How to stay within or under budget

Mary Williams Interior Design

A lot of staying within or under budget in a remodeling or redesign project is finding great bargains in the Desert – and I love a great bargain! In fact, I have been finding great bargains all over the place in the most unsuspecting places. What and who I know will save you money with any project – large or small. There is a reason to work with me because “There’s REALLY Something About Mary!”

A Savvy Shopper's Secrets to Sales

Remodeling, decorating, and more ∨From Shabby Chic home accessories to contemporary furniture and wall mirrors, browse thousands of decorating ideas to inspire your next home project.
Select garden furniture to match your style, garden storage sheds or even greenhouse designs to personalize your landscape.

If you are thinking about a
remodel, redesign, or reorganizing;
let me take your home from drab to FAB!

If you are considering selling your property,
and you think it needs staging;
I am your neighborhood professional!

Call me at 760.567.7282!

Single Homebuyers in the Desert

One is not the loneliest number when it comes to buying homes. According to a recent article on the online REALTOR Magazine, single buyers made up a fourth of ALL the home purchases last year. Currently there are 33 MILLION one-person households in the United States and is becoming an International Trend.

So, what’s the deal? Waiting to get married? Divorced? Living Longer? Yes, yes and yes.

According to Eric Klinenberg, a sociologist and author of "Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone", the fastest group that are living solo are the 18 to 34 year old and of all groups, are comprised mainly of women. 18 MILLION women live alone compared to 14 MILLION men living alone; both generally in metro areas; low maintenance homes yet still place a high value on areas with high-rated schools.

“One of the largest segments of home buyers is single women, accounting for 16 percent of sales in 2012.”

According to 2010 Census Data on one person households:

40% are living on their own in San Francisco

30% are living solo in LA

Watch “Going Solo” Video Clip

So, do you want to purchase your home in the La Quinta and surrounding areas? There may be some adjustments to being a single homeowner; for one thing, all the good and bad of homeownership are yours and yours alone. Sometimes even qualifying for the purchase can be a bit more involved and stressful when you are single homebuyer, but that is where I come in. I know where you’re coming from and understand. Whether you’re a couple or single homebuyer, I will be able to help you find and purchase your home.

Contact me today – season is getting closer and now is the time to purchase so you can enjoy all season long in the Desert!

Happy Labor Day!!

Cash Offers are HOT in the Desert

33% of homes purchased nationally have been with cash so far this year. #Cashoffers have been made by investors, wealthy homeowners, and international home buyers. In fact, over the last 7 years the number of cash offers have doubled. According to an online article, “Buyer and Seller Characteristics: Cash Sales” posted by Realtor.org, of all cash buyers:

10% were First Time Homebuyers

72% were Investors

56% were Second Homebuyers

18% were Relocation

65% were International Homebuyers

49% were Distressed homes

Cash offers are a good indicator that the more investors are willing to back the current housing market by diversifying their portfolios with real estate rather than stocks and bonds. This wouldn’t happen if investors didn’t think we were in a full housing recovery. This type of investing is contributing to the increase of home prices, which is turning around the housing market.

July was the 7^th consecutive month home prices went up in the Desert. "Prices continue to rise and sales numbers to fall, mainly due to the shortage of homes for sale which fell to an inventory of 1,950 in July. That’s a 3.75 month’s supply which by tradition would make it a seller’s market," said Ann Ritchie, executive vice president of California Desert Association of REALTORS®. "Prices have softened a little from May, but that is normal in the summer here because summer traditionally is our off season."

According to the California Association of REALTORS®, “The statewide median price of an existing, single-family detached home inched up 1.2 percent from June’s median price of $428,620 to $433,760 in July.  July’s price was 29.8 percent higher than the revised $334,220 recorded in July 2012, marking 17 straight months of annual price increases and the 13th consecutive month of double-digit annual gains.  The median sales price is the point at which half of homes sold for more and half sold for less; it is influenced by the types of homes selling as well as a general change in values.”

A strong housing market will define our economic recovery in the Desert.

Season is just around the corner! Start early to find you home in the Desert before the competition comes into town. Call me today at 760-567-5262 and we can get started.

If you want to have a remodel, redesign, or reorganize before the Holidays; 
let me take your home from drab to FAB just in time for Season!

If you are considering selling your property, 
and you think it needs staging; I am your neighborhood professional!

How to Maximize your Whole-House Remodel

Mary Williams Interior and Redesign

Whether it's a bathroom remodel, redesign or a little home freshen - up, there are some things to keep in mind before jumping into a large project. Here are just a few ideas to get the questions started ....

10 Tips to Maximize Your Whole-House Remodel

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Remodeling, decorating, and more ∨ From designer lounge chairs and writing desks to the perfect message board and credenza, create your dream home office. As you revamp your house, browse photos for inspiration on everything from fireplace mantels to crown molding and wainscoting.

If you are thinking about a remodel, redesign, or reorganizing; let me take your home from drab to FAB!

If you are considering selling your property, and you think it needs staging; I am your neighborhood professional!

Call me at 760.567.7282!

California Housing numbers are still looking good!

Excerpt from C.A.R. Market Matters News Letter dated 8/22/13

• Home prices continued to post strong annual gains, and home sales recorded the first annual increase in six months, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^® (C.A.R.). Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 443,520 units in July, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide.

• C.A.R. reports that sales in July were up 7 percent from a revised 414,670 in June and up 1.5 percent from a revised 436,870 in July 2012. The year-to-year sales increase was the first since December 2012, following six consecutive months of declines.

• C.A.R.’s July 2013 resale housing report also notes that the available supply of existing, single-family detached homes for sale held steady in July at 2.9 months, unchanged from June’s Unsold Inventory Index. The index was 3.5 months in July 2012. The index indicates the number of months needed to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate.

Desert Luxury Realty

What is a toe kick drawer?

Kitchen redesigns are one of the most expensive a homeowner can do – but, it can be the most fun. I am always amazed of all the great new ideas and gadgets that seem to come out every day. I especially like the idea of a toe-kick drawer (see slide show below). All these new ideas can become overwhelming pretty quick. Each one seems better than the first and suddenly you have all these great ideas, but no way to implement them into your kitchen design. That is why you need to hire a professional to help you stay focused on the end product.

As a redesign professional, I can take implement into your kitchen design …. or I can make suggestions which may actually fit better into your whole design scheme. When done, your kitchen will work for you and not be a hodge podge of different ideas and gadgets.

 Take a look at these very clever kitchen ideas below and then call me at 760-567-8262 to see how they can fit into your kitchen redesign.

Kitchen Storage Solutions for Every Nook

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Architects, interior designers, and more ∨ Discover inspring landscaping ideas and find a top local landscape contractor or residential landscape architect to plan your garden landscape. For small bathroom ideas, browse photos of space-saving bathroom cabinetry and clever hidden mirrored medicine cabinets.

If you are thinking about a remodel, redesign, or reorganizing;let me take your home from drab to FAB!

If you are considering selling your property, and you think it needs staging;
I am your neighborhood professional!

Call me at 760.567.7282!

Business Etiquette for Today

Many things have changed in business, from email replacing letters to social networks replacing many forms of advertising. However, in this world of change, a few things still remain the same. That includes etiquette. With today’s business world moving at the speed of light, this word often sounds antiquated. However, unlike old paint colors or fashion, manners never go out of style. Here are a few rules that are as relevant today as they were in the past.

Say Thank You

In the past, when someone had a meeting or job interview, they sent a follow-up thank you note. More and more people are forgetting that piece of etiquette in the busyness of their lives. However, it is still just as appropriate (and essential) to send a thank you note after meeting with a prospective employer or potential client.

Know People’s Names

More people are conducting business through the internet because of convenience. Even though they may never meet these people, they should still take the time to learn something about them. Whether it’s a client, customer, vendor, contractor, or employee, they need to know their names. Building relationships is even more important when working long distance.

Be Focused

In a world filled with cool and helpful technology, it’s easy to get distracted. However, when you’re involved in a conversation with someone, you need to ignore those distractions and focus on the person. Turn off your phone, and don’t look at your email. People still want to know that they’re important. This is a rule that should be followed in client meetings, staff meetings, board sessions, and any other event where you’re speaking with another person.

Remember the Handshake

Business communication has gotten much more relaxed than in years past. However, it is still a good idea to shake hands with someone at the beginning of the meeting, especially if they’re someone you’ve never met before. It’s a sign of professionalism and trustworthiness. While no one would seal a deal based solely on a handshake, it carries a certain image that you want to convey to the people you do business with.

Remember Basic Politeness

Because business interactions are not as formal as they used to be, it’s all too easy to let politeness slide. Instead, stand out from the crowd by saying “Please” and “thank you” when warranted. Also, let the other person finish their thought before you speak. Be on time for meetings and functions. It shows that you respect other people’s time. And while many things have changed, the topics of religion and politics should never be discussed in a business environment. Those are things that should only be discussed amongst your personal friends.

While many things in business change, including the method of communication, certain behaviors should stay the same. It is still important that you respect others and treat them the way you want to be treated.

Message from Dean Rathbun, Avis Lending

Avis Lending offers a "Lock & Look" program.

[social] Protect yourself from rising interest rates.

Lock in a rate for 60 or 90 days while you look for a home.

With our Lock & Look program, we can offer current interest rates for an extended period of time and can shop for a new home. And we don't charge upfront fees or price hits for this program. It's a win-win.

Need more time to Shop? We also offer Rate Locks up to 365 days. Call for details

Take advantage of all this program has to offer with Avis Lending.
Some restrictions may apply. All borrowers are subject to credit approval. Programs subject to change. The information provided in this flyer is for dissemination to and for the use of real estate and financial business entities only and is not an advertisement for the extension of credit to consumers.

Dean Rathbun
CA RE Broker #01154798 | NMLS #98516
Avis Lending, a dba of United American Mortgage Corporation
CA, HI, OR, WA, CO, AZ
800.397.2345 Fax | 888.455.2847 Toll Free
dean@deanrathbun.com | http://www.avislending.com

August 2013 Newsletter

Click HERE to read all of my August Newsletter!

Free Entrance into Joshua Tree National Park August 25th

August 7, 2013 By Mary Williams

August 25th is FREE Entrance Day into ANY National Park and we’re lucky enough to have the Joshua Tree National Park in our back yard.

If you haven’t walked through the 550,000 acres of Joshua Tree National Park, there are 12 self-guiding nature trails to choose from.

There’s the Arch Rock which is only a 1/2 mile look featuring geology and a nature arch or a 1/4 mile trail on Cholla Cactus Garden featuring a dense concentration of Cholla Cactus. If you’re up for the trek, there’s Skull Rock – a 1 1/2 mile look through the Jumbo Rocks Campground featuring desert washes, boulder piles and Skull Rock.

You can also enjoy mountain biking on the extensive network of dirt roads.

Rock climbing has become extremely popular on the high desert monzogranite formations. Joshua Tree has more than 400 climbing formations and 8,000 climbing routes – however, you will want to be experienced before you start climbing the rocks.

Overnight stays are extremely enjoyable at Joshua Tree National Park. There are 9 campgrounds and backpack camping is also permitted.

You will want to plan your visit to Joshua Tree National Park – each season in the desert brings out different things to see. You will want to start at the Visitor Center to make sure you don’t miss anything. There are also Ranger guided activities which can help you when your first set out to see what Joshua Tree has to see.

Joshua Tree Visitor Center
Open All Year; 8 am to 5 pm
Located one block south of Hwy 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) at 6554 Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree, CA 92252.

Also, you will want to make sure you bring plenty of water. The Park Rangers strongly suggest at lease one gallon of water per person just for drinking and if you’re going to be energetic, you’ll want a lot more than that.


The Desert is a wonderful place to live and have such great natural wonders so close.
  View Larger Map

Riverside County Reinstated Prop. 90 Property Tax Incentives

August 5, 2013 By Mary Williams

Last month the Riverside County supervisors voted unanimously to reinstate the Prop. 90 property tax incentives for homeowners who are 55 years old and older.

According to the Desert Sun, “If they (home buyers who are 55+ years old) buy a home here, the revived rule allows them to transfer their old home’s assessed value to their new residence, a move that saves them on property taxes.” The incentive should lure retirees into the area, but would actually add more dollars into the communities and county with the money they spend as the become more a part of the area.

Supervisor Jeff Stone commented that Prop. 90 would boost home sales, thus increasing property taxes and support employment in Riverside County.

The Riverside County Property Tax Portal details what is the requirements of Prop. 60 in Riverside County, “The provisions of Revenue and Taxation Code Section 69.5 (Proposition 60) allow taxpayers at least 55 years of age to purchase a new residence of equal or lesser value than their former residence in Riverside County and transfer the assessed value (not taxes) of their former residence to the new residence.” Prop. 90 goes one step further and allows the transfer between COUNTIES.

You may also contact the Riverside Assessor by clicking here.

Not sure if you qualify or how to do it? No worries! I’m here to help!! Contact me today and I will show you how you can buy or sell your home in the Desert!!

Now is the time to hunt for bargains!

Desert Luxury Realty
You don’t have to have anyone going back to school to take advantage of some of the best deals of the season. If your home office is in need of some items, it’s best to pick it up now. You’ll find great deals at any of our local big box and office supply stores for paper, notebooks, pens, and lunch boxes (which are fabric and lined making them great totes for taking your favorite dish to a luncheon). Also, back pack and computer case prices are slashed right now. These make very handy carry-ons which you can just sling over your shoulder as your run through the airports.

Dorm décor – now don’t laugh. If you’re going to spruce up your home to sell, it’s a great way to add a lot of color for not a lot of money – rugs, lamps, towels and sheets. Even little knick knacks will add to any décor.

Laptops. Back to school laptops at disposable prices. You may think the prices may be better around the Holidays, but if you’re need a laptop or two, you may want to check them out now.
Also, luggage is a good thing to purchase now. Earlier in the spring/summer stores were stocking up on luggage, and now that the traveling time of year is all but over, stores want to get rid of these to make room for Halloween/Christmas items.

Totes and storage boxes. Think college students . Stores are brimming with great deals on storage totes – often in bright colors to match their dorm décor. If you’re looking at organizing, now is the time to stock up on totes and boxes.

Would you believe 55” 3D HDTV’s are the lowest price of the season since November of LAST year??? May want to check it out – football season starts in September!

IT ISN’T A GOOD TIME TO BUY

Tablets – laptops, yes, tablets no. You may want to wait until after the new releases are out in September.
Smartphones – wait until the new ones come out and then wait a little longer for them to work the bugs out of them.

32” TV’s – wait until September when stores generally reduce prices lower then than on Black Friday.
Do you know what IS a great thing to purchase right now in the Desert – homes. Even though the price of homes in the Desert and California real estate market, they will continue to increase. Buying now, even if it’s a bit higher than a few months ago, is actually better than buying in a few months when home prices and interest rates could be even higher.

If you can stand the heat, now is a great time to look for a home in the Desert – there are a lot of great homes listed on the MLS and as pocket listings. Call me today at 760-567-7282 and let’s get started!

Food Myths Debunked

Desert Luxury Realty

Deciphering facts from fiction about food can be a hard task these days, with multiple contradicting online sources. Can you eat eggs if you have high cholesterol? How long can leftovers stay refrigerated and still be eaten? These and many other food myths often haunt us when we’re raiding the kitchen at midnight.

Here’s our no-fluff breakdown of the biggest food myths debunked.

Myth: Eating eggs will increase your cholesterol.

Fact: According to Cooking Light magazine, eggs do not have much to do with the body’s cholesterol. Like most animal-based foods, eggs do have dietary cholesterol, but they will not greatly raise your blood’s cholesterol levels. Rather, what increases your blood cholesterol levels are saturated and trans fats, found in highly processed and fatty foods. As a comparison, one egg contains about 1.5 grams of saturated fat, while a single tablespoon of butter has more than 11.5 grams of saturated fat. Replacing butter with an alternative like olive oil would be a much smarter decision than skipping out on scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Myth: Organic foods have more nutrients than nonorganic.

Fact: While the increase in organic and sustainable farming is a great thing for workers, livestock, and the land, the myth that organic foods are more nutritious than conventionally produced foods is false. The results of one study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that there were zero nutritional differences between organic and nonorganic crops and livestock. The biggest concern with nonorganic foods is not nutritional value, but the presence of herbicides and pesticides, and their effect on the soil.

Myth: Never add extra sugar.

Truth: While you should refrain from indulging too much in your sweet tooth, sugar is not inherently bad for you except in excess. You can use natural sweeteners like Agave nectar and raw honey if you’re worried about over-processed foods. But sugar is in fact a great aid in the kitchen: it lowers the acidity of spaghetti or marinara sauce, makes that tart grapefruit or berry more palatable, and increases your enjoyment of more nutritional foods, like oats, tart fruits, plain yogurts, and juices.

Myth: Leftover are fine so long as they’ve been in the fridge.

Truth: Leftovers are usually fine to eat for up to five days if they’ve been properly refrigerated. If however they’ve been left out at room temperature or hot temperatures for a couple of hours, then it’s not a good idea to keep them - for any amount of time. Bacteria will grow at the slightest encouragement, and that’s typically heat and moisture. When you do store your leftovers in the fridge, mark the containers with today’s date. That way, when you come back two weeks later, you can toss it out knowing it’s too old, rather than accidentally eating it.

California Lifestyle Realty Featured Homes – August 3rd and 4th

Your dream home awaits … Call 760-567-7282 today!
 Below are the latest properties featured in this week’s ad.
 Call me to see any of these great homes!

Contact me today!!

If you had a choice between moving and going without the internet, which would you choose?

Desert Luxury Realty
 
Who knows more about moving than a moving company?

Mayflower recently published a survey showing 54% of home movers who answered Mayflower's survey were pretty comfortable purchasing a home right now. In fact after the recent recession and housing crisis, more people are motivated to purchase a new or better home.

It's funny because as dreadful as moving is, 44% would rather go WITHOUT internet for a week than to move; 52% prefer going to a dental appointment than to move .... 15% said a root canal would be better .... funny.

Moving is stressful and filled with anxiety - but the outcome makes it so worth it ... new home .... new neighborhood .... new country club .... new friends... how exciting!

If you're wanting to make a move to the desert instead of having a root canal, contact me today!! I'll help you find the perfect home that you'll be glad you moved into!!

Things Every Desert Homeowner Should Know

Being a homeowner in the Desert carries a great deal of responsibility, especially if you've never really had to think about it before ... Below are a few things to add to a to-do or honey-do list:

Proper Detectors

Most people know the importance of installing smoke detectors in their homes, but they also need to have carbon monoxide detectors. Because carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, you may not know it is in the air until it’s too late. You should have one detector installed on each floor of your home.

Check Windows

Check your windows every year for any leaks that could cause your home cooling and heating system to work less efficiently. If outside air can get in, it will make your system work harder and cost you more in utility bills. Weatherproof any windows or doorways that do not seal tightly.

Change Filters

Make sure you check your furnace and air conditioning filters on a regular basis and change them when they get dirty. The easiest way to take care of them is to buy replacement filters by the case and then store them near the furnace or AC unit. This makes it easy to change out the filters when needed. If you have pets, you will need to change them out even more often.

Know Your Electrical

Find your circuit breaker box and make sure everything is labeled; also verify that the labeling is correct. Look at all of the outlets that are by the kitchen or bathroom sinks to make sure that they have a GFI installed to prevent electrocution. If any of your lights flicker or if your circuits get tripped, you need to contact an electrician. The wiring could be bad or the breaker could be overloaded. These electrical issues can become a fire hazard.

Know Your Shut-Off

Make sure you know where your water shuts off. You will have a main valve that shuts off the water to the whole house. In older homes, this may be the only one in the house. However, many newer homes have separate shut-off valves for the various appliances. For instance, each toilet may have its own valve behind the seat. The faucets may have separate valves under the sink.

Maintain Your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace in your home, you need to know how to use it and what to do to maintain it. If you try to use an inoperable fireplace, it can become a fire hazard. This is especially true of wood-burning fireplaces. Any time you are in doubt on what to do, call a professional before you start bringing out your tool kit.

What Features Matter Most when Looking for your home in the Desert?

 

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, did you know that 53% of buyers started a home improvement project within three months AFTER they purchased their home? Home buyers typically spent $4,550 on the project of which the kitchen is the most likely to receive the remodel – 47% of the home buyers who remodeled, started in the kitchen first. 37% of home buyers may not have completely remodeled the kitchen, but did change out their appliances.

Bathrooms were next – 44% of home buyers remodeled bathrooms within the first three months of moving in. However, most buyers didn’t think they had enough closets or large enough closets. Whether you just purchased or have owned your home in the Desert for awhile, this is the PERFECT time to redesign while you’re away over the summer! Wouldn’t it be great to come home to a totally redesigned home in the Desert? No worries and no messing with the mess!!

If you are thinking about a remodel, redesign, or reorganizing; then I am your redesign professional!

If you are considering selling your property, and you think it needs staging; I am your neighborhood professional!

Call me at 760.567.7282!

Follow me on Facebook!

“Roughly 40 to 60 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors following a disaster."

“Roughly 40 to 60 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors following a disaster. “

With fires nearby, it got me thinking …. if there was another natural disaster like a fire or earthquake and my office was destroyed, is my business prepared enough to survive?

I have my home disaster kit all ready, but what about my business? 40 to 60 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors following a disaster. That is a very sobering statistic.

40 to 60 percent of small businesses never reopen their doors following a disaster. That is a very sobering statistic. I worked hard to grow my business, I don’t want to be a part of that percentage, so I wanted to make sure I had what I needed in place.

• ALL the information and data on all of my computers; how could that ever be reconstructed? Would it be lost forever?
• Is backing up to an external hard drive beside my computer enough or is there something safer?
• Where are the passwords to the online accounts? Bank accounts? Credit card accounts?
• Where is all the insurance information – building? Auto? Medical? For the Employees?
• How about all the serial numbers, model numbers of all the equipment?

My mind was reeling – the thought rebuilding was overwhelming. Our business, livelihood – any employees’ livelihood could disappear in a moment, never to recover. The great news is, there are ways to prepare businesses so a disaster does not destroy it. Here are some great links to get your started on your Business disaster plan:

http://www.ready.gov/business

http://www.preparemybusiness.org/

http://www.preparemybusiness.org/planning

http://www.ready.gov/program-management

HOWEVER, preparing for disaster isn’t just for businesses. And it doesn’t have to be by Mother Nature. Home disasters can happen, too. Burst water pipes, fire, or lightening. How much you have on your personal home computer? When disaster strikes, you have to think about your family’s safety, not your desktop or laptop. You can prepare right now and it’s relatively cheap …. Backup your home photos, data and videos into the clouds. Some online companies will automatically back up your personal computer system onto their servers. It’s safe and dependable. External hard drives are good, but usually, it’s sitting on top of your desktop. If one goes, they both go …. This link will help you choose which is best for your situation. Now IS the time, before the next big disaster hits.

Median Price for Homes has gone up 31.9% in California in 12 months!

How does the median home price in California compare to other parts of the country?

According to USA Today, the national median price for an existing- home was up 15.4% to $208,000. Fewer homes on many of the markets have been driving up prices throughout the United States.

The statewide median home price in California was $417,350 in May, 2013 – UP 31.9% since May of last year. “While home prices are increasing at levels above those observed in 2006-2007, the fundamentals of the housing market are much more solid than what we experienced a few years ago,” said C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young.  “More home buyers are putting down larger down payments, and many of them are opting for more stable loan products.  Additionally, historically low mortgage rates have reduced monthly mortgage payments substantially, making owning a house more affordable, even with rising home prices.”

California has six out of the seven metros that have seen the largest increases in median asking prices in the past year: 

Sacramento, Calif.

• Median list price: $279,900
• Year-over-year increase: 40.30%

Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc, Calif.

• Median list price: $689,950
• Year-over-year increase: 38.01%

Oakland, Calif.

• Median list price: $419,000
• Year-over-year increase: 30.93%

San Jose, Calif.

• Median list price: $607,000
• Year-over-year increase: 29.45%

San Francisco

• Median list price: $769,000
• Year-over-year increase: 25.71%

Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz.

• Median list price: $218,000
• Year-over-year increase: 24.64%

Fresno, Calif.

• Median list price: $188,900
• Year-over-year increase: 21.87%

  Source: Realtor.com

 It IS a great time to list your home in the Desert. Call me today. I can show how your home compares to other listed homes in your neighborhood.

Can Renting your Home in La Quinta Earn You an Extra Income?

As we wind our way down 2013’s sluggish economic river, most of us are looking for a way to make a little extra cash with our existing assets to supplement our incomes. The economic downturn has forced homeowners everywhere to reevaluate their options. One of the current popular trends is turning your private home into a holiday rental property and reaping a windfall benefit from the rental fees. This can be both a profitable as well as convenient option. Here are a few guidelines to make your economic trip a tad easier.

The market for renters is bullish.

Holiday and vacation seekers are looking for bargains and many are tired of the generic deals they get from large chain hotels or franchise rental properties. Renting a home directly from a homeowner offers them the option of greater freedom and a more “personal” feel to their vacation stay, as well as a chance to feel more “in touch with their choices.”

Rental websites often offer affordable insurance that minimizes risk.

Along with the convenience of renting your home online through one of the popular services, most rental services offer affordable insurance for any unforeseen accidents. This puts your mind considerably at ease as you open your home to strangers.

Damage deposits cover the rest.

No matter how you decide to rent your home, a damage deposit should always be a requirement. Be clear with your guests about what you constitute as “damage” and be generous to yourself. Also know that private renters say that over 95 percent of the time the full deposit is returned. Many holiday families typically will make an effort to leave your property in better condition than they found it.

The market is larger and your home’s location in La Quinta is more attractive than you may think.

With paychecks shrinking everywhere, many families are desperately seeking affordable options for their annual family vacation. Your home’s location may be much more attractive than you’ve ever considered. Of course, beachfront, lakefront, and riverside homes are always hot, but many big city families are looking for a bit of “country” life and vice-versa. Test the waters and you may be surprised at how many vacationers covet your humble attraction.

Always be clear with your household instructions.

Although renting your home is a low risk method of significantly supplementing your annual income, it is vitally important that you are crystal clear with any instructions, prohibitions, or restrictions that you expect your guests to maintain in order to protect the wear and tear on your home investment. Vacation time is typically the time for holiday revelers to “cut loose” and enjoy their hard-earned break, so it is crucial that you have a clear understanding of what is and isn’t allowed in your home. Reasonable rules make for reasonable guests! Whether you are looking to rent your home full time or just for an event, I'm sure you have many questions. Give me a call and I can give you information to help you make the decisions that is best for your situation.

California Lifestyle Realty Featured Homes – July 6th to 7th

Your dream home awaits … Call 760-567-7282 today!
 Below are the latest properties featured in this week’s ad.
 Call me to see any of these great homes!

Open Saysame!!

As a real estate agent in La Quinta and surrounding area, I have been using the Supra entry system for years. It’s easy and logs who enters a home and when they leave. Agents don’t have to exchange keys to gain entry, we use our smart phones now to access the home’s lock box.

Now, there you will be able to have keyless entry into your home by using the “August Smart Lock” coming out later this year.

According to the August website, “the August Smart Lock attaches to your existing deadbolt allowing you to send a virtual key to anyone you choose to have access to your home. Your guests then use their smartphone to gain access to your residence without the need to exchange physical keys. You can specify the duration that the August keys are active for before expiring, or disable them at any time. An August system consists of a small, easy to install smart lock device and a mobile app.”

If you EVER lost your keys or needed to rekey the entire house, you may want to check into this. It may be just the answer ….

If you are thinking about a remodel, redesign, or reorganizing; then I am your redesign professional!

If you are considering selling your property, and you think it needs staging; I am your neighborhood professional!

Call me at 760.567.7282!

Do you know who is REALLY happy about the increase of home prices in the Coachella Valley?

Do you know who is REALLY happy about the increase of home prices in the Coachella Valley?

Riverside County and the municipalities.

Even as slight as the increase is, it has been the first increase in five years – however, the increase won’t immediately lead to huge budget adjustments and are far below the levels before the housing crisis. According to a recent news article in the Desert Sun, “the median home price in Riverside County shot up more than 25 percent in 2012 to $226,000, resulting in a nearly 4 percent increase to the county’s tax roll, the Riverside County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder’s Office announced.”

All is welcomed after the belt-tightening and budget cuts made over the years and is reported to go towards police, fire and street departments.

According to the Property Guide to understanding Proposition 8, “in 1978, California voters passed Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment. It allows a temporary reduction in assessed value when a property experiences a ‘decline-in-value’ (Prop 8).

A decline-in-value occurs when the current market value of a property is less than the Proposition 13 (Prop 13) value as of January 1. California’s Prop 13 caps the growth of a property’s base year value at no more than 2 percent a year.’ “

Starting July 15^th homeowners in Riverside County can search  their 2013 – 2014 tax roll value at www.RiversideACR.com using either the address or parcel number. However, if your assessed value has changed, you should receive a notice in October for their tax payments in December and April. If you don’t agree with your tax value, you will need to fill out an application for a free decline in value by November 1^st. (also available online at the web address above.)

If you’d like to appeal, that will need to be filed by November 30^th. For more information, visit www.riversideacr.com or call (951) 955-6200 or toll free (800) 746-1544.

Other important property tax dates:

• July 1: Assessment Roll delivered by the Assessor to the Auditor-Controller.
• July 2 - November 30: Period during which the Clerk of the Board accepts petitions for Assessment Appeals Board hearings on the regular roll. (Other filing periods may apply for supplemental assessments and escape assessments.)
• August 31: Deadline for payments of unsecured property taxes.
• November 1: Deadline for filing Decline-in-Value Reassessment Application.
• December 10: Deadline for late filing of Homeowners, Veterans and Disabled Veterans Exemptions. Deadline for payment of first installment of secured property taxes.
• January 1: Lien date - the time when taxes for the following fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) become a lien on property.
• February 15: Deadline for filing Veterans, Homeowners, Church, Religious, Welfare Exemptions, Historical Aircraft and other institutional exemptions.
• April 1: Deadline for filing Business Personal Property Statements.
• April 10: Deadline for payment of second installment of secured property taxes.

Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption pamphlet
Understanding Prop. 8 in Riverside County pamphlet

Property taxes can be so confusing when you’re buying … it is definitely something you need to keep in mind when you’re looking for your home in the Desert or just a reminder since our home values are changing.

Should you purchase a home before marriage?

Now that many more citizens of California are able to get married, the question is not whether you can marry, but if you should. It is still a decision to ponder what is in a couple's best interest.

Inman News online had an interesting article about a recent survey on home buyers …. 25% of couples between the ages of 18 and 35 are purchasing homes before they get married.

Of these new home buyers, many said the home purchase strengthened their relationship and were planning on getting married anyway.

Now as great as this may be for some home buyers, there are some things both unmarried buyers may want to consider before either one is carried over the threshold of their new home.

The big one is - what happens to the home if you break up? You have two names on the title and two names on the mortgage. This can get pretty messy.

How do you take title? Join tenants or Tenant in Common? If you’re not married and/or do not have a will, what happens to the home if either home owner passes away before the wedding?

Is there any outstanding debt that could encumber the title of the new home once it’s purchased?

Purchasing a home without being married may need to be more like a business agreement – it isn’t romantic, but may save you one years of anguish or give you years of bliss. Married couples have actual laws to protect their assets. Unmarried couples do not. You may really want to contact your attorneys before putting in an offer to find out what your options are or aren’t.

With the new opportunities now available for Californians, you need to have the most information at your fingertips so you can make the most informed decisions when buying your home. Call me today!

Happy 4th of July!!

Desert Luxury Realty

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. ~The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776

Still more on Pocket Listings in the Desert

Are “pocket” listings really an option when listing your home in La Quinta and Desert area? My recent post about pocket listings described what a pocket listing is and why you may consider you home not listed on the MLS when listing it with your agent. However, since then there has been a lot more discussion on the matter.
Currently 1 out of 4 homes listed in California are pocket listings during this time of extremely low inventory throughout the state. This works out to be around 26% of listings during the first quarter of this year are NOT on the mls, which is an increase from 15% last year.
The National Association of REALTORS® and the California Association of REALTORS® currently do not have an official policy for pocket listings. According to the California Association of REALTORS®, “Pocket listings or off-MLS listings are not illegal if the listing agent fully discloses the pros and cons to the home seller and follows the rules, but ‘may not be in the best interest of the property owner — particularly if a client does not know about the benefits of marketing his or her property through the MLS.’ “
CAR would like this “booklet” featured below handed to sellers who are considering having their home listed as a “pocket” listing.

Off-MLS Listing Q&A The Pros and Cons of Off-MLS Listings:

What Consumers and Real Estate Agents Should Know

By ____________

While not a new concept for veteran real estate agents, the terms “off-MLS” or “pocket” listings may be an unfamiliar phrase to many consumers and some newer agents.  Home sellers and agents should nevertheless be aware that the practice can adversely affect their goal of getting the best price reasonably possible for their homes.  As many as 10-15 percent of homes offered for sale today are “off-MLS” listings, according to one Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

If you’re considering selling your home, think about the advantages and disadvantages of pocket listings.

What is an “off-MLS” listing?

Simply stated, an off-MLS or pocket listing is a property that is marketed without the benefit of being listed for sale on the MLS (i.e., “hidden” in an agent’s pocket). A property that is listed on the MLS has the advantage of being actively marketed to every real estate agent who belongs to that MLS and, through those agents, to their vast network of potential buyers looking to make an offer to purchase the property. Active marketing on the MLS usually includes open houses, broker tours and inclusion of seller’s property in the MLS’s download to various real estate Internet sites commonly used to search for properties.

On the other hand, as the term implies, an off-MLS listing generally is marketed by a single agent to one or a select few potential buyers. The marketing pool can be so small that in some cases, other agents within the same brokerage or brokerage office may not even be aware that a fellow agent has an off-MLS listing.

Are off-MLS listings illegal?

It depends. They are not illegal if the listing agent fully discloses the pros and cons to the home seller and follows rules that are designed to protect consumers. Nevertheless, many real estate professionals believe that off-MLS listings may not be in the best interest of the property owner – particularly if a client does not know about the benefits of marketing his or her property through the MLS. To keep a listing off the MLS, a listing agent who is a participant of an MLS is required, under the rules of most California MLSs, to obtain a signed certification from the seller that he or she does not wish to sell the property via the MLS.

Why would a home seller agree to an off-MLS listing?

Off-MLS listings sometimes are requested by celebrities, judges, prosecutors, or others who wish to maintain their privacy and/or limit viewing of their property to a select individual or individuals with the financial wherewithal to purchase.

Are there reasons a home seller should avoid an off-MLS listing?

Yes. Most importantly, an off-MLS listing generally does not get the broad market exposure that a property listed on the MLS gains. That can significantly reduce the number of potential offers to purchase that a property seller may receive – an important consideration at a time when multiple offers above the asking price are commonplace in many neighborhoods. A recent survey of San Francisco Bay Area real estate agents conducted by MLS Listings, Inc. revealed that 74 percent of respondents believe an off-MLS listing decreases the chance a seller will obtain the highest and best price for his or her property.

Off-MLS listings also may impact real estate values on a larger scale. Property price evaluations completed on behalf of mortgage lenders – more commonly known as “appraisals” and a vital precursor to a homebuyer obtaining a mortgage loan – may be affected in communities where there are a significant number of homes being offered as off-MLS listings. That’s because not all off-MLS listings are entered into the MLS database once a property is sold. Without this critical information, it is more difficult for real estate agents and their sellers to determine a listing price, for agents and their buyers to decide how much to offer for a property, and for appraisers to determine the current market value of a property.

What should I do if an agent approaches me with an offer to sell my home as an off-MLS listing?

Ask your agent about the pros and cons of selling your home off-MLS. One advantage is that your listing remains private if you wish to maintain privacy. However, a disadvantage is your home may not be exposed to the full population of available buyers, which means there may be less competition among fewer buyers, resulting in a lower selling price.

If you decide to list your home off-MLS, your agent may ask you to sign a standard seller exclusion form (Seller Instruction to Exclude Listing from the MLS or C.A.R. Form SEL).  Be sure you fully understand what you are signing and the adverse consequences outlined in the form of not listing your property on the MLS.

And you may want to tell your agent that even if your home is not on the MLS, you want your agent to show and present all offers from both inside and outside his or her network.

# # #

 (Member name) is a REALTOR® with (Firm name) (add any other affiliation and contact info. if desired).
You want the best for your home, but may be unsure what that is or how to go about it. I am the professional who can give you the right information which IS in your best interest so you can make the best decision for your situation. Call me today and we can help you sell your La Quinta and Desert area home now!

The End of Low Mortgage Rates

Jul 01, 2013 by Mary Williams

Interest rates on home loans have begun to rise and that trend is expected to continue. If you missed out on the record lows, you should start looking for a home now.

Less Help from the Federal Government

The federal government has been keeping rates low by buying up Treasury bonds and securities that are backed by mortgages. Lenders have been able to provide loans at low rates and still make a profit with the government’s help. However, that is expected to end in 2013. When this happens, lenders will have to increase the interest rates to continue to make a profit.

An Improved Economy

The government also helped out by allowing the short-term interest rate to be at almost zero. This stimulated the economy by allowing other interest rates to drop considerably. The economy has been improving in the last four years, as is evident by the increase in the number of jobs and the better standing of the housing market. Because the economy is no longer in as great a distress, interest rates across the board will begin to go up.

The Low Rates are Extreme

Historically, low interest rates for mortgages are extremely unusual. That means it cannot be expected for those rates to be sustained in the long-term. In fact, the previous low rate was seen in 2003 at 5.23 percent. It is more likely that the rates will hover around that point in the near future. While mortgage rates are at a different percentage than Treasury bonds, you can determine what will happen by monitoring the two. When the Treasury bonds go up, you can expect the mortgage rates to also go up.

What This Means for Homeowners

The government has promised not to stop the purchase of Treasury bonds until unemployment shrinks further. However, it is expected that they will scale back, possibly as soon as September 2013. For people looking to buy homes, this means that interest rates will begin to rise steadily. While the change won’t be drastic, it is unlikely that we will see the record lows of 3 percent. If you’re looking at buying in the near future, the message seems to be: the sooner, the better. The longer you wait, the more you will end up paying in interest. In conjunction with this, house values will also increase with higher listing prices than what is being seen now. You may have to pay several thousand dollars more for a house a year from now than what you will pay if you buy it now. It appears that the window of opportunity for home buyers to get a bargain on their new home is closing soon.