Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition

A  friend of mine sent this to me and I wanted to share it with you and your friends.

As the Christmas & Hanukkah holidays approach (& other gift giving events), the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American jobs.  This year let’s make a difference.   This year, why don’t we Americans give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans.   There is no longer an excuse that at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. 

Yes, there is!  Join me this Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition

It’s time to think outside the box, people.  Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone — yes, EVERYONE gets their hair cut.   How about gift certificates from your local American hair +/or nail salon or barber? Gym membership?   It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.  How about a massage?  I would love that! Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed?   Small, American owned detail businesses and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

What teenager wouldn’t like a few certificates to the local pizzeria?

Does someone on your list want to learn how to play golf…tennis…horseback riding…sailing?? Think lessons.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen?   Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or rounds at the local golf course, or gifts from the gardening center.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates.  And, if your intention isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.   Remember folks, this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom?   Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.  How about a few hours from a local handyman?

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal.   Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves.   They make jewelry and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.  Go to the Arts & Crafts & Street Fairs & Farmers Markets.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.   And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre? 

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house?   When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

Donate to your church, feed the homeless, or start any other tradition of giving during Christmas, but let’s keep it going throughout the entire year for we are blessed.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city.  Christmas is about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams.  And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.

Let’s make THIS the new American Christmas tradition.

This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about?

Is Foreclosure & Short Sale the Same Thing?

One of the most common misconceptions today is that an REO and a Short Sale is the same thing.  Some may know that they are different from each other, but really don’t understand why. I thought today that it might be a good idea to just explain it in simple terms.  The acronym REO means Real Estate Owned.  It is a term used by banks when they have completed a foreclosure on a property and they are now the owners of the property.  If you are purchasing an REO property, you are buying a property that the bank now owns

A short sale happens when the seller owes more on the property than they can sell it for.  For example, if they bought the house a few years ago and have a loan on it of $470,000, and now the house is worth $400,000, the house will be offered up for sale at the current market value of $400,000, subject to the approval of the lender.  This means that when a reasonable offer is received and accepted by the seller, it must then be submitted to and accepted by the lender also.  The reason is that the lender will be, in most cases, receiving less than the amount owed to them at the time of the sale. 

Foreclosed homes (REO’s) can be purchased normally and escrow can usually close in 30 days or less.  A short sale, however, can take from 30-120 days to close escrow.  In some cases, it could be longer.  As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I have extensive training and experienced in foreclosures, Short Sales and can even help guide you through a loan modification.  If you or someone you know is in this situation, please feel free to contact me for a complimentary and confidential consultation.

Nancy Puder is the owner/broker of Signature Properties Real Estate Sales & Property Management, located at 124 S. Halcyon Rd., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420.  You may reach her at (805)710-2415, email Nancy@SignatureProperties1.com

Cheaper to Buy than Rent Right Now?

With lower house prices on the Central Coast and at the same time, rising rental rates, you may want to consider purchasing a home right now. Did you know that a home purchased for $300,000 with a zero down payment results in a payment of only $1900 per month? That includes property taxes and insurance! And yes, you can buy a house with zero down payment.

With the mortgage interest deduction still intact, your accountant will probably confirm that for many of you, a purchase similar to the one described above will result in approximately a $3600 tax savings!! If you are renting now for $1600, that sounds to me like a break even situation. I hope this news will prompt many people to investigate the possibility of owning versus renting.

With homeownership, there are so many benefits if you are brave enough to take that first step. For one thing, you won’t be getting the dreaded phone call from the landlord that they have decided to sell the property and now you not only have to allow it to be shown to prospective buyers, but you will most likely have to move pretty soon. I find that most people are usually unprepared emotionally and many times financially, for this sudden turn of events.

In addition, historically prices go up regardless of what you are hearing all over the media today. How many of us have heard a friend or neighbor tell us that they bought their house for $25,000 way back when and now even with the temporary decline in house prices, it is still worth $400,000? I know that even I cringe when I hear those stories. How do you become equity rich like your neighbor? Take a step out in faith and experience the joy of owning your own home! Paint the walls whatever color you want and live there until YOU choose to move. Who cares what the current value is on the home if you’re not going anywhere?

If you would like advice on whether this is the right time for you to buy, call me at (805)710-2415 or send me an email at Nancy@SignatureProperties1.com Nancy Puder is the owner/broker of Signature Properties Real Estate Sales & Property Management, located at 124 S. Halcyon Rd., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. www.SignatureProperties1.com

Recovery is on the Move!Recovery on the Move!
This time it’s really happening. Existing home sales have been up for the past 5 months and my phone hasn’t stopped ringing for the past several weeks. Offers are coming in on listings and there seems to be a sense of urgency in the buyers that was not present during the last half of 2010.
It’s about time we had some good news for homeowners! The freefall of prices for the past couple of years has stunned all of us, but thankfully, the market seems to have definitely stabilized and all indicators are that we are on our way back up. It’s important to note, however, that even though the housing market is improving, it will probably take a few years to see any significant increase in property values.
Buyers are finally realizing that prices, most likely, won’t go any lower on the Central Coast and with interest rates on the rise, now is the time to get that home that they want. I believe that buyers who continue to sit on the fence will pay more per month for the same house next year that they are considering a purchase of today.
If you are not sure how to begin the process of buying or selling, you may contact Nancy Puder at (805)710-2415 for a free real estate consultation.
Nancy Puder is the owner/broker of Signature Properties Real Estate Sales & Property Management, located at 124 S. Halcyon Rd., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. You may reach her at (805)710-2415 or visit her website at www.SignatureProperties1.com