Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Invest in Your Future! Casta del Sol

I am searching for Not Yet and Retirees wanting to retire in South Orange County, Mission Viejo, CA. Even if you are still working but wanting to do something for your future in regards to a retirement home, now is the time. Most retirement communities have an age restriction but did you know that you can purchase before you reach retirement age? Let’s say the age restriction is 55 years of age to live there. Notice the word LIVE. You can OWN property in age restricted communities at any age, as long as you do NOT live there. Mission Viejo has two large retirement communities with a full range of prices, styles and amenities to fit anyone’s needs and wants.

Buying a property in age restricted communities, the homes are usually less expensive then the homes surrounding it, making it a good buy in this market. At retirement age you will already have paid down the balance and have equity.

In such the communities near me in Mission Viejo, in the last 12 months, the prices of homes have fallen by 27% compared to 32% in the rest of the city but the rents have continued to rise. The single family detached homes in Casta del Sol, rent usually within 30 days of becoming available. Right now, there are no rentals available, Buying with 20% down and then reningt it out, covers all your monthly costs. This type of renter stays put and takes care of the property making it a plus for you when you decide you are ready to retire.

You research where you want to live, buy with your needs in mind and the amenities that you prefer when you move in. Make sure to find medical services close by that you can rely on if needed. We all have to face to possibility that we may have to work part time, so check that out also. Planning for your future like this will take a lot of worry off your shoulders. Don’t wait till you have to do something, start looking now!




Valorie Stover , Specializing in YOU!

Active Adult Community, Casta del Sol!

CASTA DEL SOL INFORMATION for March 19, 2012
•13 Active homes available today
•9 in Backup with 1 Short Sale
•4 Pending
•Prices Range: $327K - $539K
•Association Dues Range: $321
•Year Built Range: 1972 to 1987
•Gated: Human Gate Guarded
•Home Styles: Single Family detached with 1 and 2 car garages ranging in size from 1,200 to 2,680 square feet. Single family attached with 1and 2 car garages ranging in size from 1,000 to 1,600 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.
• Mission Viejo Lake 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


Valorie Stover , Specializing in YOU!

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.

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.

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.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Predictions for Housing in 2011

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Predictions for Housing in 2011

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