Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Seniors Feel Safe at Home!!
I want to help seniors be able to stay in their homes as long as possible and this is a way for them to
http://alarmcentralinc.com/personal_emergency_system.php?osCsid=6b9a77281a68d25613e1565e5that!
Please take a look at the emergency alert system.
http://alarmcentralinc.com/personal_emergency_system.php?osCsid=6b9a77281a68d25613e1565e5that!
Please take a look at the emergency alert system.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Reverse Mortgages NOT All Ways The Best for Seniors
Wanted to share with you a new report out in the LA Times. It is warning seniors to make sure they understand all the fees and interest that a Reverse Mortgage includes. Unless there is no other alternative, it is not advised for seniors to use the equity in their home in this maner.
Older Homeowners Turn to Reverse Mortgages
By Jim Puzzanghera
RISMEDIA, December 29, 2010-(MCT)-With demand rising for reverse mortgages, senior citizens are particularly at risk of being misled and should be protected by greater government oversight of the industry, according to a report by Consumers Union and two California advocacy groups. In a struggling economy, older homeowners are turning to reverse mortgages as a way to pull money out of their homes, with the loan not coming due until the borrower dies. But the loans can come with hefty charges, including origination fees, closing costs and compounding interest on loan principal.
"Reverse mortgages are a very risky deal for borrowers who don't understand the complicated terms of the loan and how quickly fees and interest charges can add up," said Norma Garcia, senior staff attorney for Consumers Union. "Reverse mortgages should only be a last resort for seniors who want to stay in their homes and have no other alternatives to supplement their income," she said.
The report was released by Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, along with California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform and the Council on Aging Silicon Valley. It warned that seniors taking out reverse mortgages risk losing their homes while they're still alive.
The groups called for strong oversight from the new federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which is being launched by Obama administration appointee Elizabeth Warren as part of financial reform legislation passed this year.
The report lists concerns including misleading marketing claims by lenders; attempts to sell borrowers other products at the same time, such as long-term-care insurance or annuities, and an increasing number of borrowers defaulting on reverse mortgages, triggering foreclosures.
Consumers Union offers tips about reverse mortgages on its website, http://www.consumersunion.org. The site's offerings include information about applying for government benefits for seniors, getting advice from local Housing and Urban Development counselors and seeking a so-called private reverse mortgage-a loan from a family member using the senior's home equity as collateral.
(c) 2010, Los Angeles Times.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
Older Homeowners Turn to Reverse Mortgages
By Jim Puzzanghera
RISMEDIA, December 29, 2010-(MCT)-With demand rising for reverse mortgages, senior citizens are particularly at risk of being misled and should be protected by greater government oversight of the industry, according to a report by Consumers Union and two California advocacy groups. In a struggling economy, older homeowners are turning to reverse mortgages as a way to pull money out of their homes, with the loan not coming due until the borrower dies. But the loans can come with hefty charges, including origination fees, closing costs and compounding interest on loan principal.
"Reverse mortgages are a very risky deal for borrowers who don't understand the complicated terms of the loan and how quickly fees and interest charges can add up," said Norma Garcia, senior staff attorney for Consumers Union. "Reverse mortgages should only be a last resort for seniors who want to stay in their homes and have no other alternatives to supplement their income," she said.
The report was released by Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, along with California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform and the Council on Aging Silicon Valley. It warned that seniors taking out reverse mortgages risk losing their homes while they're still alive.
The groups called for strong oversight from the new federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which is being launched by Obama administration appointee Elizabeth Warren as part of financial reform legislation passed this year.
The report lists concerns including misleading marketing claims by lenders; attempts to sell borrowers other products at the same time, such as long-term-care insurance or annuities, and an increasing number of borrowers defaulting on reverse mortgages, triggering foreclosures.
Consumers Union offers tips about reverse mortgages on its website, http://www.consumersunion.org. The site's offerings include information about applying for government benefits for seniors, getting advice from local Housing and Urban Development counselors and seeking a so-called private reverse mortgage-a loan from a family member using the senior's home equity as collateral.
(c) 2010, Los Angeles Times.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
How to Prepare Your Home to SELL!
We know that in the next few months is when owners start thinking of to put their homes on the market.
Clients need to know the basics for listing their house on the market and it is up to us to provide that information to them. Teach the basics right from the start, during the presentation so they know what to expect.
Remember some of the sellers where buyers during the time when a house sold in one day if not hours. They haven't been though a market like this, where it may take months to sell and how it shows in comparison to the others on the market, counts so much. Even some realtors haven't experienced this type of market. Let's give them the basics to get their home sold and at the best price.
1) Setting the Price. First you need information to price your home for the market that you are in. Agents can provide you with "Market Analysis" for free. This shows you how your property compares to others similar to yours, that have sold recently plus that are available now. Also have an agent take you out to view homes currently on the market so you can how yours will compare in price and location.
2) Don't Do Major Remodeling.Items such as a new roof will not pay you back what you have spent. It never shows up in the price difference when sold. You would be wiser to put that money into repairs and simple up dates. Make sure if your roof is bad that the repairs are done because buyers will require it. Simple repairs like screens replaced or a cracked window fixed will improve to appearance of the house.
3) Making a First Impression
When potential buyers pull up in the front of the house, you need to want them to come in. Can't sell a house if they aren't interested in coming inside! Curb appeal starts with the lawn which should be trimmed and watered. The rest of the landscaping should also show that it is maintained. As for the house it self, do not let it show wear and tear, such as peeling paint, cracks on the foundation, loose shingles or stucco. Fix these before putting it on the market. Now stand back and assess how the house will look to others, are the windows clean, front door has a new coat of paint, the exterior is free of leaves and it is welcoming. Don't forget a few flowers in the flower beds for which ever season you will be selling in. This show that you love and care about the house.
4) Cleaning a Home to Sell
O.K. here is where you start to get ready to move. DECLUTTER your home!! First get rid of everything that you don't want to move into your new home. Take each room one at a time and declutter, clean closets, wash -- walls, door trim, base boards, ceiling fans and if you have a color that only you love, neutralize it. You can paint that color in your new home but you want to appeal to as many buyers as possible. Make sure to go thought the house before you leave each day or before a showing to pick up anything left out. Others don't want to see your wet towel or your tooth brush. They really want to think "no one lives here". This is even more important if you own a pet, the less seen the better, no hair, water, food, litter box or smells. KEEP IT CLEAN! Till you have it sold and closed. Some sellers invest in a cleaning service twice a month for all the extras, like windows, carpets and keeping on top of everything.
5) Keep it Light and Bright
During the day have all the blinds open, curtains pulled back and the lights on. Light and bright sells houses! You can do almost the same effect in the evening by adding extra lighting. Placing fresh flowers in the house adds a pleasant scent for the buyers and is inviting.
6) Last Go Away!
Buyers and their agents do not feel free to look or talk about your home, with you there. They go though your house quicker because they are uncomfortable. Make yourself scarce and take the kids and pets with you. You'll be glad you did.
Clients need to know the basics for listing their house on the market and it is up to us to provide that information to them. Teach the basics right from the start, during the presentation so they know what to expect.
Remember some of the sellers where buyers during the time when a house sold in one day if not hours. They haven't been though a market like this, where it may take months to sell and how it shows in comparison to the others on the market, counts so much. Even some realtors haven't experienced this type of market. Let's give them the basics to get their home sold and at the best price.
1) Setting the Price. First you need information to price your home for the market that you are in. Agents can provide you with "Market Analysis" for free. This shows you how your property compares to others similar to yours, that have sold recently plus that are available now. Also have an agent take you out to view homes currently on the market so you can how yours will compare in price and location.
2) Don't Do Major Remodeling.Items such as a new roof will not pay you back what you have spent. It never shows up in the price difference when sold. You would be wiser to put that money into repairs and simple up dates. Make sure if your roof is bad that the repairs are done because buyers will require it. Simple repairs like screens replaced or a cracked window fixed will improve to appearance of the house.
3) Making a First Impression
When potential buyers pull up in the front of the house, you need to want them to come in. Can't sell a house if they aren't interested in coming inside! Curb appeal starts with the lawn which should be trimmed and watered. The rest of the landscaping should also show that it is maintained. As for the house it self, do not let it show wear and tear, such as peeling paint, cracks on the foundation, loose shingles or stucco. Fix these before putting it on the market. Now stand back and assess how the house will look to others, are the windows clean, front door has a new coat of paint, the exterior is free of leaves and it is welcoming. Don't forget a few flowers in the flower beds for which ever season you will be selling in. This show that you love and care about the house.
4) Cleaning a Home to Sell
O.K. here is where you start to get ready to move. DECLUTTER your home!! First get rid of everything that you don't want to move into your new home. Take each room one at a time and declutter, clean closets, wash -- walls, door trim, base boards, ceiling fans and if you have a color that only you love, neutralize it. You can paint that color in your new home but you want to appeal to as many buyers as possible. Make sure to go thought the house before you leave each day or before a showing to pick up anything left out. Others don't want to see your wet towel or your tooth brush. They really want to think "no one lives here". This is even more important if you own a pet, the less seen the better, no hair, water, food, litter box or smells. KEEP IT CLEAN! Till you have it sold and closed. Some sellers invest in a cleaning service twice a month for all the extras, like windows, carpets and keeping on top of everything.
5) Keep it Light and Bright
During the day have all the blinds open, curtains pulled back and the lights on. Light and bright sells houses! You can do almost the same effect in the evening by adding extra lighting. Placing fresh flowers in the house adds a pleasant scent for the buyers and is inviting.
6) Last Go Away!
Buyers and their agents do not feel free to look or talk about your home, with you there. They go though your house quicker because they are uncomfortable. Make yourself scarce and take the kids and pets with you. You'll be glad you did.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Casta del Sol Real Estate Activity for 2010!
CASTA DEL SOL INFORMATION for November 3, 2010
•15 active homes available today
•8 in backup
•4 pending
•86 sold properties since 1/1/2010 - 11/3/2010
•87 sold properties for 1/1/2009 - 11/3/2009
•Active Prices Range: $305K - $469K
•Sold Prices Range: $265K - $660K
•Casta del Sol Association Dues: $317 Lake Mission Viejo Dues: $19, both per month
•Year Built Range: 1972 to 1987
•Gated: 4 Gates with Guards
•Home Styles: Single Family detached with 1 and 2 car garages ranging in size from 965 to 2,680 square feet. Single family attached with 1and 2 car garages ranging in size from 965 to 1,800 square feet.
•Community Amenities: 2 Swimming Pools, Tennis Courts, 2 Club Houses, Recreation Facility, Gym/Exercise Room, Basketball Court and horse shoe pit. It's also adjacent to Casta del Sol golf course which has reduced rates for seniors.
•Lake Mission Viejo is close by for swimming, fishing, boating and BBQ with picnic tables
• Number of Homes in Community:
◦Carmel - 192 Detached Homes - 5 Models built by Mission Viejo Co.
◦Fiesta - 396 Detached Homes - 4 Models built by Mission Viejo Co.
◦PUD - 748 Attached and Detached Homes - 7 models built by Mission Viejo Co.
•Location: Central Mission Viejo - East of Marguerite Pkwy , south of Alicia Pkwy and north of Jeronimo
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The future looks bright for 7 out of 10 Americans mostly because they have taken on responsibility. http://ping.fm/MrvvW
Friday, October 22, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Benefits of Exercise as We Age at Casta del Sol!
As we at Casta del Sol grow older, we need to be on the outlook for information that helps us stay healthy. You should be keeping an eye out for new research concerning exercise and how it relates to health. Many studies are done by Universities on the effects of exercise and doctors write articles about their findings but we must check out the facts before believing everything we read.
A few weeks ago the LA Times Health section presented an article about the results that exercise and diet leads to a longer lifespan. the article related that exercising regularly , not smoking and watching what you eat would help you maintain many years without debilitating disease.
It is never too late to start some form of exercise. Casta del Sol has many classes available that can fit into any ones preference or ability. Just to name a few of the activities included at Casta del Sol are golf, bowling, lawn bowling, paddle tennis, shuffleboard, tennis, aerobics, physical fitness, aqua fitness, ping pong, bocce ball and line dancing. All of these have beginning classes if you are interested in learning or want to just try them out to see if it is something you would enjoy.
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