping busy with various activities, and this is the traditional busy time for me in real estate. My desk is full of prospects, newletters and listing information. My head is full of the latest stats (for the most part!) and my coffee is warm and my mind fully caffeinated. So now what? Well, interest rates are seriously at historic lows (OK, I know I have said this before, but truthfully, I do not know how much lower we can go). Conventional and FHA rates are nearly the same (high 4's low 5's). Buyers that have been waiting have a seriously prime, once in a generation time to buy. Why keep waiting?

Many of us that bought in the last decade may wish we had waited for a time such as this. I have helped many families who got caught in the upswing and due to job loss, or health issues could no longer afford their home. But, many of these families, who just a few short years ago had to short sale their home, have been able to get back in to the market.

How is this possible? Well, there are several factors. My theory includes the need for housing does not cease to exist (and if rent is just as much, why not buy?)Houses in the San Gabriel valley - especially foothill areas - are positioned in much desired locations. The locations are prime because of schools, safety, scenery and proximity to urban work centers (i.e. downtown LA, Pasadena). Despite the economy here - it is worse other places. FHA loans still have low rates, high loan limits and low downs (3.5%). There are also other programs that have been very helpful with regard to buyer assistance. The economy needs the housing industry to recover and there are more loan programs to help people than before!

If you are on the fence, still wondering and worried about a double dip (which has not happened in LA County), stop fretting and get buying! Trust me when I say this is once in a generation conditions for prime buying!

If you are looking to sell your home for any reason - whether you have equity or not - I am here to help you as well. This is the best time to look at all of your options!

Call or email if you would like to discuss the current state of the market! Be ready for change! The time to move couldn't be better!

January - A time to Re-start!

2011-01-25T14:01:00.000-08:00

Recharge your thoughts - your goals - your life! January is a month that makes change seem not only possible, but exciting!

The past year saw babies born, very special people pass away, homes built, sold, foreclosed on; Interest rates were at (and continue to hover around) historic lows. Home sales were awesome the beginning of the year, and slowed a bit at the end (a normal occurence).

As the new year is ramping up and new opportunities appear, I have spent some time thinking of my "job" in real estate and what really matters to me, and usually my clients. I am reminded of where I think some of my "sales" philosophy comes from.

My great grandparents, Claude and Octavia Browning were home builders and sellers. They began Browning & Sons Construction in Glendora, California. When they began their business, Glendora was a very small town. There were no "tract" homes. But, there was a lot of land. My great-grandfather built their first home on Leadora Ave. (between Minnesota and Cullen Ave.) The house is still there - and I drive by it several times a day. He went on to build countless homes all over town, one at a time. Each home was built by Claude, and then decorated by Tava (as she was known). Tava also was the one who actively worked to sell the home. Tava did not have her real estate license; In those days, it was done very differently. They waited until the house sold and bills were paid before starting the next home. Amazing! They accrued zero debt as they went on this way until moving to Redding in the later 1960's. In Redding, the building process continued and included my grandfather, who eventually took over the business.

This past year I was holding an open house in Glendora when high school friends of my grandparents wandered through. We got to talking - and since I had never met them before I didn't know who they "knew" in town. Once I mentioned my family, they smiled and their faces lit up. They recalled the building not of houses, but of Glendora's four square church my great-grandparents attended. They recalled my great-grandfather building the actual church building decades ago. What was interesting to me was I had never realized he was such a big part of building the church. They never talked about what they did - they were very humble.

So, as this new year begins, I fondly recall The Browning Family and the legacy they built in the early real estate of Glendora! You won't find information on them in the library, and they don't have any buildings or parks named after them. But, their business philosophy will remain in me; Treat people right, be honest, be fair and sell each home one at a time. It's the biggest purchase most people will ever make. And last, give back. Whenever you can, find a way to give back to your community. You never know what child will meet your grandchild in 60 years and be able to smile at your memory and what you did for others!

Where are we headed?

2010-12-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

NODs and Trustee’s Deeds: Grim signs of real estate’s present condition | first tuesday journal online

The above link is an article I know will garner a lot of discussion.
I seem to not attend a party or gathering without someone asking me where I think the real estate market is headed in the coming year. The past several years have offered us a mixed bag of ups and downs - prices went up for a bit, interest rates went down. Then NOD's (Notice of Defaults) went up, yet the number of foreclosures went down (as they were NOD's being held and not processed). Prices have gone steady - even down in parts, sales have slowed, interest rates are down and the year is ending with a sense of uncertainty. Where are we headed?

The economy in general is struggling. As anyone can see from looking at friends and family out of work, moving or losing a home due to new financial situations, there is a definite air of uncertainty. Then there is that sign of hope we see - glimmering out in the darkest, blackest sky: A house on my grandma's street closed about $40K over asking price (Yes, OVER in this market)... interest rates are still in the 4% range (what's this talk about them ticking up?!) Inventory is steadily priced and so it becomes easier to ascertain that, for a buyer, this is a wonderful time to make the committment.

Now, we know there is talk of more foreclosure, more "shadow inventory" the banks are holding on to, and we are still in dire need of more, long-term jobs. But, if your job is steady, you've been out there, watching the market, wondering and waiting - I cannot think of a better time to buy. What if prices go down 2% or even 5%? Guess what? Even if prices go down, there is always the chance of interest going up. There's always risks involved with homeownership. There's risks involved in life - in every decision we make, every committment we make.

I think the economy has given us all a good chance to reassess what we are willing to risk. If you are ready to make the leap into homeownership, I still think if you can make the committment, it's a pretty safe risk!

Fall - A great time to make a move!

2010-09-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

Fall and Back to School time has always felt more like a "new" year to me than January 1st. The weather changes (yes, even in southern California), the kids get back into a routine, soccer and football start - new things are all around us. As much as real estate is busy in spring and summer - fall is also a time I notice changes brewing in people who were "waiting". Fall is the great equalizer for many - you know there may have been goals made for the year in January, but between the business and fun of spring and summer things got passed up. Fall is when you decie if you want to spend the holidays where you are - or somewhere else.

That is why I think Fall is a great time to move! You don't have the heat to contend with when you have an open house. People looking are more serious and are ready to seal the deal before the end of the year. Even big banks with bank owned properties are ready to move inventory -- and you just might get an offer accepted now that would not have happened in May (I have one in the works as I write this).

What does fall mean - besides cooler temps, leaves, harvest? Well, it is that one last chance to make a stab at the goals you had for the year. It's the last stretch of the race to completion - and if your goal for 2010 was to make a move - NOW is the time!

Early Lessons - Lifelong Application

2010-07-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

I have been re-reading an old favorite parenting resource by Dr.'s Henry Cloud & John Townsend called Raising Great Kids (co. 1999). I love this book because it is full of practical wisdom and advice - nothing dogmatic - just a very down to earth guide of "Parenting with Grace & Truth". As with this book, I find most of what is taught in leadership training, parenting or professional enrichment classes can be applied across the board in various facets of life.

The current chapter I am reading, "Living in an Imperfect World: Reality", is so applicable to the world of real estate today, I wanted to share a section:
"Not only will your children frustrate themselves and be frustrated by others, but the world will frustrate them as well. Birthday parties will get rained out. Pets will die. Toys will break and bicycles will get stolen. In short, they will experience the lost ideal of not living in Eden. They will have many days in which very frustrating things will happen.
But so do all the happy people in the world. Your job is to help your children develop the character that will enable them to be happy in a world that daily gives them opportunity to be miserable" (Cloud & Townsend, PP. 110-111)

Why is this relevent now, in the current real estate market? Well,many homeowners are still, as they say, "upside down" in their mortgage. That is a bad thing and it can be a miserable fact for a hard working person. Some people I have consulted with bought at the height of the market (unbeknownst to them) and are now working double shifts to keep up -- or face a short sale. It can be easy to go to the place of frustration, fear, anxiety and hopelessness. There are also potential homeowners wondering if they should buy now -- "will the market crash again?", "will I lose my job?", "what will the payment do to my entertainment/college/preschool fund?"
It is my job to boost and maintain consumer confidence in the housing sector - and confidence is what makes a sale. When I instill confidence in my client and reinforce their ability to make wise choices, they feel ready to either sell their house, or move forward on a purchase. Much of this confidence happens in steps, just a child learns to trust the world, people have to learn to trust their REALTOR (R). And therein lies my comparison of this parenting resource to being a REALTOR (R) in the southern California housing market: I am here to help homeowners and potential homeowners navigate the confusion and sometimes frustration of the housing market and I strive to always do so with grace and truth. As the Dr,'s Cloud & Townsend write, "Only the internalized character of grace and truth can help children negotiate lifes ups and down successfully. And that character can only come from a loving but truthful parent (or REALTOR!) who forces them to deal with reality, accept themselves and others, and continue on to pursue their ideals" ( P.112). As always, if you have any questions, or know someone who is looking to buy or sell, please send them my way! I promise to take good care of them (and be honest at the same time)!

California home prices jump 20.9% in May

2010-06-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

California home prices jump 20.9% in May
Tax incentives spur sales. The median home price rises to $278,000, reflecting less a rise in housing values than a shift in sales toward more expensive coastal markets.

By Alejandro Lazo, Los Angeles Times
June 18, 2010

Fueled by tax incentives, California home sales rose in May, helping lift the Golden State's median home price by 20.9% from its year-earlier mark.

The median was $278,000 last month, MDA DataQuick of San Diego said, a 9% increase from April. But that reflects less a rise in the actual valuation of homes than a continued shift in sales away from cheaper, inland areas of the state toward more coastal markets.

That shift is being driven partly by an increasing willingness of owners in pricier neighborhoods to sell at a lower price, DataQuick has said. And much of the jump in sales has been driven by a surge of buyers rushing to close deals to take advantage of state and federal tax incentives.

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"In the second half of the year, there's obviously going to be less wind in the market's sails, given the fading tax credits," MDA DataQuick President John Walsh said. "A healthier job market and low mortgage rates will be key to driving demand."

A total of 40,965 new and previously owned houses, condominiums and town homes sold last month, a 9.3% increase from April and a 4.9% jump from May 2009. Experts fear that once the effects of the credits wane, sales and prices could slump again.

"Of course, you are going to see a slowdown; these programs basically steal sales from the future," said Christopher Thornberg, principal of Beacon Economics. "Now that may be a good policy option, but understand when you get to the future you are going to feel the effects of that. It's just the nature of the beast."

The federal credits of up to $8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for some current homeowners required that deals be reached by April 30 and close by June 30, though Senate Democrats have moved to extend the closing deadline to Sept. 30.

The California credits, which kicked in May 1, are for first-time buyers and purchasers of new homes, with $100 million set aside for each credit. The state credit for first-time buyers is quickly running out. The state's Franchise Tax Board said Thursday that it had received applications claiming an estimated 80% of the first-time credit. It expects to run out of money for the first-time credit much faster than the one for new homes as those sales often lag because of the time it takes to construct a home and because the resale market is much bigger. The state did not say Thursday how many applications had been received for the new-home credit.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, sales took off in some of the region's costlier neighborhoods last month, DataQuick reported, helping push the median home price above $400,000 for the first time since the U.S. was gripped by the financial crisis 21 months ago. The decline in bank-owned inventory there helped the median sale price for all property types reach $410,000, up 10.8% from April and 20.1% from May 2009. Sales jumped 18% in May over April and 11% over May 2009.

The Southland's median price rose 22.5% from its year-earlier level to $305,000, DataQuick said Tuesday, and sales jumped 7.2% from May 2009.