Alpine Home Values Going Up!

One Simple and Positive Fact that will Increase Home Values in Alpine for Years to Come.

Home Values Increase in Alpine CA 91901The Challenging Past 5 Years
The median sales price for all homes in Alpine CA 91901 for January 2012 to March 2012 was $340,000. This represents a decline of 12.8%, or $50,000, compared to the prior quarter and a decrease of 9.7% compared to the prior year. Sales prices have depreciated 44.3% over the last 5 years in Alpine, according to data supplied by Trulia.

Beginning to Turn
The average listing price for Alpine homes for sale on Trulia was $484,856 for the week ending April 18, which represents an increase of 0.7%, or $3,352 compared to the prior week and an increase of 1.5%, or $7,030, compared to the week ending March 28. Average price per square foot for Alpine CA was $179, an increase of 1.1% compared to the same period last year.

The Future – Simple and Positive
In the past 5 years very few residential building permits have been issued for Alpine CA 91901 and very few residential units have been built. However, people are still moving in.  From 2006 to 2010 Alpine experienced a 5.9% household population increase (856 people) and in just the last two recorded years, 2009 to 2010, Alpine added 138 people to the household population (SANDAG & US Census 2010).

During the same time frame (2009-2010) only 14 new residential units were added to the housing inventory. That was not nearly enough to support the full household population increase.  At 2.8 people per household (5 year average), Alpine needed to add roughly 49 new units to cover that single year population increase.  During the period 2006-2010 (5 years) there were a total of 186 residential units added, when it should have taken roughly 306 residential units to fully support the household population increase.

Between 2006-2010, even though household population was increasing, the vacancy rate also increased; this was an interesting contradiction  The numbers indicate that the vacancy rate increase was primarily offset by an increase in the number of “People Per Household”; more people living together to help make ends meet (2.74 in 2006 moving up to 2.84 in 2010).  In 2011 and through May 2012 housing inventory levels appear to be declining and at the same time vacancy rates are decreasing.  I expect that people per household will also begin to decline to more normal levels as economic conditions improve; most of these “live together” arrangements are financially driven and temporary.New Home Construction Inventory Alpine CA 91901

2011-2012 Seem to be positive years for Alpine CA 91901, it is becoming a more desirable place to live and do business.  This is evidenced by the appearance of population growth and larger businesses moving into the town; Albertsons, Starbucks, Fresh & Easy, Ace Hardware and possibly McDonalds… the big guys do their homework before they come to town.  I expect that all of these factors will begin to put significant pressure on the limited supply of housing inventory in the years to come.

The basic economic principle of “supply and demand” will eventually gain control over the craziness of uncertainty, economic challenges and financing difficulties.  When we filter out the muck in the news and look at simple economic principles, then we can see a clear picture.

Based upon this single, simple principle I have complete confidence that we will begin to see positive gains in the near future and it will take a few years of building for the depleted inventory levels to catch up to population growth… THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL IS SHINING!

Stay positive and stay focused, we will see real estate appreciation in Alpine again soon!

*Population and housing statistics provided by SANDAG and US Census 2010.

Ronald Brookshire, SFR
President, Broker, REALTOR®, DRE 01050798
The Property Place, Inc.
619-279-4258
Email
www.PropertyPl.com

Your Home “SOLD” Perfectly!
The right price, the right time, with the right seller protection.

Call or Email us TODAY about our “No Hassle Listing System”, “Top Dollar Marketing Plan”, and our “First-Class Seller Protection Program” all designed to get Your Home SOLD Perfectly!

San Diego Real Estate Investment Opportunities in 2012

Two thousand eleven was a challenging year. As we put the numerous trials and tribulations behind us, it’s important to look at the opportunities in the year ahead. While the housing market is not without its share of difficulties, there are some bright spots.

Foreclosures

The inventory of bank-owned properties is expected to increase in 2012, according to RealtyTrac®, and California will continue to be a hotspot for foreclosures. While notices of default and lender repossessed properties both declined in November 2011, a leading indicator points to a potential jump in the inventory of distressed properties:  scheduled foreclosure auctions. There was a 63 percent month over month increase in scheduled foreclosure auctions in Californiain November 2011, the highest state rate in the nation. This poses tremendous prospects for investors to cash in on those properties at desirable prices. It would also be a good opportunity for qualified buyers who have been

sitting on the sidelines awaiting the right opportunity; the expected bump in inventory and continued low mortgage interest rates make for ideal buying conditions. With the economic recovery picking up some traction, interest rates are likely to rise in the coming years and these ideal buying conditions will not last forever.

Some Pros & Cons of Investing in Real Estate

While being an investor has its benefits, it is not without its challenges, so it’s important to do your research and be prepared to face the obstacles. The benefits of owning property include the steady income from rents, tax deductions, appreciation of property value in the long run and the pride of ownership. With currently low inflation rates, the potential for equity gains in real property is greater because home values will rise as inflation rises.

On the other hand, short term market volatility, maintenance expenses, vacancy, the occasional bad tenant, exposure to liability and finding qualified professionals to assist with providing necessary services are eminent risks. For investment property owners, it is not a matter of whether you will have to deal with these nuisances, but when. To remedy that, there are steps you can take to prepare for that rainy day.

The best solution is to maintain a healthy liquid asset account. Cash is ideal, but short-term or monthly money market or certificate of deposit accounts are also good options. Depending on the type of property, its condition, the mortgage and other monthly expenses, it is recommended to have at least six months of expenses in liquid savings or about 10 percent of the property’s value, especially if major repairs are anticipated. Good planning and organization is essential to maintaining and keeping track of expenditures and all property matters, particularly in preparation for filing taxes. This preparation will also enable owners to determine the appropriate amount of insurance coverage to purchase. Being educated about your investments is likewise crucial to protecting your assets, hence due diligence in assessing your risk cannot be emphasized enough.

San Diego Real Estate Home Foreclosure Update

In San Diego Banks took possession of 13 percent fewer homes last month, when compared to January, according to San Diego-based Dataquick. The real estate tracking firm says the decline is 30 percent when compared to the same month a year ago. Fewer people are getting notices of default, the first step in the foreclosure process.

“The trouble is, there are still a lot of people who are behind on their payments,” said Andrew LaPage of DataQuick. “They’re in trouble and they’re just stuck somewhere in the process. And it is not clear how the lenders will handle them.”  The number of foreclosures in the county last month fell to the lowest level in four years, said LaPage.

This information leads us to believe that the real estate investment opportunities in San Diego are currently still good, but may be starting to dwindle.  As the inventory of foreclosures is consumed and the banks are more successful in mitigating foreclosure losses with alternatives, the opportunities will begin to decrease.

Short Sale or Foreclosure – What should I do with my San Diego home

Short Sale or Foreclosure?
What to Consider Before Making the Decision

With distressed properties, including foreclosures (or REOs) and short sales, making up about half of all single-family home sales in California in January, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, many underwater sellers will face the tough decision between a foreclosure or a short sale.

Some of the most important factors to consider before making the decision include deficiency judgments, tax implications, credit consequences and timing.

Home Foreclosure vs Short Sale in San Diego CA

 

Deficiency Judgments and Tax Implications
The good news is that California offers some protections for consumers against deficiency judgments after short sales and foreclosures. A homeowner is generally protected against a deficiency judgment after short sale for a one-to-four residential unit property. The instances in which a homeowner is generally protected against a deficiency judgment following foreclosure include, among other things, a non-judicial foreclosure or a loan that is all of the following: 1) owner-occupied, 2) secured by a one-to-four unit dwelling and 3) purchase money. Homeowners are also protected against deficiency judgments after foreclosure of seller financing.

Sellers may be responsible for taxes on, among other things, cancellation of debt (COD) income, which is approximately the difference between the outstanding loan balance and the fair market value. The exceptions to being taxed on COD income include bankruptcy, insolvency and forgiveness of a nonrecourse debt after foreclosure.

Nonrecourse debt in California is when a loan is made to purchase a one-to-four unit, owner-occupied property or when the seller carries back financing. In the case of a short sale or foreclosure, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 also provides an exception from federal taxation when the following conditions are met: 1) property must be a qualified principal residence as defined, 2) loan is secured by the residence, 3) income relief is capped at $1,000,000 for married couples filing separately and $2,000,000 for all others, and 4) loan is discharged after January 1, 2007 and before January 1, 2013. Additional rules apply under California law.

Credit Consequences and Timing
Credit may be adversely affected regardless of the type of sale – foreclosure or short sale. Credit score declines can vary and the negative mark may remain on the credit report for seven years. Both foreclosures and short sales might affect the ability to quality for a loan to purchase another home. In some short sale cases where the seller may have even been current with mortgage payments but sold the home for less than the outstanding loan amount, the credit report could indicate that the debt was settled for less than what was owed and the impact may be less severe.

In the event of a foreclosure, a borrower may not be able to qualify for another home loan for seven years without any extenuating circumstances, or five years with extenuating circumstances, under current Fannie Mae guidelines. The wait may be less with short sales. If payments are in arrears in a short sale, buyers may qualify to purchase another home within about two years for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage, or approximately three years for a FHA loan. If payments were current, consumers may qualify for another loan immediately, but it can be difficult to find a lender.

Exceptions and additional considerations apply to the conditions discussed, depending on individual
circumstances. For consumers facing these difficult choices, it is advisable to seek professional assistance from an attorney and/or an accountant who can evaluate your specific situation.

This information is believed accurate as of February 2, 2012. It is intended to provide general answers to general questions and is not intended as a substitute for individual legal advice. Advice in specific situations may differ depending upon a wide variety of factors. Therefore, readers with specific legal questions should seek the advice of an attorney.

Ronald Brookshire, SFR
President, Broker, REALTOR®, DRE 01050798
The Property Place, Inc.
619-279-4258
EMAIL
www.PropertyPl.com

Your San Diego Real Estate Resource for Home Buyers and Sellers!

Consumer Attitudes about Housing and Finances Improve

Consumer Attitudes about Personal Finances and Housing Stabilize Alongside Positive Economic News - Share of Americans Who Think Economy is on the Right Track Increases

Fannie Mae News Release March 7, 2009
Written by Pete Bakel

Housing Attitudes Improving in San DiegoWASHINGTON, DC – Americans’ concerns about key economic and housing issues are beginning to subside, according to results from Fannie Mae’s February 2012 National Housing Survey. Consumers’ attitudes have stabilized across most indicators – including personal finances, housing, and employment – demonstrating their sense that downside risks have abated somewhat compared to late summer and fall of 2011. While Americans’ confidence in the direction of the economy has been the most pronounced (35 percent think that the economy is on the right track, up 19 percentage points since November, and 57 percent think the economy is on the wrong track, down 18 percentage points since November), their confidence about personal financial situations, household income, and household expenses, as well as attitudes about homeownership and renting is holding at steady levels. At the same time, Americans’ concern about losing their job in the next 12 months has stabilized since the late fall, with 76 percent of Americans saying they are not concerned in February 2012, compared to 70 percent in November 2011.

“The pickup in the pace of hiring over the past few months has helped soothe consumer concerns, lifting their moods regarding their personal finances, the direction of the economy, and their views on the housing market,” said Doug Duncan, vice president and chief economist of Fannie Mae. “As a result, we’ve seen more potential for economic upside, creating a more balanced near-term outlook.”

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

The Economy and Household Finances

  • The rise in confidence in the economy’s direction continued this month, with 35 percent responding that they think the economy is on the right track, a 5 percentage point increase from January. The percentage of respondents who say the economy is on the wrong track dropped to 57 percent, a decline of 6 percentage points.
  • Only 12 percent think that their personal financial situation will worsen in the next 12 months, a 3 percentage point drop from January and the lowest value in over a year.
  • Sixteen percent of respondents say their income is significantly lower than it was 12 months ago (down 1 percentage point since January), while 63 percent say it has stayed the same (up 1 percentage point since January).
  • Thirty-three percent say their expenses have increased significantly over the past 12 months, a 3 percentage point decrease from last month and the lowest level in the past 12 months.

Homeownership and Renting

  • On average, Americans expect home prices to increase by 0.8 percent over the next 12 months (down slightly since last month).
  • Twenty-eight percent of respondents expect home prices to increase over the next 12 months (consistent with last month), while 15 percent say they expect home prices to decline (down 1 percentage point since last month). Fifty-three percent say prices will stay the same.
  • Ten percent of Americans say that mortgage rates will go down in the next 12 months, a 2 percentage point increase from last month.
  • The percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to sell rose by 3 percentage points to 13 percent, the highest level in over a year, while the percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to buy dropped 1 percentage point to 70 percent this month.
  • On average, respondents expect home rental prices to increase by 3.5 percent over the next 12 months, a slight increase since January.
  • Forty-five percent of respondents think that home rental prices will go up, a 2 percentage point increase from last month, while 3 percent expect them to go down, a 2 percentage point decrease from last month and the lowest value in over a year.
  • Sixty-five percent of respondents say they would buy their next home if they were going to move, up 1 percentage point since last month, while 29 percent say they would rent, down 1 percentage point versus last month.

The most detailed consumer attitudinal survey of its kind, the Fannie Mae National Housing Survey polled 1,003 Americans via live telephone interview to assess their attitudes toward owning and renting a home, mortgage rates, homeownership distress, the economy, household finances, and overall consumer confidence. Homeowners and renters are asked more than 100 questions used to track attitudinal shifts (findings are compared to the same survey conducted monthly beginning June 2010). Fannie Mae conducts this survey and shares monthly and quarterly results so that we may help industry partners and market participants target our collective efforts to stabilize the housing market in the near-term, and provide support in the future.

For detailed findings from the February 2012 survey, as well as technical notes on survey methodology and the questions asked of respondents associated with each monthly indicator, please visit the Fannie Mae Monthly National Housing Survey site. Also available on the site are quarterly survey results, which provide a detailed assessment of combined data results from three monthly studies. The February 2012 Fannie Mae National Housing Survey was conducted between February 1, 2012 and February 27, 2012. Interviews were conducted by Penn Schoen Berland, in coordination with Fannie Mae.

Fannie Mae News Release March 7, 2009
Written by Pete Bakel

Ronald Brookshire, SFR
President / Broker DRE 01050798
The Property Place, Inc.
619-279-4258
EMAIL
www.PropertyPl.com

San Diego Home Short Sales – Top 10 Myths Debunked!

If you are a homeowner challenged by a hardship, there are a few things that you need to know to help you make an informed decision about your home. These are the top 10 myths about short sales… Don’t believe them!San Diego House Underwater Short Sale

Myth #1: The homeowner must fall behind on mortgage payments in order to qualify for a short sale.

Debunked: Years ago this may have been true, but not in 2012.
• A financial hardship must exist, such as the ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage) increasing in monthly payments.
• Loss of job or income.
• Health or medical issues.
• Extraordinary loss in home value (which may be considered a hardship).

Myth #2: Banks would rather foreclose on a property than approve a short sale.

Debunked: Many still believe this myth to be true, but more accurately, banks would prefer not to foreclose on a property due to the $50-70k it may cost the bank per transaction. Banks lose less money on a short sale than on a foreclosure.
Note: In California, some lenders may pay owners as much as $25,000 to opt for a short sale.

Myth #3: Homeowners must be pre-approved by their lender to be eligible for a short sale.

Debunked: Absolutely not true. By and large, most lenders will consider short sale offers. However, each lender may have unique and specific processes to follow, from listing the home to the acceptance of a short sale. Bypassing any part of this process may result the sale not closing, so be sure to follow each lenders’ processes closely.

Myth #4: Short sales never close.

Debunked: Obviously not true. In some areas of the U.S., nearly 50% of all closings are considered to be “distressed” properties, meaning REOs and short sales.

Myth #5: Short sales take months (and months) to close.

Debunked: The short sale processes must be learned. Once mastered, it may not be uncommon to close a short sale in 30 days. However, certain idiosyncrasies may slow the process and each lender presents their own unique set of specific challenges. No two short sale transactions are identical.

Myth #6: Damage to the homeowner’s credit standing is comparable in a short sale and a foreclosure.

Debunked: In many cases, credit repercussions and deficiency protections are more damaging with a foreclosure. Short sale transactions can often lead to faster financial recovery for the homeowner and should be carefully considered.
Note: If the homeowner missed no mortgage payments, they may be eligible to finance the purchase of a home immediately following a short sale transaction.

Myth #7: Following a short sale, the homeowner will be ineligible to purchase another property for the next 5-7 years.

Debunked: Not true. Using conventional lending guidelines, some consumers may obtain a Fannie Mae backed mortgage a short 24 months after the close of their short sale.

Myth #8: After a short sale transaction, the homeowner will receive a 1099 and be forced to declare the loss as income.

Debunked: The owner may indeed receive a 1099, but due to the 2007 Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, among other considerations, the homeowner may not owe any taxes on their transaction.*

Note: This Act is due to expire at the end of 2012.

Myth #9: The lender will sue the homeowner after the close of a short sale (or foreclosure, or deed in lieu of foreclosure) for the deficiency.

Debunked: California has certain anti-deficiency protections in place for short sales and foreclosures, depending on the circumstances.*

Myth #10: It does not take special training for a real estate agent know all of the ins and outs of the short sale process.

Debunked: Short sales are very complex transactions that demand a lot of experience and specialized training to have the best chance of success. Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR) is a designation offered by National Association of Realtors; it means the Realtor has completed the required curriculum and training to be a valuable resource for homeowners that have a hardship. Experience and successful closings are also critical, so check references and results before choosing a real estate agent to help you with your Short Sale or Foreclosure.

Ronald Brookshire is a certified Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource for Homes in San DiegoI am an experienced National Association of Realtors®, Certified Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource (SFR).  I have saved my clients millions of dollars (literally) in mortgage debt reduction.  Please feel free to call me with questions, to get educated or for a no nonsense free evaluation of your situation. I am here to be a resource for you.

*Real Estate Agents cannot offer accounting, tax, or legal advice. Please refer these questions regarding these topics to appropriately trained professionals.

Some information provided by California Association of Realtors

Ronald Brookshire, SFR
President / Broker DRE 01050798
The Property Place, Inc.
619-279-4258
EMAIL
www.PropertyPl.com

Real Estate Market Snapshot February 2012

Housing Market Outlook
The California housing market ended 2011 on a solid note, with seasonally adjusted annualized sales reaching 520,940 units in December, an increase of 3.3 percent from November but virtually unchanged from December 2010. It was, nonetheless, the highest sales level since January 2011. For the year as a whole, 2011 exceeded 2010 by 1.1 percent with annual sales of existing detached home at 497,860 units. The statewide median home price improved slightly by 1.8 percent to $285,920 from November, but dropped 6.2 percent from December 2010.

Improved Economic Conditions
Sales in the fourth quarter of 2011 were relatively strong when compared to the rest of the year and one contributing factor was the improvement in the level of consumer confidence. After hitting a recent bottom of 40.9 in October 2011, the consumer confidence index bounced back and surged in November and December. The index jumped to 55.2 in November and climbed again to 64.8 in December. The back-to-back increase was the effect of the economy showing some signs of growth in the last quarter of 2011. The unemployment rate declining consecutively for four months, retail sales increasing on a year¬over-year basis in each of the last three months of 2011, and the fourth quarter GDP showing the largest year-over-year increase in the last six quarters were all encouraging news to consumers that bodes well for a recovering housing market.

Mortgage Rates February 2012 San Diego Real Estate

Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey

Record Low Interest Rates
Another reason for a strong year-end finish in sales was the record-low interest rate levels. Mortgage rates had been trending downward since July of last year after the Federal Reserve announced its commitment to keep interest rates low until at least 2013. The average rate for 30-year fixed rate mortgages had since declined to below four percent, and set a historical record low of 3.96 percent in December 2011. With rates dropping more than three quarters of a percent in the last twelve months and home prices holding steady at or below the same level as a year ago, the increase in housing affordability convinced many buyers who were previously on the fence to finally make a home purchase.

The new year will be a transition year for the housing market, very much like 2011. The market’s performance will hinge heavily on the performance of the U.S. and global economies, so it will be important to follow the economy as well as the housing market. Unexpected events hindered economic growth in 2011 and could do so again in 2012. However, if there is sustained improvement in economy, the housing market could perform better than the C.A.R. forecast.

Information provided by California Association of Realtors

Ronald Brookshire, SFR
President / Broker DRE 01050798
The Property Place, Inc.
619-279-4258
www.PropertyPl.com

Will 2012 be the End of the Housing Crisis?

Housing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards

Article by Krista Franks DSNEWS.com

Capital Economics expects the housing crisis to end this year, according to a report released Tuesday. One of the reasons: loosening credit….

Read the full story here:  http://www.dsnews.com/articles/housing-crisis-to-end-in-2012-as-banks-loosen-credit-standards-2012-01-24

Increase of Life

“No matter what your profession is, if you can give increase of life to others and make them aware of this gift, they will be attracted to you, and you will get rich.” – The Science of Getting Rich, author Wallace D. Wattles, Published 1910.

If we “always” give increase to others we will receive increase many times over!  This is critical in our personal lives, as well as our businesses.

The Inside Scoop IV-10

Do You Treat Your Car Better Than Your Body?

Dear Friends,

The American Heart Association says people routinely take their cars in for preventive maintenance, but too often they don’t pay enough attention to their own cardiovascular health.  You can learn about the “Simple 7” things you can do to manage your heart health in today’s The Inside Scoop! Ronald Brookshire’s free consumer newsletter.

You’ll also learn how to get rid of some of that junk mail you have to carry in from your mailbox, why you should use Blind Carbon Copy when you email and what to do if you buy a lemon (car, that is) – plus funny jokes, trivia, and lots more.   But first…

Here’s what’s happening in the Real Estate World.  Interest rates remain at historic lows; as of the writing of this letter a 30 year fixed rate mortgage was still in the range of 4.60% to 4.75%.  This is AMAZING, who would have ever thought that rates would continue this low this long? In 2010 Home prices in San Diego continued to show improvement… we are bucking the national trends due to desirability of location and lack of new building over the last few years.  Here are the results:

I’d like to say a few special words about my friends, Phil & Rae Jupin.  We met many years ago while working as volunteers for our local youth soccer organization, Alpine AYSO.  Phil and Rae have recently blessed me with a new client by referring me to a realtor in a different city, Dick Davis.  He then referred me to a wonderful young family living right here in our own home town.  We were able to find a great Alpine home for this family, a home that their three beautiful children will grow up in.  Phil & Rae, thank you for your warm friendship and support of my business! And Dick even though we have never met, I really appreciate the referral and hope to be able to give some back to you someday.

Finally, I want you to know that you may call me for any reason.  And please let me know if a friend, family member or neighbor needs a caring, competent real estate professional to help in buying or selling.  I truly appreciate your friendship and referrals.  Enjoy your issue!

  The Inside Scoop! IV-10 (418.6 KiB, 93 hits)


Warmest Regards,

Ronald Brookshire, SFR
President/Broker, License 01050798
The Property Place, Inc.
(619) 279-4258 | Email | PropertyPl.com

P.S. Do you know what hiring managers say is the most common mistake job candidates make during interviews?  See the answer on page 3.

Funny & True Real Estate Sayings

Funny: Sign next to a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) – We shoot every third agent and the 2nd one just left.

Funny & True: “If you think no one cares you’re alive, miss a couple of house payments.” – Author unknown

True even today: “Every person who invests in well-selected real estate in a growing section of a prosperous community adopts the surest and safest method of becoming independent, for real estate is the basis of wealth.” – Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)

Inside Scoop IV-9

Make 2011 a Great Year!

Dear Friends,

Success in Life is now the Inside Scoop. I wanted to make a change for these reasons:

  1. To motivate and inspire you.
  2. To provide real, useable information about your real estate area.
  3. To make it quicker and easier to read.
  4. To be able to produce it monthly (while I continue to work on and in my business).

There will be two parts to it:

  • Page 1 – Insider tips for healthy, wealthy and happy living…
  • Page 2 – A snapshot of real estate in your area.  (if your area is not included please drop me an email or give me a call)

So here it is the first edition for 2011. I hope you enjoy, thanks for reading and please leave a comment below…

  Inside Scoop IV-9 - Ronald Brookshire's Life & Real Estate Newsletter (460.9 KiB, 108 hits)

Page 2 – Choose your area:

Alpine, CA 91901 El Cajon, CA 92021
Lakeside, CA 92040

Be Prosperous,

Ronald Brookshire, SFR
President/Broker 01050798
The Property Place, Inc.
(619) 279-4258
Email

Success in Life IV-8

What Would You Do If A Ruthless Thief Stole Your Identity?

Dear Friends,

It’s the most helpless feeling in the world – identity theft.  Before you think it’ll never happen to you, think again!  In fact, identity theft is so prevalent in our “electronic” society that I decided to cover simple tips for avoiding it in my latest Success In Life!  Free consumer newsletter.  First, here is some other information you may like to know…

Here’s what’s new in the world of real estate: The statewide median home price posted its 10th consecutive year-over-year gain in August.  Although the sales volume dropped in August, the median price of an existing, single-family detached home sold in California during August 2010 was $318,660, an 8.6 percent increase from the revised $293,400 median price recorded in August 2009, California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) reported. The August 2010 median price was up 1.2 percent compared with July’s $314,850 median price.  The following statistics are for San Diego specifically:

Sales Volume Median Price
All homes Aug-09 Aug-10 %Chng Aug-09 Aug-10 %Chng
San Diego 3,306 3,113 -5.80% $325,000 $337,000 3.70%

(Compliments of DQ News)

Did you know the bank will now pay you $3,000.00 to short sell your house?  We have had great success helping homeowners sell their homes, even when they owe more than the home is worth.  In most cases we have been able to get a full release from the debt with no future obligation through a short sale.  The bank wins by avoiding the cost of a foreclosure, the homeowner wins by getting relieved of the debt and minimizing credit damage, and the buyer wins by getting a good deal… WIN, WIN, WIN.  Check out page 2 to see how much money we have been able to save our clients in the last 12 months (it is a big number).

Finally, I want you to know that you may call me for any reason.  And please let me know if a friend, family member or neighbor needs a caring, competent real estate professional to help in buying or selling.

I truly appreciate your friendship and referrals.  Enjoy your issue!

  Success In Life IV-8 (412.2 KiB, 100 hits)

Warmest Regards,

Ronald Brookshire, SFR
President/Broker, License 01050798
The Property Place, Inc.
(619) 279-4258
Email
PropertyPl.com


P.S.
Do you know what your BMI is?  BMI is the abbreviation for your Body Mass Index.  You can calculate your BMI in about 10 seconds.  The simple formula is on page 3.

Success In Life IV-7

How To Stay Safe From Deadly Lightning…

Dear Friends,

Did you know more than 6,000 lightning injuries occur each year in the U.S. And did you also know that lightening can occur any time of the year? That’s the main topic of my latest Success In Life! Free consumer newsletter. I think the article will be a real eye-opener for you. Plus, there’s a lot more in today’s issue. But first, I thought you’d like to know…

Here’s what’s new in the world of real estate: The San Diego County real estate market activity through June appears to be leaps and bounds above last year. According to the Sandicor San Diego Multiple Listing Service for detached homes; the total sales volume was up 16.4%, the average sales price was up 15.6%, the median sales price was up 11.8% and the average days on the market was down by 2.7%.  THIS IS GREAT NEWS!

Potential buyers shouldn’t wait. With a strong buyers market, combined with nearly all-time low mortgage rates, now’s the time to get a great deal on your dream home. In addition, there has never been a better time to be a “move-up” buyer in San Diego, the time is right and the deals are HOT.

I’d like to say a few special words about my clients and friends. You guys are amazing! Your support and your referrals are really what make my business a success. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Finally, I want you to know, that you may call me for any reason. And please let me know if a friend, family member or neighbor needs a caring, competent real estate professional to help in buying or selling.

I truly appreciate your friendship and referrals. Enjoy your issue! CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Warmest regards,

Ronald Brookshire, SFR
Broker/President, License 01050798
The Property Place, Inc.
(619) 279-4258
(800) 375-1212

Email
PropertyPl.com

P.S. Do you have a sweet tooth for brownies? I don’t include recipes very often, but there’s a mouth-watering recipe for Turtle Brownies on page 3 of this issue. Check it out…

Success In Life IV-6

Is it Really Illegal to Feed Booze
to a Moose in Alaska??

Dear Friends, 

They are some of the most ridiculous laws you’ve ever seen.  They’re also still on the books of many states.  Crazy laws are just one of the fun trivia I’ve include in my latest Success In Life!  free consumer newsletter (and there are more for you to laugh about inside!).  But before you check them out…

Have you heard of the term Short Sale?  A short sale occurs when a home is sold for less than is owed on the mortgage(s).  This can be a great deal for a buyer and the saving grace for a seller.  I have included a complete description of a short sale in this edition of my newsletter.  Whether you are a buyer looking for a good deal or a seller who is upside down in equity a short sale may be the answer, but be patient.  I am a Short Sale Specialist so if you are thinking of buying a short sale or selling short please give me a call right away, I am here to help

I would like to take this moment to thank all my amazing clients.  Because of all of the great things we have been able to accomplish together I have decided to take my business to the next level.  I am now an independent Broker and have started a new real estate firm, “The Property Place, Inc”.  You will hear more about my new adventure in the months to come.  Thank you for your warm friendship and support of my business!

I also want to take a moment to thank my previous Broker for everything they have done for me; Glenn Mitchel Realtors is an amazing company with more than 50 years of local service through three generations of family members.  They have built their business on the “Golden Rule”, just as I plan to do.  THANK YOU.

Finally, I want you to know that you may call me for any reason.  And please let me know if a friend, family member or neighbor needs a caring, competent real estate professional to help in buying or selling.

I truly appreciate your friendship and referrals.  Enjoy your issue!

To read Success In Life click here:  Success In Life IV-6 (PDF).

Warmest regards,

Ronald Brookshire
Real Estate Broker
DRE# 01050798
(619) 279-4258
(800) 375-1212
Email
HomeSellerSDRE.com

P.S.   Do you know of someone who will be interviewing for a job anytime soon?  Be sure to share the article on Page 3…it just might clinch the job for them!

Success In Life IV-5

How To Avoid Dangerous Health Risks
On Your Next Airline Flight…
&
Get FREE Money from the IRS…

Dear Friends,

Between jetlag, backaches and sore muscles to getting downright ill, traveling by air can be risky business.  That’s why I’ve highlighted a number of proven tips for staying healthy when flying your favorite airline.   It’s all detailed right here in my latest Success In Life!  Free personal newsletter.  But before you dig into this issue…

Here is the BEST news in the world of real estate: 

First-time home buyers have an amazing opportunity RIGHT NOW.  The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has some special loans that allow a first-time home buyer to obtain financing with only 3.5% down (you can even get a gift for most of that).  You are also allowed to request up to 6% of the closing costs back from the seller.  The current rates on these loans range from 4.75% to 5.75%.  To make it even better the IRS will give you an $8,000 tax credit this year; even if you close escrow after you filed your tax return (this is a first… when has the IRS ever given you anything… better take it while you can).  As with any deal there are some conditions, restrictions and a limited time frame… but this is amazing!  It means you can buy a home with little or no money out of your pocket and, most likely, pay less than you are currently paying for rent. 

NOW YOU CAN AFFORD TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME IN SAN DIEGO

Finally, I want you to know that you may call me for any reason.  And please let me know if a friend, family member or neighbor needs a caring, competent real estate professional to help in buying or selling.

I truly appreciate your friendship and referrals.  Enjoy your issue!

To read Success In Life click here:  Success In Life IV-5 (PDF)

Warmest regards,

Ronald Brookshire
Real Estate Broker
DRE # 01050798
(619) 279-4258
(800) 375-1212
Email
HomeSellerSDRE.com

P.S.   Do you suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?  Go to page 3 right now for quick-tips to ease the pain…