• Did you see the recent news article titled ‘Help for Homeowners’? Bank of America just announced that it will be opening a ‘specialized counseling center in Colton to assist homeowners on the brink of losing their homes.’ It will be only 1 of 28 in the nation the bank will open with the specific purpose to assist their struggling consumers. It is due to open this month… I’ll keep you posted.

• On July 1, Carbon Monoxide Detectors will be required in ALL homes. It’s a new law and a good one. The detectors are an inexpensive [under $20] way to prevent a tragedy. You can find plenty of them at Home Depot, Loews, and, I’ve been told, at Target and WalMart. One detector should be placed on the wall… not the ceiling, outside of the sleeping areas of your home. Also, one is required on each floor of a multi-level house, including the basement.

Be sure to have these installed in every home you may have as rental property. Call me if you need more information. Thanks and let’s keep hoping for a lasting recovery for our economy. You deserve it.

Call Mary Casey for private tour 909-534-8715

Tri-level remolded 60′s home on approx 80% of an acre. Beautiful spread in secluded Country Club area of Redlands. Panoramic views will delight and enchant you. Children get the best education by attending Redlands Distinguished Schools. Property includes lush, full shade trees and sweet citrus fruits. 

Call Mary Casey for private tour 909-534-8715

Sale price $125,000

• 2 Bedroom , 1 Bath
• Hardwood floors
• Spacious living area
• Large over 20,000 sqft lot
• Great upper Yucaipa location
• Garage

Check out the property today! Call Mary Casey (909) 534-8715

Saturday, April 30, 2011 9:00 AM runs for 24 hours.

Community Park on Oak Glen Rd.

All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society

Visit Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty’s booth to purchase a luminary bag. Lots of vendors, food and people dressed up in funny outfits. Stop by the office and sponsor me while I walk in remembrance of those past from cancer and walk with the survivors.

Mary Casey, your Yucaipa Realtor

Last month’s Post discussed the Rent vs Buy logic in our local market.  It does make sense! This month I want to share some quotes from the ‘experts’ regarding the health of the Real Estate market… both locally and nationwide.

Beacon Economics “Forecasting a steady but prolonged recovery for California”

Moody’s Analytics “Housing is the most affordable it has been in decades”

Prudential Relocation Services “According to a recent survey….86% [buyers and sellers] believes that real estate is still a good investment”

United States Conference Board “The consumer Confidence Index is now at a three-year high”

“What about Interest Rates?”

Mortgage Rate Trend Index by Bankrate.com “This week (March 24-March 30) the panelists were evenly split (at 47%) among those who believe rates will rise and those who think they’ll (interest rates) remain unchanged. A scant 6 percent believes mortgage rates will fall.

Almost half of all mortgage lenders believes rates will begin to rise next week… virtually all agree that rates will rise very soon. If you know someone who is thinking of buying AND taking advantage of historical low rates … now is that time and I can help!

Extra, Extra !!! My California Association of Realtors (CAR) has just launched this new site today! shortsalescalifornia.org. It is a great consumer resource for Short Sale advice and information.

~Thomas Edison

Owning a home is a dream for many, but does it make financial sense? Last week, Trulia released its national survey of Rent vs. Buy and found that, in 72% of the nation, the monthly payment to own a home was less expensive versus renting the same house. We all know that real estate, generally, is more expensive in Southern California compared to most of the country. So what does the Rent vs Buy look like here? In Yucaipa/Calimesa, the average 3 bedroom, 1500sqft home sold last month for $155,000. The FHA payment for this house @ 4.75% is $ 1111.00/month… fixed rate! The rents for this house range from $1300 – $1700. And….. a 2 bedroom is selling for $110,000 with a monthly payment of $ 788.00 versus rents of $850-$1100. Call me if you, or someone you know, would benefit from a ‘rent vs buy’ analysis!

…and it can happen much sooner than you may have been told.

Federal loan guidelines regulate how soon a borrower may purchase after a Foreclosure, Short Sale and/or Bankruptcy. Lenders may use the following time frames when qualifying a buyer wishing to repurchase a home:

*  Foreclosure: A borrower may apply 3 years after the foreclosure; if the loss was due to ‘extenuating circumstances’ i.e.. job loss, divorce, medical.

*  Short Sale: Homeownership may be possible 2 Years after the sale for the same ‘extenuating circumstances’.

*  Bankruptcy: Again, 2 Years for special circumstances.

Many homeowners began losing their homes in 2008, which means that for some, the dream of owning again may be possible this year!

Call me and I can have a qualified and professional loan officer contact any friend or family you feel may be eligible.

Mary Casey, Your Yucaipa Realtor

(909) 534-8715

Wish List

Knit hats, scarves, gloves, neck gators

Beanie Babies, Webkins or other small plush toys

Halloween Candy

White Socks

Computer Flash Drives, DVDs, and CDs, Video games

Headsets (earpiece and microphone) and WebCams

Energy Bars, Beef Jerky

Commercially Sealed Lip Balm

Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, roll-on deodorant

Prepaid phone cards

Travel-size board games, handheld electronic games

Bandana cooler/Cool-Ties, Mini battery-operated Fans

Hand and foot warmers

Single serving boxed of cold cereal; individual packets of hot cereal

Commercially wrapped individual packets of trail mix, nuts, energy bars, sunflower seeds, candy

Ready to eat tuna or cold beverages

Individual packets of moist towelettes

Travel-size containers of foot powder

Screened printed T-Shits, baseball style caps, gloves

Disposable cameras

Holiday Greeting Cards (blank)

Unsealed personal cards and letters

Used cell phones, video games and systems, iPods, PDAs, Ink-jet cartridges

Monetary donations are also appreciated and should be made

payable to Operation Gratitude

Drop off location:

Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty

33699 Yucaipa Blvd., Ste 1B

Yucaipa, CA 92399

Collection Hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Now through December 3rd