Santa Clarita Valley Real Estate

Walkable neighborhoods command price premiums

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 03:41:00 +0000

Walkable neighborhoods command price premiums
A new study says that homes located in more walkable neighborhoods command a price premium over similar homes in less walkable areas.

The study, “Walking the Walk: How Walkability Raises Home Values in U.S. Cities” was commissioned by CEOs for Cities and conducted by Joe Cortright using data from Walk Score.

Key findings include:· In 13 out of 15 metro areas higher levels of walk-ability were directly linked to higher home values.

· In the typical metropolitan area, a one point increase in Walk Score was associated with an increase in value ranging from $500 to $3,000. Gains were larger in denser, urban areas and smaller in less dense markets.

· In the typical areas studied, the premium commanded for neighborhoods with above-average Walk Scores ranged from $4,000 to $34,000.

More info

Low home loan rates create more affordable housing.

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:23:00 +0000

HOME LOAN RATES REMAIN LOWER:

NOW MAY BE THE PERFECT TIME TO SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE ON YOUR NEXT MOVE. HAVE YOU BEEN CONSIDERING DOWNSIZING, UP-SCALING, MOVING TO A BETTER NEIGHBORHOOD OR SCHOOL DISTRICT?

IF YOUR CURRENTLY RENTING THIS IS ALMOST A NO BRAINIER, WHEN YOU COMPARE YOUR RENT TO YOUR INVESTMENT IN OWN HOME.

TODAY'S CONFORMING LOANS TO 417K OFFER THE FOLLOWING:
5/1 ARM: 3.25%with zero points
10 Year Fixed: 3.375% with zero points
15 Year Fixed: 4% with zero points
30 Year Fixed: 4.75% with zero points.

JUMBO TO 729K
5/1 ARM: 3.5% with zero points
10 Year Fixed: 3.875% with zero points
15 Year Fixed: 4% with zero points
30 Year Fixed: 4.75% with zero points
out-of-pocket cost is for the appraisal.

SUPER JUMBO TO 1.5MM
5/1 ARM: 4% with 1/2 point
30 Year Fixed: 4.75% with 1/2 point

Special attention to consider the 30 year fixed rate on Super Jumbo. This rate has never been this low. Usually rates on the Super Jumbo are at least .75% higher than the 729K loan. Also note the 10 year fixed on conforming. 3.375% rate with zero points is incredible for those who can afford the shorter amortization period.

WANT TO SEE WHAT YOUR BUYING POWER IS TODAY? LET ME KNOW AND WE CAN FIND OUT IN ABOUT 10 MINUTES.

the new federal health care law does NOT include a 3.8 percent transfer tax on home sales

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:45:00 +0000

Contrary to some widely circulated e-mail messages, the new federal health care law does NOT include a 3.8 percent transfer tax on home sales, according to Snopes.com, FactCheck.org and the National Association of Realtors.

The new law created a 3.8 percent Medicare tax, which applies to net investment income earned by taxpayers who have an adjusted gross income of more than $200,000 for individuals or $250,000 for married couples. That tax becomes effective Jan. 1, 2013.

Net investment income includes capital gains from the sale of a home, so a home sale could push a taxpayer's income into the bracket in which the new tax would apply. However, the existing capital gains tax exclusion of $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for married couples on the sale of a principal residence is still in effect, and that will protect nearly all homeowners from the new tax.

"The truth is that only a tiny percentage of home sellers will pay the tax," FactCheck.org reports.

More information:
Snopes: Real Estate Tax
FactCheck.org: A 3.8 Percent 'Sales Tax' on Your Home?
NAR: Myth Busters (PDF)
NAR: The 3.8% Tax: Real Estate Scenarios and Examples

Message

David Hoshaw
Broker, CRS, GRI, e-PRO

Weichert, Realtors - Hoshaw & Associates

28009 Smyth Drive Santa Clarita, CA 91355

661-287-4466 ext. 226

661-312-1579 mobile

david@scvRealty.com

www.scvRealty.com

The jumbo-mortgage comeback

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 21:32:00 +0000

Smaller and regional lenders are issuing more new jumbo loans and doing more refinancings, which could help bolster home sales in some areas.

• Jumbo mortgages are mortgages deemed “too big” to be sold by lenders to government-supported agencies such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
• The loan limit of a jumbo mortgage varies depending on location. In high-cost areas, including many areas in California, jumbo loans are generally considered those that exceed $729,750. In other areas, the jumbo loan limit usually is capped at $417,000.

• Some borrowers applying for jumbo mortgages are finding the processing time at larger lenders can be as long as four months, while some smaller institutions can process a jumbo mortgage as quickly as 30 to 60 days.

• Additionally, borrowers seeking jumbo mortgages for condos or vacation properties also may be better served using a local lender or contacting a mortgage specialist, as many large lenders have reduced their lending activity.

• With jumbo mortgages, borrowers still need excellent credit profiles and must provide complete documentation and verification of income. Down payments of 20 percent to 40 percent also tend to be required for a jumbo mortgage.

David Hoshaw
WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Hoshaw & Associates
28009 Smyth Drive, Santa Clarita Ca 91355
Office: 661-287-4466 x226
Mobile: 661-312-1579

David@scvrealty.com

http://www.scvrealty.com

Getting the Best Tax Break When Selling Your Primary Residence

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:32:00 +0000

Getting the Best Tax Break When Selling Your Primary Residence

When you sell your primary residence, you may be able to save thousands of dollars by taking advantage of one of the best available tax breaks. Provided that you have lived in the home as your primary residence and owned it for at least two of the past five years, when you sell your home, you can exclude from income up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly). This tax benefit can be used once every two years.

Did you know that a married couple can qualify for the entire $500,000 exclusion even if only one spouse has owned the property for two years? Or that you don’t need to own the home and use it as your primary residence the same two years? Read on for a few pointers that may help you take advantage of this tax benefit when you sell your primary residence.

Pointer One - $500,000 Exclusion for Married Couples Available Even if Only One Spouse Owns Home for Two Years

If you are married and you and your spouse file a joint return, you can exclude up to $500,000 of gain under this rule, provided that:

Either you or your spouse has owned the home at least two of the past five years;

Both you and your spouse have used the home as your primary residence at least two of the past five years; and

During the two year period prior to the sale, neither you nor your spouse excluded gain from the sale of another home.

If both spouses don’t qualify under these rules, the maximum tax exclusion is based on what they qualify for individually, but each spouse is treated as owning the property during the period that either spouse has owned it.

Pointer Two - Ownership and Use Timeframes Don't Need to Occur at the Same Time

Although the exclusion is only available if you have used your home as your primary residence and owned it for at least two of the past five years before the sale, the required two years of ownership and two years of use don’t have to occur at the same time.

For example, Tina rents a home and lives in it as her primary residence starting in 1995. In September of 2008, Tina buys the home she has been living in. She continues to live in it for a month and then moves to another home. In October of 2010 Tina sells the home. In this case, Tina has used the home as her primary residence for at least two of the past five years (October 2005 until October 2008) and she has owned the home for at least two of the past five years (September 2008 until October 2010). Even though the usage and ownership time frames did not occur at the same time, Tina is eligible for the exclusion of up to $250,000 of her gain.

The ownership and usage time frames also don’t have to be continuous, so you qualify for the exemption as long as you have used the home as your primary residence and have owned it for a total of at least a full 24 months or 730 days before the sale.

Pointer Three - Using Your Home for Personal and Business Use

Sometimes a property can be used partly as your primary residence and partly for business or as a rental. This may happen when you have an office in your home or own a duplex in which you live in one unit and rent the other unit. This can also occur when you change the use of the property from business to personal or vice versa. A few points to remember:

There are special rules that determine how you allocate your basis and gain between the part of the property used as your home and the part of your property used as a business or rental, but in some cases the rules allow you to take the entire exclusion even if a part of your property is used in your business or is rented.
If you acquire property in a 1031 exchange and then move into it as your primary residence, you must own it for five years before you can exclude any gain from a sale of the home. In addition, the gain attributed to the years that you used the property for your business or as a rental may reduce the total amount of gain you are entitled to exclude when you sell the property.
If you move out of your primary residence and rent it for one or two years before you sell it, you may be able to exclude gain using this tax benefit and defer any excess gain by doing a 1031 exchange into another property.

One of the best tax benefits widely available to homeowners is the exclusion of gain upon the sale of your primary residence. We encourage you to call us to discuss any questions you might have or to open an exchange.

How to buy a home at a $100,000 discount

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:20:00 +0000

How to buy a home at a $100,000 discount
With nearly 150,000 foreclosed homes on their books, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are trying to pare down their growing inventory of repossessed properties, in turn providing home buyers with tremendous purchasing opportunities.

MAKING SENSE FOR CONSUMERS
An analysis by SmartMoney magazine found that home buyers could save $100,000 on the price of a home by purchasing a foreclosed home owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac as opposed to a similar fair-market property just a few blocks away.

Fannie Mae’s homebuying program, which requires down payments as low as 3 percent on 30-year mortgages also can help buyers save money. However, buyers should note, smaller down payments generally translate into higher monthly mortgage payments.

Another bonus to purchasing a Fannie Mae-owned home, the company doesn’t require private mortgage insurance, which most lenders require for buyers who put down less than 20 percent.

Unlike many foreclosed properties, which usually require many repairs, Fannie and Freddie generally repair items such as leaky roofs and damaged electrical work, and often handle small projects like replacing appliances that are broken or missing, replacing old carpet, or fixing damages left by the former owners or vandals. Additionally, Fannie Mae’s properties come with an optional mortgage that includes extra financing up to $30,000 for repairs and improvements.

Buyers of Freddie Mac homes who plan to be owner-occupants –those who plan to live in the home and not use it as an investment property—have the advantage of viewing properties 15 days earlier than investors who often pay all cash and buy up foreclosed properties before owner-occupants have a chance to view them.
Please contact me for answers to your real estate questions or to schedule a personal consultation to achieve your real estate goals.

Sincerely,

David Hoshaw
Broker, CRS, GRI, e-PRO
Weichert, Realtors - Hoshaw & Associates
28009 Smyth Drive Santa Clarita, CA 91355

661-287-4466 ext. 226
661-312-1579 mobile
david@scvRealty.com

http://www.scvRealty.com

Search All Los Angeles County Homes for Sale

What's the Value of Your Property?

CA DRE Broker License # 00941733

Increase your real estate success at Weichert®.

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:49:00 +0000

Experienced Sales Associates:

Increase your real estate success at Weichert^®.

	Take advantage of our unique Internet strategy
	Our Family of Companies provides quality leads to build business
	Refresh and update yourself with free online courses

Here's an overview of the advantages that will be yours when you join us.

We've clearly demonstrated the determination and innovation to continue growing even through difficult markets. As we expand, so does our commitment to the cutting-edge technology and comprehensive Sales Associate-centric resources that will further build your business. Our expansion also provides increased opportunities to network and to advance your career.

Mortgage Rates Hit 50 Year Low!

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:38:00 +0000

http://www.scvrealty.com

You're probably used to thinking that patience can be a virtue when you're shopping for a bargain on a large purchase. But when that purchase is real estate, the opposite is true. Today's conditions - attractive home prices and interest rates at historic lows - have combined to make the current housing market one of the most affordable in decades. It simply makes no sense to hold out for a better opportunity that isn't likely to come.

Signs are already pointing to higher interest rates and, with home prices stabilizing or increasing in most markets, waiting to buy a home could easily cost you several thousand dollars each year. If buying a home is in your future, you won’t want to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Comparison of cost at sample mortgage amount:
$275,000 Mortgage	At current low interest rate	$1476.26 per month	Savings of $172.50 per month and more than $62,000 over 30 years
$275,000 Mortgage	At 1% increased interest rate	$1648.76 per month

To learn more about what kind of home you can afford today, call or stop by your local Weichert office. 661-287-4466 x226

Fannie Mae to treat walk away borrowers harsly in future loan opportuinities

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 23:28:00 +0000

Fannie Mae bites back on homeowners who walk away from the upside down homes and investment properties.

The courts will now come to the mortgage giant’s plans to take on those who decide not to make their payments. It also will limit their access to future loans. Foreclosures continue at a rate of 2.5 million a year, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chairwoman Sheila Bair said, and some 11 million households owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth. Taking aim at homeowners who are able to pay their mortgage but decide it's not worth it, Fannie Mae plans to go after them in court and to limit their access to home loans for seven years. It was a clarion call to companies servicing its loans to recommend, engaging in a so-called deficiency judgment — a court order requiring a defaulting borrower to pay any remaining unpaid portion of the loan after a seized home is sold.
Under California state law, lenders who opt for court proceedings can obtain a deficiency judgment if the mortgage was used to refinance a home, but not if it was used to finance a purchase.

Fannie Mae also said it would make new mortgages harder to obtain for borrowers if it can be proved that they engaged in a "strategic default" — abandoning a home to foreclosure not because the required payments are unaffordable but because the mortgage is larger than the value of the residence. For such a borrower, Fannie said it would not buy or guarantee another home loan for seven years. Borrowers who are slightly underwater — owing just a little more than their homes are worth — are unlikely to stop paying their mortgages if they have the resources, according to studies by research firm CoreLogic. But if the home's value is at least 25% less than the loan amount, borrowers are far more likely then to walk away. Last March, 31% of foreclosures were described as strategic by the borrowers themselves, compared with 22% in March 2009, researchers at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University reported.

Real Estate Foreclosure Time line

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:48:00 +0000

Foreclosure Timeline

Seller's, Borrower's and even novice Realtor's are often confused by the entire foreclosure process;

Foreclosure has never been simple but with the current backlog of bank owned properties and other pressures, it's become worse than ever. Here is an easy to read foreclosure process time line. It will help one understand the different methods used to handle and a purchase short sale, pre-foreclosures and foreclosed properties. If you have personal situation we can answer it, or get an answer to your question about your options for staying in your home, selling and moving on your schedule while helping you step by step through the process.

1. First month missed payment. This counts as day one for the bank but notice, the homeowner had 30 days just like normal to come up with a payment. They will always remain 30 days ahead of the bank schedule.

2. Second missed mortgage payment...day 30 for the bank.

3. Third missed mortgage payment...day 60 for the bank. The loan is now seriously delinquent.

4. Notice of Default...usually sent around day 70. If the homeowner doesn't send payment within 30 days, the foreclosure process will begin.

5. Notice of foreclosure...day 100. If the homeowner did not make payment the formal paperwork is now filed with the clerk of the court. An itemized list of fees, charges and payments are included.

6. Notice of Trustee Sale is published. This typically takes place around day 160 or later for the bank.

7. Loan Acceleration. Prior to the auction/sale, the homeowner may still pay back the amount owed plus fees.

8. Second Notice of Sale. The lender is legally obligated to run another notification of the sale prior to the auction.

9. Sale or Auction. This normally takes place roughly 180-190 days from the start of the first delinquency (ie, six months), however, due to the large number of foreclosures and the desire of banks to manage the number of defaults, many homes are now taking as long as two years to complete this entire process resulting in an extensive amount of savings for many homeowners who haven't been required to make payments for up to two years.

Buyers and homeowners often benefit from a short sale. Not only have many homeowners had a change to substantially increase their savings without having made a mortgage payment for months or even years, but banks typically realize greater gains and may save the cost associated with the extended process associated with a full foreclosure.

We have help many many people avoid foreclosure, help their credit, reduce their debt, and get on with their lives. I would be happy to review your options with you before you make any decisions. After a free consultation you will be able to make informed decisions.

Get the Foreclosure Time Line from our website

Message

Sincerely,

David Hoshaw
Broker, CRS, GRI, e-PRO

Weichert, Realtors - Hoshaw & Associates

28009 Smyth Drive Santa Clarita, CA 91355

661-287-4466 ext. 226

661-312-1579 mobile

david@scvRealty.com

www.scvRealty.com

Create a Certified Wildlife Habitat from your apartment balcony or a 20 acre farm! Maximize your real estate investment!

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:42:00 +0000

Create a Certified Wildlife Habitat - National Wildlife Federation

Opportunity Acres for Seasons! 24 hr. info 1-800-422-8693 ext. 498

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:29:00 +0000

Embrace the Splendor! One of the best locations in Valencia CA Easy access to everything!

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:16:00 +0000

For 24 hour Info 1-800-422-8693 Ext 397

Embrace the Splendor! One of the best locations in Valencia with easy access to everything. Gorgeous and rare largest model in The Fairways features fresh upgrades inside! 3 bedroom, 2 baths, plus a den. Light and bright end unit town home on a cul-de-sac street is surrounded by large wrap around covered patio, expansive greenbelts, mature trees, community tennis courts, spas and sparkling pools.

Spacious 1,462 sq. ft. home, plus attached double garage with newer furnace and A/C. Designer kitchen with recessed lighting, Corian countertop and sink. Newer laminate flooring downstairs and newer carpet in the downstairs bedroom and upstairs. Fresh paint thru out, home is ready to move into! Centrally located within walking distance to Valencia schools, parks, paseos and stores!

This Valencia home is very clean and shows true pride of ownership!

Directions: Exit I - 5 East on McBean Parkway to Tournament, Right @ 1st stop sign, Lema Dr. next Right.
Or East on Lyons Ave. North on Wiley Canyon, Left on Tournament, 2nd Left past the golf Course

See virtual tour for Valencia Real Estate:
http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/tour.asp?t=626039

Avoid a Burglary with 21 things a burglar won't tell you!

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 23:19:00 +0000

Avoiding Burglary
Showing you how to improve your life and helping you protect their belongings!

Santa Clarita CA enjoys the reputation of being one of the safest cities in the nation. However this status does insure total safety in our lives and does not allow us to skip preventive measures and action to protect ourselves and our families.
With summer approaching, many of us are considering family vacations. You know who else is looking forward to their summer vacation? Neighborhood thieves!
Keep in touch with your friends and help them protect their home by passing along a couple of useful articles on how burglars determine if a home is a good topic. From Reader's Digest, these two articles are great conversation starters:
13 Things a Burglar Won't Tell You
http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/13-things-a-burglar-wont-tell-you/article156709.html
8 More Things a Burglar Won't Tell You
http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/article-8-more-things-a-burglar-wont-tell-you/article156681.html
Also, you might be interested to share this ingenious little device which simulates the look of someone watching television at night. The "FakeTV" creates the exact same sort of random illumination that a 27-inch television does, at a fraction of the electricity usage:
http://www.faketv.com/
For $29.95, its a great way to deter a casual thief!

Hope your summer is safe and fun. And remember when you have any real estate needs or questions feel free to call on me for answers and details for an effective strategy to make your next move delightful.

Message

David Hoshaw
Broker, CRS, GRI, e-PRO

Weichert, Realtors - Hoshaw & Associates

28009 Smyth Drive Santa Clarita, CA 91355

661-287-4466 ext. 226

661-312-1579 mobile

david@scvRealty.com

www.scvRealty.com

Search Homes for Sale

Help us extend anti-deficiency protections to homeowners who have refinanced "purchase money" loans and are now facing foreclosure

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Thu, 27 May 2010 03:18:00 +0000

When is Enough, Enough?

The Big Banks are Opposing C.A.R.'s Bill to Protect Borrowers

The Vote is TOMORROW! Please Call NOW!

C.A.R. is sponsoring SB 1178 (Corbett) to extend anti-deficiency protections to homeowners who have refinanced "purchase money" loans and are now facing foreclosure. Most homeowners didn't even know that when they refinanced they lost their legal protections, and now may be personally liable for the difference between the value of the foreclosed property and the amount owed to the lender. SB 1178 will be voted on THIS WEEK by the entire Senate.

One can't help but think, "when is enough, enough?" Banks have already foreclosed upon a family's home and now lenders can continue to hound them for additional payment. How much more money can today's families afford to pay when they've already lost their homes and most likely their jobs? Are they never to have the opportunity to begin again?

Action Item

Call Senator George Runner Today!

Urge him to vote "Yes" on SB 1178.

Call 1-800-672-3135 and enter PIN number -- use the following PIN number -- 212005033

Background

California has protected borrowers from so called "deficiency" liability on their home mortgages since the 1930s, but the evolution of mortgage finance requires the statute to be updated.

Current law says that if a homeowner defaults on a mortgage used to purchase his or her home, the homeowner's liability on the mortgage is limited to the property itself. The law has worked well since the 1930s to protect borrowers, ensure the quality of loan underwriting and allow borrowers who are brought down by financial crisis to get back on their feet.

Unfortunately, the 1930s law does not extend the protection for purchase money mortgages to loans that re-finance the original purchase debt -- even if the re-finance was only to gain a lower interest rate. Recent years of low interest rates have induced tens of thousands of homeowners to re-finance their mortgages, yet almost no one realized that by re-financing their mortgages to obtain a lower rate, they were forfeiting their protections. These borrowers became personally liable for the balance of the loan.

C.A.R. is Sponsoring SB 1178 Because:

SB 1178 is fair. Home buyers, and lenders, entered into the purchase with the idea that the mortgage would be non-recourse debt, and that the lender would look to the security (the house) itself to make good on the debt if the borrower cannot. It meets the legitimate expectation of the borrowers, who have no idea that they are losing this protection by a re-finance. Homeowners didn't know that their re-finance exposed them to personal liability, and new tax liability, on the note. It would be unfair to allow a lender, or someone that has purchased a note from a lender, to pursue the borrower beyond the value of the agreed upon security.

SB 1178 is consistent with the intent of the orginal law and simply updates it for modern times. Current law was intended to ensure that if someone lost their home to foreclosure, they wouldn't be liable for additional payment. Since the law was passed over 70 years ago, homeowners re-financing from the original loan to lower their interest rate has become commonplace. The 1930s legislature didn't anticipate how mortgages would change over time.
Lenders could pursue families to collect this "deficiency" debt years down the road. Under current law, lenders have up ten years to collect on the additional debt after a judgment has been entered on the foreclosure. Years after a family has lost their home, they could find themselves in even more financial trouble. Lenders could even sell these accounts to aggressive collection agencies or even bundle them into securities. The end result would be banks who didn't lend responsibly in the first place coming after families for even more money that they don't have.
SB 1178 does NOT apply to "cash-out" re-finances, unless the money was used to improve the home and it doesn't apply to HELOCs.

Thank you for your support of this important law. David Hoshaw david@scvrealty.com

Santa Clarita 2010 Concerts in the Park Lineup Promises a Rockin' Good Time

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Sat, 15 May 2010 00:14:00 +0000

Santa Clarita CA: 2010 Concerts in the Park Lineup Promises a Rockin' Good Time

The City of Santa Clarita’s Concerts in the Park series is one of the most popular summertime traditions year after year. The free annual concert series begins July 10th and runs through August 28^th, with all shows starting Saturdays at 7:00 PM at Central Park.

The 2010 series will kick off on July 10 with a performance by Incendio. Famous for their invigorating live shows and four critically acclaimed albums, the band showcases an infectious world fusion and Latin guitar sound sure to bring even the most reserved concert attendees to their feet.

“Concerts in the Park is one of the City’s most celebrated summer traditions and the City is proud to once again present the popular event at no cost to attendees,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “Community members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and the entire family to enjoy fantastic performances all summer long.”

The 2010 Concert series continues on July 17 with the Platinum Rock Stars. The band will bring their acclaimed Classic Rock Superstar Show to Central Park, featuring hits from Led Zeppelin, Boston, Van Halen, Def Leppard and Bon Jovi. Fantastic Diamond follows up on July 24, performing a string of Neil Diamond’s hottest hits brought to life by a great group of musicians fronted by extraordinary vocalist Kevin Hogan.

Only 3% initial investment for your next home!

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Wed, 12 May 2010 22:57:00 +0000

Fannie Mae extends seller assistance programFannie Mae recently announced it is extending its seller assistance incentive on all Fannie Mae-owned HomePath properties. Buyers will receive 3.5 percent of the final sales price, to be used toward closing cost assistance or their choice of selected appliances. The offer is available to any owner-occupant who closes on the purchase of a property listed by June 30. We can help you with your next home purchase and sale in Los Angeles County CA. We serve the area of Los Angeles County - Santa Clarita Valley real estate - San Fernando Valley real estate Westside LA - Antelope Valley real estate -Santa Clarita Relocation Services

Santa Clartia Ca “CASH FOR APPLIANCES” PROGRAM CURRENTLY UNDERWAY

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:54:00 +0000

The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to announce that the California Appliance Rebate program is officially underway. The program, which launched on Earth Day, April 22, 2010, offers rebates to assist California residents in swapping out old energy inefficient home appliances for new, Energy Star qualified items.

“The residential sector presents a large challenge and sizable opportunity of protecting the environment through energy efficiency,” said California State Assemblyman and former Santa Clarita Mayor, Cameron Smyth. “Households are the third largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., behind only the industrial and transportation sectors, and offer potential energy savings in the range of 25 to 30 percent compared with current consumption.”

Three residential appliance categories are eligible to receive rebates as part of the program: clothes washers ($100 rebate), refrigerators ($200 rebate), and room/window air conditioners ($50 rebate). Appliances must be ENERGY STAR-listed and certified to the Energy Commission as meeting all state and federal appliance efficiency standards to be eligible for rebates. Residents are encouraged to utilize GreenSantaClarita.com, the City’s “green” website, for information regarding the new program.

“The ‘Cash for Appliances’ program is a great way to cushion the cost of swapping out old, inefficient home appliances for new Energy Star-rated ones,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “By purchasing ENERGY STAR products, households can continue to reap the benefits of reduced energy use by helping protect the environment and saving up to 30 percent, or $450 annually on average, on their utility bills.”

For more information on the California Appliance Rebate program, please contact David Peterson, Assistant Planner II for the City’s Planning Division, at (661) 284-1406 or visit greensantaclarita.com

Tax savings for buyers and sellers of real estate

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:45:00 +0000

Owning a home invokes more than a sense of pride and freedom. It is also a long-term investment opportunity. With tax season in full swing, it is a great time to speak to your tax advisor about the tax advantages associated with homeownership.

Some of these benefits include:

Reduce your taxable income: On your itemized income tax return, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest payments, property taxes and points paid to lower your loan's interest rate.

Take advantage of special tax breaks: First-time buyers who get under contract before April 30, 2010, and close by June 30, 2010, may be eligible for an $8,000 tax credit. Some existing homeowners who purchase a new principal residence within the same time frame could get a $6,500 tax credit.

Lower tax on capital gains when you sell: When you sell your home, you will not have to pay federal income tax on capital gains of up to $500,000 for a married couple and $250,000 if you are single. This applies to the sale of a principal residence owned and occupied for at least two of the last five years.

Where do you want to move to?

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:41:00 +0000

Good crop of foreclosures today. 5+5 near 4,000 sq ft. simi custom home on 2 acres in Castaic. We have smaller homes as well. EZ down payments can start at $100. for qualified properties. Got a house?

IRS issues new guidelines on obtaining home buyer tax credits

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:20:00 +0000

The federal tax credit for home buyers was extended and expanded late last year. Qualified first-time buyers may be eligible to receive a tax credit of up to $8,000 on homes purchased before April 30, 2010. Repeat buyers may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500. Click here for more information about the federal tax credit for home buyers, including eligibility requirements.

To receive the tax credit, home buyers must comply with the IRS’s documentation requirements, including a fully executed IRS Form 5405. On the form, which is available on the IRS’s Web site, taxpayers provide information supporting their claim of eligibility, such as income and home purchase date. LA Times story

The IRS also requires home buyers to submit a copy of the closing or settlement statement that proves the transaction took place. The IRS previously said that the statement should show “all parties’ names and signatures, property address, sales price, and date of purchase.” However, since closing or settlement statements vary by state, and in some cases the form does not include both the seller’s and buyer’s signatures, the IRS has revised this requirement. As long as the closing or settlement statement conforms to prevailing local practices, the IRS will accept it.

One stipulation for repeat buyers is they must provide documentation they lived in their former property for a consecutive five years out of the previous eight years. Accepted documentation may include property tax records, hazard insurance records, or copies of annual mortgage interest statements filed with their federal taxes.

CITY OF SANTA CLARITA NEW TRANSIT SCHEDULES

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:19:00 +0000

Effective Sunday, January 31, 2010

New Local and Commuter Service Schedules

new local and commuter service schedules will be effective as of Sunday, January 31, 2010. New schedules are available on buses and at www.santaclaritatransit.com. Please review the schedules prior to taking your trip for possible impacts to your travel.

Wi-Fi Now is as close as the Golden Arches

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:10:00 +0000

Santa Clarita Ca. Wi-Fi is now available for free at the McDonald's throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. At all free standing stores you can walk in fire up your laptop and instantly surf the web. You do not need to purchase anything to use the wi-fi or the restrooms for that matter. Click here for a list of Mickey D's hot spots in the Santa Clarita Valley.

MORE THAN $13 MILLION IN TAX-EXEMPT BOND MONIES AVAILABLE TO STIMULATE LOCAL ECONOMY

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:22:00 +0000

The City of Santa Clarita is proud to announce the Recovery Zone Facility Bond (RZFB) program. RZFBs are tax-exempt private activity bonds authorized by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) to stimulate the local economy. The program allocated $13,270,000 to the City of Santa Clarita for the purpose of investing in private projects that would benefit the community.

“The RZFB presents a great opportunity for local businesses looking to upgrade their infrastructure or expand their existing operations,” commented Mayor Laurene Weste. “This is also another great tool for the City to help attract new businesses to Santa Clarita and create more jobs for our local residents.”

The RZFB program provides a wide range of businesses access to tax-exempt bonds typically reserved for governments and a very narrow range of private businesses. RZFBs can be used in place of conventional financing and provide a lower interest rate.
For the rest of the story please click the title link... or http://www.santa-clarita.com/cityhall/cmo/press/release.asp?ID=1518

House approves sweeping financial reforms

noreply@blogger.com (David Hoshaw) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:23:00 +0000

Today Dec 11, 2009 the House of Representatives approved the biggest changes in financial regulation since the Great Depression on Friday, marking a win for the Obama administration and top Democrats in Congress.

The sweeping bill, which will have to be reconciled with any measure the slower-moving Senate might eventually approve, aims to safeguard the financial system and ward off future crises of the type that punished the nation in the past year with its deepest recession since the 1930s.

The House voted 223-202 to pass the 1,279-page bill, which was hammered out in the months since last year's crisis convinced Democrats of an urgent need for reform. All of the chamber's Republicans and 27 Democrats voted against bill.

"This legislation brings us another important step closer to necessary, comprehensive financial reform that will create clear rules of the road, consistent and systematic enforcement of those rules, and a stronger, more stable financial system," President Barack Obama said in a statement.