May 2013 Statistics for North County San Diego County Homes

• The median price for all North County home sales - attached and  detached - increased to $485,000 in May 2013 compared to $470,000 in April 2013.
• Detached homes in North County rose 3.83 percent in May 2013 to $555,500 compared to $535,000 in April 2013.
• Year-over median SFD price in North San Diego County jumped 23.72 percent, compared to $449,000 reported in May 2012.
• Spring 2013 has reported the highest median prices in North County since mid-2008.
• The countywide median SFD price increased five percent to $420,000 in May 2013 compared to $400,000 in April 2013.
• Year-over non-North County median price jumped 21.74 percent compared to $345,000 in May 2012, a 14-month trend of year-over median price increases.
• The number of North San Diego SFD listings (active and contingent) rose 5.35 percent in May 2013 compared to April 2013.
• The number of sold North San Diego County SFD units increased 11.49 percent in May 2013 compared to April 2013. Year-over sold SFD units increased 12.54 percent compared to May 2012.
• Median days-on-market for single-family detached homes sold in North County decreased to 18 days in May 2013 compared to 19 days in April 2013.
• The HomeDex affordability percentage for all homes in North San Diego County decreased to 34 percent in May 2013, compared to 36 percent in April 2013.

Barbara Whisenant DRE# 01357594
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Appealing Your Property Tax Bill

Appealing Your Property Tax Bill

If your San Diego County property tax is aligned with or assessed based on the value of your home, a swing in property values could warrant close scrutiny of your property tax bill.

Some more progressive tax jurisdictions will make the adjustment for you -- up or down -- but most only move your rate up or they'll wait for the property to change hands before adjusting the tax.

Even where adjustments are automatic, you still may not be satisfied and will need to appeal the deal.

Over valued or over assessed property is perhaps the most common and successful grounds for challenging your tax bill.

When the economy is faltering and spawning foreclosures, short sales and homeowners otherwise bailing out of homeownership, consider it a red flag -- it's time to scrutinize your property tax bill.

Many homeowners bailout, accept the foreclosure or take the short sale way out because their mortgage is more than the value of the home, which may have fallen for a variety of reasons.

The incidence of incorrectly calculated property tax bills may also warrant a close inspection of your property tax bill or an appeal.

Many errors in calculating your property tax bill also stem from clerical mistakes according to the American Homeowners Association (AHA) which, along with the National Taxpayers Union, offers a low-cost kit to help you check our property tax's accuracy and, if necessary, attempt to lower your levy.

Visit the San Diego County Tax Assessors office  (http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/default.aspx) and download the form “Application for Changed Assessment”.  Call me and I will send you the comparables you will need to complete the form.

Tell-tale signs your property tax could warrant an adjustment include:

• Errors in the description of your property on the tax bill.
• Compatible homes in the area that have sold for less than your appraised value.
• Neighbors with lower assessments on similar houses. Keep in mind some homes retain the same assessed value for years and assessed values often don't rise or fall in step with market values or home sale prices.
• Value reducers in your home or area, including drainage problems, easements, re-zoning, heavy traffic, nearby railroad tracks, freeways, industry or toxic waste.
• Depreciation factors, including the quality of materials, inefficient heating, structural cracks, deterioration, or chronic defects.

When you examine your tax records in the local assessor's or property tax office to make sure the information is complete and accurate also ask yourself:

• Did you buy your home in a bidding war? An overvalued property is an over assessed property.
• Are there errors in your tax records? Look closely at your records and make sure there aren't reporting errors. A condo listed as a single-family home, square footage that's off, too many rooms and more can falsely boost assessed value.
• Do the math. Many states put a cap on how much above the market value an assessment can be and how much it can rise each year.

If you need to appeal the assessed value and related property tax, prepare yourself for a time-consuming ordeal.

In most cases the process is free for taxpayers, but you may want to enlist the aid of a licensed professional to assist you.

Typically, you'll have to find three, five or more comparable homes in your neighborhood that have lower assessments. Obviously, the lower the better. Also, the more comparables, the stronger your case. Truly comparable homes are homes nearly identical to your home's floor plan, age, lot size, improvements and other factors.

The information is largely public and available, with some digging, from your tax assessor's or property tax office, but you can hire a real estate agent or other professional with access to your local multiple listing service. They can quickly generate a comparable market analysis of homes both recently sold and those in escrow to hone in on your home's true value.

An appraiser with multiple listing service access can do the same, as well as perform an appraisal of your home.

If you hire a professional you could be out a few hundred dollars. Don't make a case if you don't think it's worth the cost to appeal. Call me and I will send you the comparables you will need to complete the form.

Approach the appeal objectively, not with an adversarial chip on your shoulder. You only want your due, not to incite the property tax system.

If at first you don't succeed, be prepared to appeal to a higher authority.
Written by Broderick Perkins

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P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008 Cell: (760) 583-2107    eFax: (760) 496-1649   DRE# 01357594

May Real Estate Market information

California’s median home price up 21 percent in April from a year ago
California’s median home price—the point at which half of homes sold for more and half for less—rose 21 percent in April compared with a year earlier, but sales of existing, single-family homes declined 8.1 percent, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®’ (C.A.R.) April sales and price report

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

• The median price of an existing, single-family detached home in California during April 2010 was $306,230, a 21 percent increase from the revised $253,110 median for April 2009, C.A.R. reported. The April 2010 median price increased 1.5 percent compared with March’s $301,790 median price.

• Annualized home sales dipped below the 500,000-unit level for the first time in 19 months, which C.A.R. President Steve Goddard partially attributes to home buyers delaying the close of escrow to take advantage of both the federal and state home buyer tax credits.  “We should see the pace of closed sales edge up in May and June as these tax-incentivized transactions close,” he said.

• The number of homes available for sale also impacted total sales in April.  “The demand for attractive foreclosed properties well exceeds the number of properties on the market,” Goddard said.  “At the same time, mortgage interest rates continue to hover near their historic lows, and many buyers are out in force to take advantage of the combination of low interest rates and affordably priced homes. It’s an ideal time for many families to purchase their first home even though they may face stiff competition.”

To read the full story, please click here.

  CNN Money

Foreclosures plateau—finally.  Repossessions soar.
The foreclosure plague may have finally reached its peak in April 2010—but don’t expect delinquency statistics to plummet anytime soon.

To read the full story, please click here.

  CNN Money

Consumer confidence on the rise
A key measure of consumer confidence climbed for a third straight month in May, a research group said Tuesday, with the outlook for the next few months spiking to pre-recession levels.

To read the full story, please click here.

  The New York Times

For mortgage shoppers, less can be more
The Internet can help simplify many financial transactions, though not always when it comes to home mortgages.  Those who sign up for information at mortgage Web sites have found themselves receiving a flood of calls and e-mail messages from brokers and lenders soliciting business.

To read the full story, please click here.

  CNN Money

Nearly 75 percent of homes are affordable
It’s prime time for house hunters. Nearly anyone with a decent job and a good credit score can afford to buy in their home towns.

To read the full story, please click here.

  Los Angeles Times

What kind of homeowners choose to default?
People who walk away from their mortgages are not as calculating as you’d think, according to a University of Arizona law professor whose academic paper on strategic default last year drew sharp criticism from lenders and Wall Street.

To read the full story, please click here.

  CNN Money

Freddie and Fannie won’t pay down your mortgage
Pressure is mounting on loan servicers and investors to reduce troubled homeowners’ loan balances ? but the two largest owners of mortgages aren’t getting the message.

To read the full story, please click here.

Talking Points

• When purchasing a home, buyers are strongly advised to request a home inspection prior to closing.  However, consumers should note that the primary job of a home inspector is to conduct a visual examination of the physical condition of the house and certain systems within it.  Since the examination is visual, home inspectors are not required to remove carpets to ensure the floors aren’t warped, for example, and may not walk on the roof to check for defects.  Home buyers should interview home inspectors ahead of time to find out what they will and will not cover as part of the inspection.

• While a new home may seem to be free of any defects, many real estate professionals still advise home buyers to hire a home inspector.  According to one home inspector, nearly 15 percent of new homes have serious structural problems.  Additionally, newly constructed homes can be more difficult to inspect than existing homes.  A new home doesn’t have any history.  For example, because the plumbing has not consistently been used in a new home, small drip leaks may not be easily detectable.  A home inspection can alert buyers to defects, if any are present.

Source: SmartMoney Magazine
http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/rip-offs/10-things-home-inspectors-wont-tell-you/

 

Contact me for any of your Real Estate needs.

 

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Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/barbarawhis

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Read my Blog: http://www.barbarawhis.com

Visit my Real Estate website: http://www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

Visit my Nu-Skin website: http://barbaraw.nsedreams.com

P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008 Cell: (760) 583-2107    eFax: (760) 496-1649   DRE# 01357594

Weekly Market Updates for California Real Estate

  Los Angeles Times

What do buyers want in a home? Survey offers clues
A recent study of more than 22,000 homeowners who bought their homes within the last nine years found that current homeowners plan to be “more practical” in their next purchase, focusing on livable space rather than unnecessary upgrades.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

• Many of the luxury amenities once considered necessities among home buyers, such as community clubhouses, dog parks, golf courses, and 24-hour security, are no longer priorities, according to the survey.  Repeat buyers also said a swimming pool isn’t a must, but a children’s playground with walking paths are essential.

• One of the takeaways from the survey, according to an architect firm, is that buyers nowadays should rethink space.  For example, buyers should look for kitchen cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling for added space and efficiency.  They also should pass on high-priced focal stairways, opting instead of steps that are tucked away and out of sight.

• Buyers also should be on the lookout for dead space.  If the dining room or media room is eliminated, at least some of the square footage should be dedicated to secondary bedrooms.  The once-standard 10-by-10 bedroom no longer is acceptable to most buyers.

• The survey also found that many buyers have transitioned toward green features, such as high-efficiency appliances, insulation, and windows that are not large areas of glass.  However, many buyers did not report the use of recycled materials as a necessity.

• Other findings from the survey show that large kitchens, with islands, are desirable, as are main-floor master bedrooms, and two-car garages.

To read the full story, please click here.

  The Mercury News

Government launches effort to help homeowners in short sales
The government launched a new effort Monday to speed up the time-consuming often-frustrating process of selling your home if you owe more than it’s worth.

To read the full story, please click here.

  The Wall Street Journal

Hold your breath: Borrowers could stay “underwater” for years
So-called “underwater” homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth could be holding their breath for much of the next decade.

To read the full story, please click here.

  The Sacramento Bee

California expected to cancel tax on forgiven mortgage debt
Relief appears imminent for thousands of Sacramento homeowners hit with state tax bills for mortgage debts forgiven in 2009.

To read the full story, please click here.

  Los Angeles Times

Sales of contracts for previously owned homes rise 8.2 percent in February
The number of previously owned homes placed under sales contract surged 8.2 percent in February, according to data released Monday, the first sign that the government’s extended tax credit for buyers may bolster sales this spring.

To read the full story, please click here.

  The Wall Street Journal

Cash dwindling for no-money down home loan program
A program from the Department of Agriculture’s rural development division, which offers no-money-down loans in certain parts of the country for low- and middle-income borrowers, is likely to run out of funding next month, just as a surge of buyers are expected to ink deals before the federal tax-credit expires April 30.

To read the full story, please click here.

  CNN Money

With caution, Americans still want a house
Nearly two-thirds of American would still prefer to own a home, although the recent housing market turmoil and uncertain economy have made them a little more cautious about how and when, according to a survey released Tuesday.

To read the full story, please click here.

  The Wall Street Journal

Homeownership for everyone?
With the subprime market in ruins, affordable housing advocates are looking at new ways to promote responsible homeownership for low- and moderate-income families.  While many policy makers would resign low- and moderate-income families to rental housing, a new study makes a case for keeping the door open to homeownership at all income levels.

To read the full story, please click here.

The Wall Street Journal

The ladies’ turn
Housing market watchers say builders are now strenuously working to win the hearts—and checkbooks—of female buyers.

To read the full story, please click here.

 

Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/barbarawhis

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Visit my Nu-Skin website: http://barbaraw.nsedreams.com

P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008

DRE# 01357594

Homebuyer Tax Credits is About to Come to an End!

 

 

$18,000 IN COMBINED HOMEBUYER TAX CREDITS

 

FOR A LIMITED TIME

Californians have a brief window of opportunity to receive up to $18,000 in combined federal and state homebuyer tax credits.  To take advantage of both tax credits, a first-time homebuyer must enter into a purchase contract for a principal residence before May 1, 2010, and close escrow between May 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010, inclusive.  Buyers who are not first-time homebuyers may use the same timeframes to receive up to $16,500 in combined tax credits if they are long-time residents of their existing homes as permitted under federal law, and they purchase properties that have never been previously occupied as provided under California law.

Under the federal law slated to soon expire, a first-time homebuyer may receive up to $8,000 in tax credits, and a long-time resident may receive up to $6,500, for certain purchase contracts entered into by April 30, 2010 that close escrow by June 30, 2010.  Additionally, under a newly enacted California law, a homebuyer may receive up to $10,000 in tax credits as a first-time homebuyer or buyer of a property that has never been occupied.  The new California law applies to certain purchases that close escrow on or after May 1, 2010 (see Cal. Rev. & Tax Code section 17059.1(a)(4)).  California law generally allows buyers of never-occupied properties to reserve their credits before closing escrow, but buyers seeking to combine the federal and state tax credits will not be able to satisfy the timing requirements for such reservations (see Cal. Rev. & Tax Code section 17059.1(c)(1)(A)).  Other terms and restrictions apply to both tax credits.

Setup your own home search at Barbara’s Web Site.

Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/barbarawhis

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Read my Blog: http://www.barbarawhis.com

Visit my Real Estate website: http://www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

Visit my Nu-Skin website: http://barbaraw.nsedreams.com

P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008 Cell: (760) 583-2107    eFax: (760) 496-1649   DRE# 01357594

FHA to toughen rules for home buyers

The Washington Post

FHA to toughen rules for borrowers
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is proposing raising minimum credit scores for borrowers who receive FHA-backed mortgages, increasing down payment requirements, and limiting the amount of money sellers can provide toward closing costs.  The proposed changes are part of an effort to shore up the agency’s finances, which have been hit with rising defaults to its mortgage insurance program.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

• Historically, the FHA has played a critical role in propping up the housing market by insuring lenders against default after the mortgage market failed.  Currently, the agency guarantees approximately 30 percent of all home loans and 20 percent of refinancings.  In the past, the FHA has resisted raising down payments or insurance premiums, fearing it would be shutting out qualified borrowers and stunting the housing market’s recovery.

• The FHA is hoping that the proposed changes, including requiring that borrowers bring more cash to the closing table, will ensure that borrowers are less likely to default on their loans.  Officials at FHA have yet to determine how much cash will be required.

• Up-front cash can include down payments as well as other payments.  Currently, FHA borrowers can put down as little as 3.5 percent.  One lawmaker has introduced legislation that would require FHA borrowers to put down a minimum of 5 percent.

• The agency also currently allows sellers to provide up to 6 percent of the home’s value toward closing costs or down payments.  Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Shaun Donovan has said he wants the maximum permissible level to be lowered to 3 percent, in line with industry norms.

• The FHA has decided “for the time being” to raise its minimum credit score requirements for new borrowers.  The new requirements have yet to be determined.  Presently, borrowers with credit scores as low as 500 may qualify for an FHA loan.

To read the full story, please click here.

In Other News

  San Francisco Chronicle 

Gov’t increases pressure on mortgage industry
The Obama administration said Monday it will crack down on mortgage companies that are failing to do enough to help borrowers at risk of foreclosure, as part of a broad effort to ramp up participation in its mortgage assistance program.

To read the full story, please click here

Reuters

U.S. housing market meltdown not over yet: Zandi
The meltdown of the U.S. housing market is not over yet, and home prices will soon start trekking downward again as a flood of foreclosures loom, a well-known economist said Wednesday.

To read the full story, please click here.

Los Angeles Times

New U.S. home sales rise 6.2 percent
Sales of new homes rose more than expected last month to the highest level in more than a year as the housing market shows stability after its historic collapse.

To read the full story, please click here.

The Washington Post

Home sales rebound to early-2007 level
Economists and policymakers got what they were looking for Monday: a clear uptick in the housing market.  The catch is few believe it’s sustainable.

To read the full story, please click here.

  Orange County Register

State ruling to cut most property taxes
State officials say that property taxes will probably fall for most California property owners next year due to deflation, the first such property tax cut since Prop. 13 took effect three decades ago.

To read the full story, please click here.

  Los Angeles Times

Average home sale price virtually unchanged in third quarter
The average price of houses sold in the country’s 32 largest metro areas was virtually unchanged in the third quarter from the same period a year ago, according to the latest government figures.

To read the full story, please click here.

  San Francisco Chronicle

Gov’t unveils rules to speed up “short sales”
The Treasury Dept. unveiled sweeping rules this week to help financially troubled homeowners who need to sell but can’t get a price high enough to pay off their mortgages.  Homeowners will even get $1,500 to help cover their moving costs.

To read the full story, please click here.

  Los Angeles Times

Home loans will hold fewer surprises
Anyone who has purchased or refinanced a few homes has probably learned to dread the closing statement, which all too often included a pile of new or inflated fees that your lender had never before mentioned.

To read the full story, please click here

Setup your own home search at Barbara’s Web Site.

Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/barbarawhis

Be my Friend on Facebook: Barbara Whisenant http://www.facebook.com/barbarawhis

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Read my Blog: http://www.barbarawhis.com

Visit my Real Estate website: http://www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

Visit my Nu-Skin website: http://barbaraw.nsedreams.com

P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008 Cell: (760) 583-2107    eFax: (760) 496-1649   DRE# 01357594

12 Reasons to List Your Home For Sale During the Holidays

If you need to sell you home, the holidays could be the best time to sell.

Below are several reasons why the holidays are a great time to list your home.

1. There is Less Competition for Buyers.

2. Winter Prospects are More Serious Buyers.

3. Your Home Looks Better During the Holidays.

4. One of the Highest Percentages of “Listings Sold” to “Listings Taken” Occurs During This Time of Year.

5. You May Receive More Money for Your Home Now—Because You Have Less Competition.

6. Throughout the Holiday Season, You May Restrict Showings During Your Personal Family Events

7. Buyers Have More Time to Look at Homes During Holidays, Especially During Vacations.

8. January is Traditionally the Biggest Transfer Month—and You Must be on the Market to Capture That.

9. By Selling Now, You Can Have a Delayed Closing or Extended Occupancy Until the Beginning of the Following Year if You Want.

10. When You Sell During the Winter, You Have an Opportunity to Buy During the Spring, When Many Homes are on the Market.

11. You May Have Fewer Actual Showings, but More Qualified and Motivated Prospects.

12. Corporate Transferees, Who Need to Buy a Home Now, Can’t Wait Until Spring.

Call me today for more information.

Barbara Whisenant

Your Friend in the Business

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Read my Blog: http://www.barbarawhis.com

Visit my Real Estate website: http://www.Homes4SaleSanDiego.com

Visit my Nu-Skin website: http://barbaraw.nsedreams.com

P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!

A Division of Richard Realty Groups, Inc 5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA. 92008 Cell: (760) 583-2107    eFax: (760) 496-1649   DRE# 01357594

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Feel free to visit my website for more information about this product or schedule a free demonstration.

 

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Visit my website: www.barbaraw.nsedreams.com

P.S. It's my intention to build lifelong relationships one client at a time. If you know of a friend, co-worker or family member who has a real estate need, please contact me. Your personal referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive!