Let's be careful out there ...

It has come to my attention that auto burglaries and break-ins are on the rise. This doesn't coincide with schools being back in session however it does make sense that certain nefarious characters need shopping money for the holidays, drugs, alcohol, etc. At least one of the unfortunate auto owners had kept their mailbox key in the car for convenience and that was taken as well. Outside of the extra effort required with the Post Office, plus the expense, it's highly possible that some mail might have been removed from their box. This unfortunate situation is a great reminder for all of us to keep and eye on our property AND our neighbor's property. If you see someone acting suspiciously, you can: a) call your neighbor; b) hit the alarm button on your car if parked outside to get some attention; c) *carefully* walk out front and let them see you noticing them; d) taking down any license # or physical description; e) call the non-emergency number of (760) 836-3215 ext 5; and f) if it appears to be a more dire situation, of course 911 Remember that it doesn't need to appear to be a suspicious individual ... many times, these people pose as pool guys, landscapers, air conditioning repairmen and anything else that might not attract attention ... so if you don't recognize that so called vendor you've probably seen next door or across the street 100 times, it's likely to be a problem waiting to happen ... Whatever you do, be careful ... your safety is first and foremost ..."

CVWD Water Restrictions

If you haven't heard the news, here's what the District is imposing to help the severe drought situation we are facing: Water restrictions adopted by the Coachella Valley Water District 1. Irrigate lawns and other landscaping only after sunset and before 10 a.m., except when "overseeding" or doing maintenance. 2. Use CVWD drought watering guide to irrigate: www.cvwd.org/conservation/wateringguide.php. 3. Repair broken sprinklers within 24 hours of being notified. 4. Do not wash down driveways, sidewalks or other hard exterior surfaces. 5. Wash vehicles and windows only if using a hose with a shutoff nozzle. 6. Prevent runoff onto a neighbor's property or sidewalks or roads. 7. Fountains or other water features must recirculate water. 8. Restaurants should serve water to customers only upon request. 9. Hotels are being asked to place messages in guest rooms promoting water conservation. More information: http://www.cvwd.org/news/news246.php As always, Keep the faith !!!

Student Loan affecting First Time Buyers ...

The following is an interesting article from First Tuesday relating to the troubles of the First Time home Buyer with Student Loans and other debt affecting their qualification for a home loan to complete the American Dream ... As the average age of first-time home buyers continues to rise in California, you may be wondering two things: why; and how long will this delay persist? To address the first question, does the delay have to do with Generation Y’s (those born in the 1980s and 1990s) different views on homeownership? Or is this extended adolescence a symptom of today’s agonizingly slow jobs recovery? This dynamic actually all began several years ago, when a generation of young, blossoming students were accepted into college and optimistically signed their student loan promissory notes — and the next decade or two of their lives away. Student debt reached a new high in 2013, surpassing over a trillion dollars owed in the U.S. alone. This is three times the collective amount owed just ten years ago. Further, student debt now exceeds credit card and auto debt. The average student graduated in 2013 with around $30,000 in student loan debt to repay, with most graduates on ten-year repayment plans. Why does this matter to real estate agents? A homebuyer needs some form of down payment and an acceptable debt-to-income (DTI) ratio in order to qualify for a mortgage. Being on the hook for student debt hinders both of these requirements. Take for example an individual who currently rents, but would like to become a first-time homeowner. They have pre-established monthly debt payments of: student loan payments totaling $600; a $300 car payment; and $100 in other debt. This makes a total of $1,000 in established monthly debt. If their monthly income is $5,000 (a generous estimate for a recent graduate), their current DTI ratio is 20%. Despite their burdensome debt load, say this individual is able to save for a down payment and apply for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan requiring a minimum 3.5% down payment. At their stated DTI, this sample first-time buyer can qualify for a monthly housing payment (including mortgage insurance premiums and homeowner’s insurance) of $1,150, if they stretch their DTI to the maximum-allowed 43%. In this situation, the potential first-time homebuyer qualifies for an FHA loan of just under $180,000. However, home prices are well beyond this amount in most of California (particularly following 2013’s speculator frenzy and ensuing home price bubble). So this renter’s options are as follows: buy a tiny condo in an undesirable location today; or wait approximately 10 years for their student loan debt to be paid off so they can purchase the home they desire near their employment. How long is this first-time homebuyer drought likely to last? Federal student loans generally take approximately ten years to pay off, though they can be deferred even longer. However, student loan debt continues to rise each year as both college tuition and the percentage of those attending college increases. Thus, the first-time homebuyer of the future will have a little more gray in their hair and a little less money in their savings accounts before they take the plunge (if they ever do at all). Agents and brokers can prepare accordingly by adjusting their FARM strategies for the long-term. Think of planting today’s seed for tomorrow’s harvest. After all, those who are renting today’s will eventually have the financial capacity to become tomorrow’s homebuyers, though that tomorrow may be further off than previously thought.

Information Homeowners may find helpful ... Please note that he price range from $300,000 - $600,000 is the hot ticket on the market at this time

First Time Buyer?

According to recent data, first time Buyers have lost an average of $41,000 in appreciation by not buying three years ago when prices were at a low point. If you would like to maximize your potential, give me a call, text or email and we can put you on the right path for success to ensure you don't lose out in the future ... Keep the faith !!!

Household hints ...

You've stripped a screw ... Now what do you do? If you have a hacksaw, you can cut into the top of the screw to create a new groove for your screwdriver ... Eazy Peezy !!! Do you have a little one doing their best to reproduce their version of the Mona Lisa on your wall(s)? ... grab some old fashioned (non-gel) toothpaste and a scrub brush or sponge and wipe until the marks are gone (gingerly, please) ... Are you out of Drano or Liquid Plumber and can't go to the store? ... try dropping three Alka-Seltzer tablets down the sink followed by a cup of white vinegar and let it sit for approx. 15 minutes which is when you should be able to clean the drain with boiling water. (DO NOT TRY THIS IS YOU'VE ALREADY USED A COMMERICAL PRODUCT like DRANO or LIQUID PLUMBER) ... Best of luck with your chores ... and Keep the Faith !!!

There's a new kind of thief in town cruising your Open House ...

Everyone is apprehensive about opening up their home to a bunch of strangers, particularly when they are not home. Open Houses are a great marketing tool, allowing prospective buyers to compare your home with their wants and needs; also allowing neighbors to get a peek if they might have a friend or relative they want to move closer to them. Before you have an Open House, you should secure any very personal and important items out of harms way whether they be highly valuable, sentimental or breakable and the new category - medicinal !!! There has been an increase in medications being removed from bedrooms, bathrooms and medicine cabinets of late to such a degree that the warnings have even been televised. Everything has value and we know how expensive prescriptions are ... someone who needs your medicine doesn't care of your loss only their gain ... and certainly kids may not even know what a drug is but will take it anyway ... so be extra careful and make sure your medications is safe along with all your other valuables ... Keep the faith !!!