ACastle4u - Real Estate Info for You from Hermia

Why Homes Need Professional Roof Inspection?

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 17:39:00 +0000

Does Your Roof Have Cracked Sealants?

Cracked, Missing, or Deteriorated Sealants

Sealants generally are silicon based caulking that keeps water from getting in. It is used when flashings are not tight enough, when there is a joint between flashings, or when flashings are fastened with nails. If sealant is cracked or deteriorated, then the penetration or flashing is especially susceptible to water getting in and causing a leak. This friendly tip brought to you by Cert-A-Roof, home of the LeakFREE® Roof Certification.

Professional Roof Inspection by Cert-A-Roof

I am Les Watrous, founder and CEO of Cert-A-Roof, home of the LeakFREE® Roof Inspection and Certification in Southern California.

My team at Cert-A-Roof is passionate about NRCIA-certified Roof Inspections and Roof Certifications. This is because we strive to fulfill our mission of protecting our customers through keeping the first line of defense strong: their all-important roof. We have been serving our clients in So Cal with patented LeakFREE® Roof Inspection and Certification since 1993 (over 50,000 certified roof inspections and counting).

We would like to offer you and your clients $25-off LeakFREE® Roof Inspection gift vouchers. Please reply to my email if you are interested in saving some money for your clients. Your client’s trust is very important to me, and I can assure you that we will provide them excellent roofing service for their homes. Our happy customers have provided over 55 5-star reviews on Yelp.

Have a great week!

Sincerely,
Les Watrous
founder & CEO, Cert-A-Roof

Copyright © 2016 Cert-A-Roof, All rights reserved.
Home Inspection and Real Estate Professionals affiliated with Nahi, InterNachi, OCREIA, LinkedIn, local associations, etc.

Our mailing address is:

Cert-A-Roof

2232 E. Wilson Ave

Orange, CA 92867

Senior Scene 04.14 - Still Going Strong - Torrance CitiCABLE - with Hope...

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 19:27:00 +0000

20922 Serrano Creek Dr, Lake Forest, CA 2 bed 1 bath, 20k OFF Market Value

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 02:20:00 +0000

Home in Lake Forest

Call Herm @ (424) 772-4066 x 3001 20922 Serrano Creek Dr, lake forest, CA 2 bed 1 bath, 20k below Market Values

$289,500

.

Make a Mod Solar Lamp Trio for the Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 03:25:00 +0000

Make a Mod Solar Lamp Trio for the Garden

Eclectic Spaces by Indianapolis Furniture & Accessories Upholstery Club's Shelly Leer

Please Take Time to Memorialize Those Who have Done So Much for Us

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Thu, 22 May 2014 20:50:00 +0000

General John Logan

This Week in History:
May 29 - June 4, 1868
Memorial Day Proclaimed

May 2011

This week we shift a bit in time, in order to commemorate the founding of the Memorial Day holiday, now celebrated on the nearest Monday, but originally set for May 30, 1868. While many think of this holiday as established by President Woodrow Wilson after the First World War, Wilson's contribution was essentially to expand the scope of the holiday beyond the Civil War dead, to all those who have given their lives in war for our nation.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed for May 30, 1868, on May 5 of that year, by General John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. While the Grand Army was an organization of veterans of the Civil War, not the official army, it took hold. General Logan's objective, as seen in his proclamation, which we reprint here, was to honor those who had saved the Union, but from the beginning, flowers were strewn on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Following the assassination of President Lincoln, the nation lacked that national leader who could have pulled together a reconciliation policy, politically and economically, that would heal the nation, and thus the period in which this holiday was proclaimed, was rife with unresolved tension from the Civil War.

The full declaration, called General Orders No. 11, ran as follows:

"I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance. no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will, in their own way, arrange such fitting serves and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

"We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose amonng other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance.

"All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

"If our eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.

"Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us, in this solemn presence, renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

"II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

"III. Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective."

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Sat, 17 May 2014 17:07:00 +0000

So Proud of You Brandon

Airman Spotlight: SSgt Brandon H. Parker

Posted 3/25/2014 Updated 3/25/2014 Email story Print story

Staff Sgt. Brandon Parker, 51st Force Support Squadron force management supervisor, poses for a photo at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, March 24, 2014. Parker is this week’s Airman Spotlight winner. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Siuta B. Ika)

by Staff Reports
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/25/2014 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

Unit: 51st Force Support Squadron

Job title: Force Management Supervisor

Job description and its impact on the overall mission: I supervise and perform personnel activities and functions, including personnel action requests; source documents; unit, field, and master personnel records. I update military personnel data system (MilPDS) records and manage Air Force retention programs (UIFs), assist military personnel in making career decisions, and advise on benefit programs. I also ensure compliance with all appropriate policies, directives, and procedures. War-time mission: PDRF Team member achieving and maintaining 100% personnel accountability of all received and deployed forces "Ready to Fight Tonight."

Time in the military: Seven years

Time at Osan: Seven months

DEROS: Aug. 2015

Family: My father, Ezell Parker; mother Angela White-Parker; and brother Malcolm Parker

Hometown: Bellflower, Calif.

Hobbies: Honor Guard member, photography, working out, PS4 gamer, and sneaker collector

Why did you join the military? I always wanted to join, but was unsure of the military. I tried college, and excelled at it! Then I worked in the mall for a couple of years, working at shoe stores and things of that nature. No one in my direct family was in the military but my recruiter talked me into it. I had known people from high school in the Jr. ROTC and they all advised me to go Air Force as well. I honestly just wanted to serve and get some direction in my life. I came in as open Administrative and have been working as a personnelist for a few years and I am truly happy that I made the decision to join the military, especially the Air Force.

Where do you see yourself in 10 or 20 years? In 10 years I see myself continuing to grow with the Air Force and holding leadership positions that reflect my hard work, commitment and dedication towards the core values. In 20 years see myself retired from the Air Force and enjoying my weekends in my dream house.

What do you do for fun here? Watch movies in 4D.

What's your favorite Air Force memory or story? Deploying to Africa.

What accomplishment are you most proud of? I was part of the Joint Honor Guard detail for the 7th AF annual awards, POW/MIA, and Battle Field ceremonies. I was honored to be collaborate with our sister services and represent the Air Force.

Who are your role models? My parents, Michael Jordan and Eric Thomas (the "Hip Hop Preacher")

Sales Retreat in February while Median Prices Edge Higher

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 20:51:00 +0000

Sales Retreat in February while Median Prices Edge Higher

by Madeline Schnapp

California single-family home and condominium sales fell 1.4 percent in February 2014 from January and declined 16.1 percent from February 2013. Last month marked the lowest February sales since 2008.

“Rapid price increases and rising interest rates in concert with sluggish income and employment growth have slowed demand…” said Madeline Schnapp, Director of Economic Research for PropertyRadar. “Tougher borrowing standards, elevated prices, increasing borrowing costs and historically low inventory continue to exert a drag on market activity.”

Despite the decline in sales volume, the February 2014 median price of a California home rose $5,000, or 1.4 percent, to $350,000 from $345,000 in January. On a year-ago basis, median home prices have jumped 21.1 percent.

“The uptick in median home prices in February means little as seasonal factors continue to impact both sales and prices,” said Schnapp. “Given the lackluster sales volume, however, median prices are unlikely to see the rapid gains that characterized the first half of 2013.”

The number of California homeowners with more than 10 percent equity in their homes increased 2.3 percent, or nearly 120,000, in February.

“The decline in negative equity is certainly good news,” said Schnapp. “But, it is important to keep in mind that 1.2 million California homeowners, or 13.9 percent, remain underwater and will continue to create significant headwinds for the California housing market recovery.”

Institutional Investor LLC and LP purchases gained 1.6 percent for the month but are down 35.4 percent from February 2013. Despite February’s modest gain, LLC and LP purchases were 50.1 percent below their December 2012 peak.

“For more than a year now, institutional investors have been gradually reducing their purchases of California real estate,” said Schnapp. “Rising prices have reduced the return on investment, making homes less attractive as an investment option.”

“In sum, the California housing market continues to improve,” said Schnapp, “just more slowly than most analysts expected, given that we are in the fifth year of an economic recovery.”

Double click to see the corresponding charts

Just Filling In

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 09:11:00 +0000

Thank You All

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 06:11:00 +0000

Happy New Year

Make it a Fabulous One

Tea at the Tournament of Roses House with the 2014 Rose Court

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 09:35:00 +0000

Well, got an invitation to attend a reception tea on Sunday. Thanks Kelly. If was such a magnificent a property. The very old and large trees, the sweeping lawns that lead into a beautifully restored old mansion with sweeping views of the neighborhood.

I have been past the home now used as the headquarters for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Association, which oversees the annual Rose Parade®. This felt like a culmination of many years of visiting the Pasadena area for the annual parade and the floats a few times right on my birthday the day after the parade. I was in three of the parades as a member of USC’s marching band – “the Spirit of Troy”. It was a really fun afternoon enjoyed with my sister Nina, close friend Angela and our hosts Kelly, Tina and Rick.

There are TOURS OF TOURNAMENT HOUSE. Each room at the top of the grand staircase has different historical memorabilia in it. For me it was especially fun since I saw pictures of men I knew from my college days in the MVP room. If you are in the Pasadena area especially after Dec 25 until Jan 2, you should schedule to view floats during their creation and finalizations, also volunteer to help out. Wear warm clothes though, its freezing where you will be applying flower pieces to floats. Then after the parade,on day of the parade and a few days after, you can view the floats, take in their utter magnificence and aromas. It truly is heavenly. Just wear comfortable shoes. And the Pics:

Yes, it was a fun day had by all.

3 min. video of a Kitchen Design and Renovation on Philadelphia's Main Line

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:37:00 +0000

Here is a Breakdown of their costs:

Cabinets: $18,000
Brushed quartzite and granite countertops: $4,000
Wolf and Sub-Zero Appliances: $16,000
Stainless steel farm-sink faucet, handles, lighting and fixtures: $3,000
Tile, flooring materials, miscellaneous materials: $2,000
All construction labor and materials, including electric; plumbing: $20,000
Fudge factor: $2,000
Total: $65,000

Cabinets: Inset New Ashford door style, Jim Bishop; island paint: Melange Green, Sherwin-Williams; cabinet paint: Dover White, Sherwin-Williams; island countertops: brushed quartzite in Super White; main countertops: Brushed Steel Grey granite; range, hood, microwave: Wolf; refrigerator: Sub-Zero; sink: Artisan Chef Pro Stainless Steel Apron Sink; cup pulls and knobs: brushed nickel, Top Knobs

Upgrading Your House with DIY Wood Molding

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 04:24:00 +0000

www.houzz.com

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 21:17:00 +0000

www.houzz.com

I was introduced to this site by a college classmate. It has since become very much an addiction to consult when thinking of a remodeling project. You may save online those project or idea you like, to come back to later. Do enjoy; http://www.houzz.com

Hermia. One of my favorites:

“Loan, Loan, Loan” is also important

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:01:00 +0000

special thanks to Duane Gomer for these succinct words:

ALL HOMEBUYERS
Before you go to look at any open-house go to a bank and get pre-approved for a loan not pre-qualified. This may take some work on your part but it is better to do the work sooner than later. Two facts of which you may not be aware.

#1 – Suppose you want to buy a $300,000 house and have the down payment but the bank says you can only qualify for a loan to buy a $240,000 house.

Before you go looking, find out what you will be allowed to buy. You will hear the old adage, “Location, Location, Location.” You may find out that, “Loan, Loan, Loan” is also important.

#2 – When you are making an offer, you will move to the head of the list if the sellers and listing agent know that you are pre-approved for a home of that value. Also, sometimes when you get your approval, you will find out that the bank believes that you can afford a more expensive home than you thought. That is a good feeling. Perhaps, you are thinking too low.

WEB: www.DuaneGomer.com
BLOG: www.DuaneGomer.info
FACEBOOK: Duane Gomer Seminars

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 19:29:00 +0000

A Priceless Gift
Instructions:

This keepsake idea is so easy for small children and says “I love you” so well, you’ll want to make them for grandparents, parents and anyone who needs a smile!

Wrap an empty box (hair dye, toothpaste, paper mache, any box will do) with colorful wrapping paper or paint a bright color.

Decorate the “gift” as creatively as possible and tie a big ribbon around the package.

Attach the following poem to the package:

I took an ordinary box

As empty as can be

I filled it with a special gift

And wrapped it carefully.

But please don’t ever open it

Just leave the ribbon tied

And hold it tightly near your heart

Because my love for you’s inside!

California Homes Network turns One Years Old

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 20:30:00 +0000

We have officially been in business as a boutique Real Estate Firm for one year. We go off to a little rocky start. Now we are gaining a foothold and are on steady ground and getting stronger and helping more Homeowners. Come check us out and use our personalized for you service.

Hermia

(949) 742 0915

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:13:00 +0000

Let's Talk Kitchen Countertops

Now is a great time while considering spring cleaning to remember to thoroughly clean and reseal if necessary, the kitchen counter top. Depending on the type of material yours is made of, you will need to have different materials on hand and be prepared in some instances to not use the kitchen for a day or two.

Happy Home Maintenance Herm.

Depending on your surface type, following is a list of types and description of each.

Listed Where Smoke Detectors are Required, How to Install, and How to Test.

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 20:15:00 +0000

with thanks to Bruce White of http://www.buyersprofile.com/

949-499-5859

thanks to:

Bruce R White

Owner/Chief Building Inspector

room by room storage solutions

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:59:00 +0000

Clearing Up the Clutter post 3

What makes smaller spaces so appealing is their warmth, coziness, and intimacy. But those virtues may be overlooked when you feel like clutter is all you see. Here's good news: A little room can go a long way when you have great solutions for stowing your stuff. With a few tips from our room-by-room guide, see what a big difference storage can make in your home.

Family Room Start with your most heavily trafficked space: the family room or living room. Furniture with built-in storage space is your best bet for living areas.

1. An armoire is the perfect place to store electronic equipment, CDs, puzzles, board games, and other recreational materials. Place photo albums, out-of-season décor, and other items you don't use daily inside decorative, fabric-covered boxes arranged on top of the armoire.

2. A coffee or side table with built-in drawers is the perfect place to keep coasters, playing cards, back issues of magazines, and more. Use small baskets or plastic bins to keep the contents sorted.

3. A front hallway bench or built-in window seat can provide storage for gloves, scarves, and hats. It's also a great catch-all for book bags and other school supplies.

Kitchen. Smaller or galley-style kitchens rely on creative storage for ease of use. Tackle this high-traffic area for more efficient meal preparation.

4. For easy access, add vertical dividers to lower cabinets for storing pizza pans, cutting boards, baking sheets, griddles, and pot lids.

5. To create extra storage space, attach wire organizers to the backs of your cabinet doors.

6. Put dry goods such as pastas, cereals, and rice in labeled, stackable plastic containers to create more shelf room and easier accessibility.

7. Use tiered wire shelving units in your cabinets and pantry to eliminate dead space and double your storage capability for everything from plates and cups to kitchen wraps.

Master Bedroom. Nothing says “sanctuary” like a neat and orderly bedroom, but too often, this room gets ignored in the rush of everyday activity. Try these storage tips to make this space more inviting.

8. Under-the-bed boxes are a great place to store gift-wrapping supplies, out-of-season clothes, baby books, and memorabilia you don't need access to every day. You can also fill luggage with out-of-season clothes and hide it under the bed.

9. Get your closet under control by doubling your hanging space. Move the eye-level rod up slightly, and install a second rod at about waist level. On the shelf, install inexpensive, stackable shelves to create more vertical space for sweaters and handbags. Clear plastic storage bins are perfect for scarves, belts, gloves, and other accessories.

10. Use an upholstered ottoman or cedar chest—ideal for the foot of the bed—to store blankets and other linens. A cedar chest gives the added benefit of protecting wool blankets and sweaters from moths during the warmer months.

Your child's bedroom. With limited space, a child's room is even more likely to need creative storage solutions. Try these suggestions for added storage in unexpected places:

11. Consider a captain's bed, with drawers in the wood cabinetry beneath the mattress, for additional storage.

12. Sort toys by category (action figures, doll clothes, and so on) and place them in plastic stackable storage bins on the closet floor. This will give those little hands easy access. Because children usually don't have much need for hanging clothes, use an old dresser, a bookcase, or stacked plastic crates in the closet for additional storage.

13. Think vertically and hang anything you can throughout the room. Hang lower shelves to stow frequently used books, toys, stuffed animals, and games. Install higher shelves for your child's display items and pictures. Put an inexpensive closet organizer over the door to store coloring books, crayons, stuffed animals, and other small items.

Bathroom. It's particularly tricky to find extra storage space in small bathrooms, but try these tips to make the space work harder for you:

14. Store small towels and washcloths in coordinating colors on the countertop in a wine rack. Rolled and tucked into the holder, they make a functional decoration.

15. If you are installing a new sink, opt for a traditional cabinet vanity to store cleaning products and extra soaps, shampoos, and conditioners. Consider mounting an 8-inch-deep mirrored cabinet above the sink for more storage. If you have a pedestal sink, place small baskets at the base for extra storage.

16. Try shelving that won't interfere with traffic—an over-the-toilet tank, a top-of-the toilet tank, or on any other available wall space. Store everything from cotton balls to swabs in baskets or colored bins that coordinate with your décor to pull the look together.

making a craft armoir or other storage unit

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:46:00 +0000

Clearing Up the Clutter post 2

New Year, New Storage Organization

making-a-craft-armoire

Since it is a New Year and way before spring cleaning, I thought I would have you get started on making room for that spring cleaning. This information gleaned from a Martha Stewart mag. will help start you organizing those little nics and nacs found around the home.

Organizing A Craft Armoire

Most people can’t set aside an entire room for craft projects, but a smaller, well-organized space can serve that purpose almost as well. Here’s how Martha organized her craft “room” in an armoire.

Left: Small prefabricated wooden drawers are perfect for storing a variety of craft supplies. Each drawer pulls out entirely, so it can be carried to the work area. Martha painted these natural-wood drawers a pretty shade of green.

Right: Another shelf contains a row of magazine holders. The shelf directly above the holders had to be removed (be sure to save any shelves you remove from an antique armoire), and Martha utilizes the extra clearance by attaching a row of small wooden drawers with L brackets to the underside of the next shelf.

Left: Don’t overlook the inside of the armoire door when planning storage space. Here, a café-curtain rod organizes wide rolls of ribbon. Martha positioned the rod where it would allow the door to shut tightly. Below it, a self-healing mat and a ruler hang from C hooks. A stainless-steel wall organizer, sold as a wall-mounted magazine holder, holds several rolls of tissue paper.

Right: Martha utilizes recessed corner space with rotating lazy Susans. Single-level lazy Susans are perfect for tall bottles and jars, while two-tiered ones hold smaller containers. Martha labels each side of each small container so its contents can be viewed without lifting it out of place.

Left: Galvanized-steel, wood, and plastic bins organize items within the drawers of the armoire. Each container holds a specific category of items such as kids’ paint supplies, a flower-arranging kit, or safety goggles and masks. The bottoms of the drawers are lined with sheets of galvanized steel to protect them from wear.

Right: Martha is very pleased with the number of tools and supplies that the craft armoire keeps organized and easily accessible.

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:44:00 +0000

Clearing Up the Clutter post 1

I have decided that since I know of so many people with a lot of clutter in their homes and in their lives, who have asked me for input; I will be doing a few posts on clearing clutter and making spaces to organize those items you do eventually decide to keep in your life. Enjoy Herm.

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:24:00 +0000

Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Holiday

Happy Halloween - We've officially added California Homes Network

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:40:00 +0000

Something to Think About

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:29:00 +0000

Delays in bank processing push likely US foreclosures until 2012, stalling recovery

noreply@blogger.com (Hermia) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:55:00 +0000

Those of you who have been sitting on the fence about purchasing, please do not let this opportunity pass you by, yet once again. this is the time to jump off and use those monies you have been diligently saving towards a downpayment and finally get in the game. following is an article that really does support my thoughts well.:

Report: Delays in bank processing push likely US foreclosures until 2012, stalling recovery

Foreclosure activity slowed in first half of 2011

By ALEX VEIGA ; ASSOCIATED PRESS ; Jul 13, 2011 11:07 PM CDT in Money

The number of homes taken back by lenders in the first half of this year fell 30 percent compared with the same 2010 period, the result of delays in foreclosure processing that threaten to stall a U.S. housing recovery.

FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2010 file photo, a house in Homestead, Fla. sits empty, for sale as a foreclosure home in a neighborhood where half of the houses were empty and up for foreclosure. The number... (Associated Press)

Banks seized 421,212 homes in the first six months of the year, down from 529,633 between January and June last year, foreclosure listing firm RealtyTrac Inc. said Thursday.

The decline reflects lenders taking longer to move against homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments. The banks are working through foreclosure documentation problems that first surfaced last fall and an ensuing logjam in some state courts. Lenders also have put off on taking action against delinquent borrowers as U.S. home sales have slowed this year.

As the processing delays mount, however, so has the backlog of potential foreclosures _ homes that otherwise would have been repossessed by lenders this year.

RealtyTrac estimates that 1 million foreclosure-related notices that should have been filed by banks this year will be pushed to next year. The filings include notices for defaults, scheduled home auctions and home repossessions _ warnings that can lead to a home eventually being lost to foreclosure.

The delayed filings buys more time for many borrowers behind in payments to remain in their homes, perhaps giving them time to catch up or simply to stall their inevitable eviction. But it also means any eventual foreclosures will happen next year, extending the shadow of distressed properties that hovers over the market.

"The best-case scenario is we don't get back to normal levels of foreclosure activity until 2015, which means the housing market recovery gets delayed by at least a year," said Rick Sharga, a senior vice president at RealtyTrac.

And given delays in the time it's taking lenders to move a home from default to foreclosure and then sell the property, the housing turnaround could conceivably be pushed out to as late as 2016, Sharga said.

"It could be the new reality is we're going to have to accept the fact that home prices in most markets aren't going to budge much for the next several years while this overhang gradually, painfully makes its way into the market and gets purchased," he said.

In all, some 1.2 million U.S. homes received a foreclosure-related notice in the first six months of this year, RealtyTrac said.

That's down 29 percent from the same period last year and down 25 percent versus the second half of 2010.

Put another way, one in every 111 U.S. households received a foreclosure filing between January and June.

In addition to repossessing fewer homes, banks also fired off 36 percent fewer initial notices of default in the first half of this year than in the same period last year. The notices are the first step in the foreclosure process.

Foreclosure activity did pick up slightly between May and June, although lenders repossessed fewer homes than they did in June last year.

At the current pace, banks are on track to take back between 800,000 and 900,000 homes this year, down from a record of 1 million lost to foreclosures last year, Sharga said.

The firm had originally anticipated some 1.2 million homes would be repossessed by lenders this year.

Foreclosures typically sell at a discount to other types of homes, weighing down home values. As a result, housing experts say U.S. home prices are unlikely to recover until the glut of foreclosed homes on the market is cleared out.

Lenders have been careful not to unload all of their foreclosures on the market at once, and have financial incentives to continue doing so. But the prospect of more foreclosures hitting the market for years to come makes it difficult to predict when home values will stabilize. And that keeps many would-be homebuyers on the sidelines.

Between April and June, it took an average of 318 days for a home to go from the first stage of foreclosure to the point where it was sold at auction or taken back by the lender, RealtyTrac said. That's up from 298 days in the first three months of the year and up from 277 days in the second quarter of last year.

The foreclosure process took longest to play out in New York at an average of 966 days, or 2.6 years, during the second quarter. New Jersey was second-slowest at an average of 944 days, RealtyTrac said.

Homes were on a relative foreclosure fast-track in Texas, taking an average of 92 days to go through the process, the fastest turnaround time in the nation.

Despite slowdown in foreclosure activity, several states continue to have outsized foreclosure rates.

Nevada continued to lead the nation, with one in every 21 households receiving a foreclosure notice in the first half of this year.

Rounding out the top 10 states with the highest foreclosure rate in the first half of this year are Arizona, California, Utah, Georgia, Idaho, Michigan, Florida, Colorado and Illinois.

ACastle4u - Real Estate Info for You from Hermia

Why Homes Need Professional Roof Inspection?

Professional Roof Inspection by Cert-A-Roof

Senior Scene 04.14 - Still Going Strong - Torrance CitiCABLE - with Hope...

20922 Serrano Creek Dr, Lake Forest, CA 2 bed 1 bath, 20k OFF Market Value

Make a Mod Solar Lamp Trio for the Garden

Please Take Time to Memorialize Those Who have Done So Much for Us

Sales Retreat in February while Median Prices Edge Higher

Sales Retreat in February while Median Prices Edge Higher

Just Filling In

Tea at the Tournament of Roses House with the 2014 Rose Court

3 min. video of a Kitchen Design and Renovation on Philadelphia's Main Line

video created by Paul McAlary

Upgrading Your House with DIY Wood Molding

www.houzz.com

“Loan, Loan, Loan” is also important

California Homes Network turns One Years Old

Let's Talk Kitchen Countertops

Listed Where Smoke Detectors are Required, How to Install, and How to Test.

room by room storage solutions

making a craft armoir or other storage unit

Happy Halloween - We've officially added California Homes Network

Something to Think About

Delays in bank processing push likely US foreclosures until 2012, stalling recovery