Thursday, December 27, 2007

California Fast Facts

Calif. median home price - November 07: $488,640 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region November 07: Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,075,000 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region November 07: High Desert $262,650 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - Third Quarter 07: 24 percent (Source: C.A.R.)

Mortgage rates - week ending 12/20: 30-yr. fixed: 6.14%; Fees/points: 0.4% 15-yr. fixed: 5.79%; Fees/points: 0.4% 1-yr. adjustable: 5.51%; Fees/points: 0.6% (Source: Freddie Mac

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. If in the coming year there is anything I can do to assist you, your friends or family members, remember I am just a phone call away. I hope all your dreams come true in the coming year!!!!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Tax Break For Mortgage Debt Forgiveness

TAX BREAK FOR MORTGAGE DEBT FORGIVENESSPresident Bush signed into law today a new measure giving tax breaks to homeowners who have mortgage debt forgiven. Under preexisting law, the debt forgiven by a lender, such as for short sales and refinances, was generally taxable to the borrower as debt discharge income. With the passage of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, a taxpayer does not have to pay federal income tax on debt forgiven for a loan secured by a qualified principal residence.This tax break applies to debts discharged from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009. Qualified principal residence indebtedness is debt incurred in acquiring, constructing, or substantially improving the residence (up to $2 million for refinances).For purposes of calculating capital gains, any debts discharged excluded from income under the new law must be subtracted from the basis of the taxpayer's principal residence (but not below zero). However, taxpayers may generally exclude from capital gains income up to $250,000 (or $500,000 for married couples filing jointly) for properties owned and used as their principal residence for at least two of the last five years.For a copy of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, go to http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-3648.

Good News!

RISMEDIA, Dec. 21, 2007-Existing-home sales are projected to trend up in 2008, with pending home sales showing a slight near-term rise, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors. However, a recovery for new-home sales is unlikely before 2009.
For more information, visit http://www.REALTOR.org/press_room/news_releases/2007/ehs_dec07_trend_up_2008.html.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

4 Reasons to Sell During The Holidays

RISMEDIA, Dec. 19, 2007-Serious home buyers are always ready to make a purchase when they find the right home at a good price. That’s why the holiday season is just as a good a time as any to sell a home-in fact, it can be a great time.
“Timing is everything when it comes to selling a home,” said Diane Turton, broker of record at Diane Turton, Realtors. “We explain to our customers that the process is simple - the right home buyer comes along, sees your house, says ‘I love the home’ and makes an immediate offer.”
Home sellers need to seize the opportunity by preparing their home, so that it is ready to show a buyer at anytime. Here are four good reasons to either put a home on the market right now during the holiday or keep it on the market if it already is listed with a real estate firm.
1. Homes look their best during the holidays - Right now, many homes look more inviting than at any other time of the year. Holiday decorations and the clean look of homes, without clutter, make properties look more inviting inside and out. Live evergreens and scents of the season remind buyers of the warmth they are looking for in their new home.
2. Less competition - Most home sellers believe the holidays are too distracting to sell or buy or home so they take their house off the market. Less competition, in fact, makes it a good idea to do just the opposite because your home is more likely to be seen.
3. More serious buyers - Buyers shopping for a new home at this time of year are ready to act, and these are the kinds of buyers a seller truly wants to attract. Like everyone else, homebuyers have a long list of things to do during the holidays. If they are making time to visit homes in December and early January, it is quite clear they are ready to make an offer.
4. Strong connection between home and holidays - There’s no better time for buyers to see themselves in a new home. It’s the holidays and for many homebuyers the season inspires images of friends, family and home. According to Turton, the reality is that people buy homes in December and even during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Help for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

BUSH ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES PLAN TO ASSIST HOMEOWNERS FACING FORECLOSUREThe Bush Administration laid out details Dec. 6 outlining a plan to offer a five-year freeze on mortgage rates for eligible borrowers facing threats of foreclosure due their inability to keep up with resets on their adjustable, subprime mortgages. "This is a private sector effort, involving no government money;" said U.S. Department of Treasure Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr.Under the terms of the plan, interest rates on adjustable subprime mortgages taken out between Jan. 1, 2005, and July 31, that are scheduled to reset between Jan. 1 and July 31, 2010, will hold at their introductory offers for five years. It is hoped that the plan could provide relief for some 1.2 million struggling homeowners by giving them time to ride out the slowing housing market until they are able to refinance their loans into more affordable, fixed-rate loans.To read Paulson's statement, go directly to: http://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/hp716.htm.

Existing Homes Sales to Trend Up

Existing-Home Sales to Trend Up in 2008
WASHINGTON, December 10, 2007 -
Existing-home sales are projected to trend up in 2008, with pending home sales showing a slight near-term rise, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®. However, a recovery for new-home sales is unlikely before 2009.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the worst part of the credit crunch has already worked its way through the data. “The unusual mortgage disruptions that peaked in August were clearly seen in lower home sales that were finalized in September and October, so the market was underperforming,” he said. “Now that mortgage conditions have improved, some postponed activity should turn up in existing-home sales over the next couple of months, and I expect sales at fairly stable to slightly higher levels.”
The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in October, increased 0.6 percent to an index of 87.2 from an upwardly revised reading of 86.7 in September. It was the second consecutive monthly gain, but remained 18.4 percent below the October 2006 index of 106.8. “The broad trend over the coming year will be a gradual rise in existing-home sales, but because sales are exceptionally low in the final months of 2007, total sales for 2008 will be only modestly higher than 2007,” Yun said.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Recent Activity

SFR and Condo Activity from November 25 through December 1:



New Actives:

MRMLS: 1870 Sandicor: 854 SoCalMLS: 2018



New Pendings:

MRMLS: 552 Sandicor: 436 SoCalMLS: 463



Closed Sales:

MRMLS: 455 Sandicor: 305 SoCalMLS: 591



Expired Listings:

MRMLS: 2274 Sandicor: 680 SoCalMLS: 1558



Cancelled Listings:

MRMLS: 448 Sandicor: 303 SoCalMLS: 978

Thursday, December 6, 2007

California Fast Facts

Calif. median home price - October 07: $497,110(Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region October 07: Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,325,000(Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region October 07: High Desert $265,880(Source: C.A.R.)
Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - Third Quarter 07: 24 percent (Source: C.A.R.)
Mortgage rates - week ending 11/29: 30-yr. fixed: 6.10%; Fees/points: 0.5% 15-yr. fixed: 5.73%; Fees/points: 0.5% 1-yr. adjustable: 5.43%; Fees/points: 0.7% (Source: Freddie Mac)

6 Tips on How to Avoid Foreclosure

RISMEDIA, Dec. 6, 2007-The AICPA, one of the nation’s largest non-profit professional organization representing more 340,000 CPAs across the country specializing in the area of tax, accounting, auditing and personal finance, suggests the following steps to minimize the risk of foreclosure if they hold sub-prime mortgages:

Step 1) Make your payments on time; call your lender if you’re going to be late.
If you think you’re going to be late making a mortgage payment, the first thing you should do is to pick up the phone and call your lender. Often times, lenders are willing to work with you if you are upfront with them and tell them in advance when you are facing a problem. They will frown on you if you fail to pay on time and do not alert them to your current financial situation.

Step 2) Ask your lender how a foreclosure would impact your credit score.
If you decide that foreclosure is the only possible solution for you, you need to understand that it will impact your overall credit score. Some experts say it could lower your score by more than 100 points. Be sure to ask your lender your credit score will be affected should you choose this option.

Step 3) Identify a decision maker at your lender; keep accurate records.
Make sure you are speaking to the right person in the right department who has the authority to work out a solution with you. Be sure to take careful notes from each conversation you have, including the name of the person with whom you spoke, their contact details and the key points from the discussion.

Step 4) Talk to your lender about alternatives.
When you are in this kind of situation, don’t be afraid to ask for “forbearance.” Forbearance is a request to suspend your payments or to temporarily reduce your payments for a short period of time. If you request this, be sure to have documentation that you are trying your best to pay the bills. These documents may include recent pay stubs, a letter of intent if you recently accepted a new job, and bank account statements.

Step 5) Watch your monthly budget and expenses.
Managing your monthly budget can be difficult and frustrating, but it is nevertheless one of the ways to help you get a handle on your expenses when you are trying to figure out a solution to your mortgage situation. One of the most important aspects of controlling your budget is to determine where your money is going. The CPA profession has created free tools and calculators to help you better manage your monthly budget. This free calculator can be accessed on the 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy Web Site: “Homeowners’ Tab” in the tools section.

By entering your income and monthly expenditures, you can see how much you have left to save and where your money is being spent. In addition, you can click the “View Report” button to compare your budget breakdown to ideal targets, which can help identify areas for improvement.

Step 6) Do additional research.
Visit the CPA profession’s Web site at www.360FinancialLiteracy.org for free articles, calculators and resources to help you with personal finance issues such has home ownership and debt management. In addition, the US Treasury has additional resources available to the public on this topic. This information can be accessed at: http://www.treas.gov/topics/financial-markets/.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Open House

Make sure you mark your calendars for Sunday December 9th. Plan on taking a break from shopping, to come by and visit. I am holding an Open House at 7962 Woodpecker Way in Santee. Come by and see this immaculate, move in ready home. Check out the flyer in the archives. If you need directions, please feel free to give me a call. Take Care and see you there.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Million Dollar Views, Not A Million Dollar Price Tag

Kimberlee Quarles | Century 21 Award | kimberleequarles@century21award.com | (619)590-3043


3445 Wisecarver Lane, Jamul, CA
Be On Top Of the World and Enjoy Incredible Views!
3 Bdrm Single Family House
offered at $559,000
Year Built 1982
Sq Footage 1,593
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial
Floors 1
Parking 2 Car garage
Lot Size 178,160 sqft
HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Be on top of the world with incredible views of mountains and the valley below. Wow your friends when you entertain on your brick patio with outside speakers for your listening enjoyment. Relax and unwind in your spa. After your soak, rinse off with your outside shower. When indoors, you can still enjoy your million dollar view through numerous windows, including an exceptional bay window in the kitchen. Come visit this home, you will not be disappointed, you will be amazed.


see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES





























Central A/CCentral heatFireplace
Walk-in closetTile floorLiving room
Dining roomDishwasherRefrigerator
Stove/OvenMicrowaveGranite countertop
Stainless steel appliancesLaundry area - garageBalcony, Deck, or Patio
Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES















Stone Covered Steel Roof with 50 year transferable warranty!
Spacious and Bright!
Upgraded Kitchen, walk in pantry with wine rack
Breath Taking Views
Spa and Outside Shower
Solar Panels, last electric bill was under $40!
Free Standing Fireplace in Living Room

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:





Kimberlee Quarles
Century 21 Award
(619)590-3043
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: Dec 2, 2007, 10:39am PST

Monday, November 26, 2007

Seller's Guide To Listing Checklist

Here is a checklist for anyone who is considering putting their home on the market. Use this list to help put your home in top condition and have it show to the greatest potential.

Landscaping

___ Lawn in good condition
___ Hedges trimmed
___ Yard cleared of leaves and trash
___ Flower beds weeded and dead plants removed
___ Fence in good repair

Home Exterior

___ Painted and repaired
___ Doors work easily and silently
___ Doorbell operating
___ Driveway free of grease

Garage

___ Doors work easily and silently
___ Workbench and tools neatly arranged
___ Floors cleaned and good condition
___ Boxes and storage items neatly arranged

Living Room

___ Walls and ceilings freshly painted or cleaned
___ Curtains clean and in good condition
___ Carpet clean and in good condition
___ Windows clean
___ Clutter and extra furniture removed

Kitchen

___ Range and oven clean
___ Sink clear of dishes
___ Cupboards neat
___ Fausets in good repair
___ Windows clean
___ Walls and ceiling freshly painted or cleaned
___ Floors clean
___ Counters clear

Bedrooms

___ Walls and ceilings freshly painted or cleaned
___ Beds made and toys put away
___ Floors cleaned and in good condition
___ Closets neatly arranged
___ Curtains and blinds clean and in good condition
___ Windows clean
___ Remove unnecessary furniture

Bathrooms
___ Floors cleaned and in good condition
___ Toilet clean and lid down
___ Shower and tub clean and personal items removed
___ Faucets in good repair

Friday, November 16, 2007

New Website

Did you know that 85% of home buyers begin their home search on the internet? Many times people want to be able to search for properties and gather valuable information from the comfort of their home. Well, in response to my customer's needs I have launched a website that will provide just that. You, your family and friends can search the San Diego MLS through my site. You will find useful information on buying, selling, home maintenance, loans and much more. My goal is to provide you with all the information you want and need in a convenient format. Please check it out at. http://www.kqsellshomes.com/



I would like to thank Karen Gilley for coming up with the name. I hope you find the information informative and useful. Please help me get the word out about my website by forwarding it to your friends and family members. Don't forget, I am always here for you and look forward to assisting you with any real estate need. Never hesitate to call me.


Kimberlee Quarles, REALTOR

Century 21 Award

(619) 590-3043 office
(619) 987-5143 cell
http://www.kqsellshomes.com/

Thursday, November 15, 2007

California Fast Facts

Calif. median home price - September 07: $530,830(Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region September 07: Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,667,500(Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region September 07: High Desert $271,940(Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - Second Quarter 07: 24 percent (Source: C.A.R.)

Mortgage rates - week ending 11/08: 30-yr. fixed: 6.24%; Fees/points: 0.4% 15-yr. fixed: 5.90%; Fees/points: 0.5% 1-yr. adjustable: 5.50%; Fees/points: 0.6% (Source: Freddie Mac)

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Advantages to Buying Rather Than Renting

Whether you are looking for more space to raise a family or just a place to call your own, there are many advantages to owning a home. For many people, the motivation for home ownership is primarily financial. Owning your own home is a first-rate investment for a number of reasons:

Scheduled Savings
When you buy a house, over time the value of the property gradually increases. The equity you build is like making regular deposits into a savings account. In contrast, renters must continue to pay rent to a landlord for as long as they rent, without the opportunity to build equity.

Stable Housing Costs
Another advantage to home ownership is that while rent payments typically increase year after year, mortgage payments can remain unchanged for the term of the loan. Eventually you can pay off the mortgage as opposed to paying increasing rent with no end in sight.

Increased Value
Houses typically increase in value, or “appreciate,” over time. It’s not unusual to find a house that sold for $150,000 fifteen years ago to be valued at much more than that amount today. This increased value is a great "nest egg" for the homeowner.

Tax Benefits
Homeowners also get large tax breaks that are not available to renters. Most importantly, interest paid on a home mortgage is usually deductible. This factor alone can save you a substantial amount of money each year in federal income taxes.

Buyers Did You Know?

1. I can show you any property listed in the Sandicor MLS. Some home buyers are under the impression that since I am with Century 21 Award I can only show properties listed with my office. THIS IS NOT TRUE. As a real estate professional, I have access to the MLS. This service lists ALL real estate office listings and I can show you any of the properties.

2. Using me as your real estate agent costs you nothing. The seller, when they list a property for sale agrees to pay a percentage of the sales price to the listing agent. The listing agent then agrees to give a portion of that percentage to the cooperating agent that brings in the buyer.

3. Buying a home from the agent on the For Sale sign is not always a good idea. That agent represents the seller. You need and deserve someone to work for you to negotiate the best deal for you. If you see a property that interests you, call me.

4. When you work with more than one agent, you really have NO agent working for you. Real Estate agents do not get paid a salary (or gas money). An agent may work with a buyer for months before finding them their dream home. Agents know that if you are working with more than one agent you could buy from another agent and all their hard work was for nothing. If you want an agent to be committed to you, you must be committed to them.

5. You do not always get a good price when working with a For Sale By Owner. Most owners who are going through the hassle of selling themselves are doing so to attemp to make the most money for themselves. Often times over pricing the home. Do not make the biggest investment of your life without proper representation.

10 Reason to Buy NOW!

1. There is no reason to sit on the sidelines waiting for a dramatic drop in price. The market is not crashing. Buyers sitting on the fence will miss out on the long-term appreciation gains and the tax advantages of home ownership.
2. Unlike stocks, homes have utility value. You have to live somewhere, so make your investment work for you by building up equity while you benefit from tax breaks.
3. Homes are realistically priced to move. When you find that dream home, act with conviction and don't miss out.
4. Interest rates remain at near historic lows. Just a small increase in rates will dramatically increase your monthly payments.
5. Mortgage lenders want your business. There are many loan types available, one is sure to meet your needs.
6. It is a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage and lock in your rate. You will have more negotiating power with the seller.
7. Sellers are eager to sell and are more likely to make a deal that includes helping with your closing costs and paying HOA fees.
8. Facing a competitive market, sellers are sprucing up their properties so buyers do not need a lot of cash for repairs, renovations, landscaping and appliances.
9. You have more choices. A greater selection of homes currently on the market means a greater chance of finding the home of your dreams.
10. The most important factor is for a buyer to get into the game. San Diego has appreciated an average of 8% over the last 20 years. Housing is a medium to long term investment so you need to get into the game.

Great Santee Home For Sale


Offered at $414,000 - $424,000

Your Immaculate Home On Quiet Cul-De-Sac Is Waiting For You! Truly Shows Pride Of
Ownership. This Home Is Move In Ready! Fireplace, Stainless Appliances Stay, Backyard
Spa, Rv/Boat Parking, New Heat And A/C In 2005, 9 Year Old Roof, Newer Windows.
• 3 Bedroom/2 Bath
• 1364 Square Feet
• Updated Kitchen and Baths
• Breakfast Nook
• Fireplace in Living Room
• Fruit Trees
• Relaxing Backyard
Call Me Today For More Information.
Kimberlee Quarles
Century 21 Award
(619) 590-3043

Jamul Home For Sale

Offered for $475,000 - $495,000

• Majestic Oak Trees Provide The Ultimate Feeling Of Privacy And
Serenity. Immaculate Home Situated On Over 3 Acres Of Usable Land.
Bring Your Horses To A Property That Is Surrounded By Trails. Plenty
Of Room For All Your Toys, Parking Will Not Be An Issue Here!
• 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath
• 3.31 Acres of usable property
• Built in 1994
• Fully Fenced
• Seasonal Stream
• Private and Serene
• Come Experience All That Jamul Has To Offer, 45 Minutes To
Downtown San Diego. Award Winning Schools And A True Sense Of
Community. Look No Further, You Have Found The Home You Have
Been Looking For!
Call Me
3673 RUDNICK DR Jamul 91935
Kimberlee Quarles
Direct: (619) 590-3043

About Me


I reside in the beautiful community of Jamul, in San Diego’s East County. I enjoy horseback riding, crafts, and watching my daughters play soccer. As a resident of the East County for nearly 20 years, I am knowledgeable of the different communities including but not limited to El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside, Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego, La Mesa, Jamul and Alpine. I understand the market and what each community has to offer.

As a Realtor® in San Diego County, I am committed to providing my clients with the best customer service. I am a member of SANDICOR, the California Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. I strive to remain current on all market conditions by regularly attending continuing education classes and training seminars. You can rest assured that I am up to date on all the cutting edge techniques and will put this knowledge to work for you.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you find it a valuable resource of real estate information. If you are looking for incredible customer service, knowledgeable representation, honesty, integrity, and professionalism; I am the Realtor® for you. If you are in need of more real estate information or want to search for a San Diego property, check out my website at www.KQsellshomes.com Please feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions. I look forward to working with you.

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