Thursday, October 30, 2008

Santa Clarita Real Estate Investor Update, Capital Gains Tax Changes

For those of you who have multiple properties here in Santa Clarita or anywhere in the United States you really need to take the time to read this information. You may get an unexpected Capital Gains Tax Bill in the mail. Please take time to be a wise real estate investor especially with the all the policy changes occurring on Capital Hill. Now more than ever education is key.

A popular tax-saving loophole regarding capital gains taxes on some primary residences has been impacted by the recently signed 2008 Housing and Economic Recovery act. The law places new restrictions on wealthy homeowners who own two or more homes and plan to “house hop” to avoid paying capital gains taxes. Under previous law, those who sell a house for profit after living in it as their primary residence for two of the past five years would not have to pay capital gains taxes on $250,000 of the gain for a single person or $500,000 for a married couple filing jointly. Some taxpayers have avoided the capital gains tax by selling their primary residence, claiming the full tax exclusion, then moving to a second or third home that they have owned for some time, making it their primary residence which they then sell and pay little or no capital gains tax. The new law states that the gain may not be excluded for periods of “nonqualified use,” basically the period of time when the house was not used as the taxpayer’s primary residence. While the change to the law will affect only a small minority of U.S. homeowners, it will cause some tax headaches for a few.

Partial exclusions will still be available in some cases, and there are some special rules for members of the uniformed services and some federal employees. Here are the basics to remember: reasons or “unforeseen circumstances” such as the death of a spouse by the homeowner, spouse or former spouse as a principal residence. and plans to hold it as an investment. On January 1, 2012, they begin using it as their principal residence. They live there two years and sell it on January 1, 2014 for $1.1 million for a profit of $500,000.Under the old law, the couple would have excluded the entire $500,000 gain from their taxable income. Under the new law, they can only exclude $200,000 – two-fifths – since the other $300,000 would be considered nonqualified because of the three years in which the home was not their principle residence.

My husband and I take the time to seek education and information to help our clients in the ever changing market. You need to hire professionals who can guide you in these challenging real estate times, we are that team!

For more specific information, consult your tax professional, who may be able to identify any exceptions or other important points for individual situations.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Santa Clarita Schools are Ranked the Highest in the State of California


If your a resident or work here in the Valley have you have noticed the banners across the paseo overwalks in Valencia or many bridges around Santa Clarita letting our great community know about our outstanding schools and students? If not here is the great news William S. Hart Union High School District receives highest overall API score in the state!!!

In API (Academic Performance Index) test results released this month by the California Department of Education, the William S. Hart Union High School District has received the top ranking in the state for union high school districts with 10,000 or more students. The Hart School District encompasses the majority of the junior high and senior high schools in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Vicki Engbrecht, assistant superintendent of instructional services said in an interview with The Signal, “Of course, we all realize that a good education is much more than high test scores. But the state’s API score does offer a simple number to help the public recognize ‘good’ schools. Every one of our schools qualifies under those criteria.”

The API is a single number, ranging from 200 to 1000, that reflects a school’s (or district’s) performance level based on statewide testing. The purpose of the API is to measure the academic performance and growth of schools. As parents, you’ve likely seen the STAR (Standardized Testing and Reporting) and/or CAHSEE (California High School Exit Examination) test results in your mailbox, which are a part of this program. Areas tested are math, social science (history), science and English.


This among other great reasons is why people find the Santa Clarita Valley such a great place to live!




Thursday, October 23, 2008

Stevenson Ranch Homes For Sale/Market Report October 23, 2008

Homes for sale in Stevenson Ranch. As your Santa Clarita Real Estate Specialist I am here to provide you with the most current home and condo sales information in the Stevenson Ranch area which includes Southern Oaks and Sunset Point.


ACTIVE LISTINGS AS OF OCTOBER 23:
Currently there are a combination of 90 single family homes and condo's for sale.
Minimum List Price: $239,000 Days on Market: 1
Average List Price: $590,719 Days on Market: 79
Maximum List Price: $1,395,000 Days on Market: 428

OF THE 90 LISTINGS 11 ARE BANK OWNED PROPERTIES (REO'S)
OF THE 90 LISTINGS 32 ARE SHORT SALE LISTINGS
47 ARE REGULAR LISTINGS

ACTIVE LISTINGS AS OF OCTOBER 16:
There were a combination of 86 single family homes and condo's for sale.
Minimum List Price: $224,000 Days on Market: New Listing
Average List Price: $597,625 Days on Market: 81
Maximum List Price: $1,395,000 Days on Market: 421

BACK UP OFFERS AS OF OCTOBER 23:
Currently there are 15 listings on the market.
Minimum List Price: $ 299,000 Days on Market: 1
Average List Price: $ 542,577 Days on Market: 50
Maximum List Price: $925,000 Days on Market: 129

OF THE 15 IN BACK UP STATUS 10 ARE SHORT SALE LISTINGS
5 ARE REGULAR SALES

BACK UP OFFERS AS OF OCTOBER 16:
There were 18 listings on the market.
Minimum List Price: $ 250,000 Days on Market: 1
Average List Price: $ 563,469 Days on Market: 73
Maximum List Price: $989,000 Days on Market: 495

PENDING AS OF OCTOBER 23:
Currently there are 34 listings pending.
Minimum List Price: $269,900 Days on Market: 4
Average List Price: $544,497 Days on Market: 96
Maximum List Price: $989,000 Days on Market: 495

OF THE 34 LISTED 12 ARE SHORT SALE LISTINGS
OF THE 34 LISTED 11 ARE BANK OWNED PROPERTIES (REO'S)
11 ARE REGULAR SALES

PENDING AS OF OCTOBER 16:
There were 31 listings pending.
Minimum List Price: $239,990 Days on Market: 4
Average List Price: $540,203 Days on Market: 81
Maximum List Price: $989,000 Days on Market: 375

HOMES/CONDO'S SOLD IN THE PAST 30 DAYS:
21 listings SOLD in Stevenson Ranch.
Minimum Sale Price: $250,000 Days on Market:6
Average Sale Price: $534,757 Days on Market: 118
Maximum Sale Price: $980,000 Days on Market: 389

OF THE 21 SOLD 8 WERE BANK OWNED PROPERTIES (REO'S)
OF THE 21 SOLD 6 WERE SHORT SALE LISTINGS
7 WERE REGULAR SALES

With the constantly changing market we are in my goal is to keep you up to date with the most current home sales statistics in the Stevenson Ranch Area. As a potential seller it helps to give you an idea of what the market performance is doing and what you may anticipate. All properties are different and an in depth comparative market analysis consisting of location, sqft, and upgrades are needed to give you an exact list price. As a buyer these numbers help you to understand what the price ranges are in Stevenson Ranch, there are many different homes for sale. Whether your buying or selling I would like the opportunity to interview with you for the job. I have an extensive marketing plan to put your property in front of buyers to get your property sold.

To see the lastest market activity report click on Stevenson Ranch Home Sales.

My husband and I specialize in short sale/foreclosure properties. Many of you have heard these terms on the news lately or see these type of homes in your communities. Would like to know what these terms mean? Go to: http://www.santaclaritavalleyhomesonline.com/shortsale.htm. If you or someone you know are in a difficult situation with your property consider us. We are Santa Clarita Short Sale Specialists and would like opportunity to sit down with you and give you a free, no obligation, consultation on this process.
Do you know of anyone who is thinking about moving to the Santa Clarita Valley? Let me show them this beautiful community among others here in the Southern California area.

If you would like to search specifically for Stevenson Ranch homes for sale, or any other areas of Southern California go to: http://www.riccosellshomes.com/

*All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed, information directly from SOCAL MLS

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Santa Clarita Homeowners Are You Facing Hardship, is Foreclosure looming? You Have Options.

As a Realtor working distressed properties in the Santa Clarita Valley, I understand that, "Time is of the essence" when dealing with hardships that involve Foreclosures. The First thing necessary is to understand the Foreclosure Process and where your at in it. A Notice of Default will be issued once you miss three months payments. If you have already received a NOD, you need to take the appropriate action immediately.




























For a private consultation regarding your options and current market analysis of your home contact Jennifer & Gary Ricco of Keller Williams VIP Properties. Santa Clarita's Short Sale Specialist 661.290.3837 Please visit our website to learn more about us. http://www.riccosellshomes.com/

Valencia Ca Condo's For Sale/Market Report in Westridge October 22, 2008







Condominiums for sale in Valencia. As your Santa Clarita Real Estate Specialist I am here to provide you with the most current Cypress Point condo sales information for the Westridge Valencia area.


ACTIVE LISTINGS AS OF OCTOBER 22:
Currently there are 10 condo's for sale in Cypress Point.
Minimum List Price: $329,000 Days on Market:41
Average List Pirice: $412,442 Days on Market: 186
Maximum List Price: $499,999 Days on Market: 537

Of the 10 current listings 7 are Short Sale listings.


ACTIVE LISTINGS AS OF AUGUST 28:
Currently there were 9 condo's for sale in Cypress Point.
Minimum List Price: $359,000 Days on Market: 5
Average List Pirice: $448,712 Days on Market: 171
Maximum List Price: $599,999 Days on Market: 482

THERE ARE NO BACK UP OFFER AS OF OCTOBER 22.

BACK UP OFFERS AS OF AUGUST 28:
Currently there is 1 condo in back up offer status.
List price: $419,900 Days on Market: 108


PENDING AS OF OCTOBER 22:
Currently there is 1 condo pending.
List Price: $429,000 Days on Market: 23

PENDING AS OF AUGUST 28:
Currently there are 3 condo's pending.
Minimum List Price: $369,900 Days on Market: 6
Average List Price: $369,900 Days on Market: 18
Maximum List Price: $429,900 Days on Market: 32


CONDO'S SOLD IN WESTRIDGE AS OF OCTOBER 22:
There were 3 condo's sold.
Sale Price: $350,000 Days on Market: 32 2 bedroom 2 bathroom
Sale Price: $390,000 Days on Market: 16 3 bedroom 3 bathroom (Bank Owned Property)
Sale Price:$ 416,000 Days on Market: 110 3 bedroom 3 bathroom

PREVIOUSLY SOLD CONDO"S IN WESTRIDGE:
Sale Price: $390,000 Days on Market: 28 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms
Sale Price: $439,900 Days on Market: 96 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms
These 2 condo's closed in June, none have closed in July, or up 08/28/2008.


With the constantly changing market we are in my goal is to keep you up to date with the most current condo sales statistics for the Westridge Valencia Area. As a potential seller it helps to give you an idea of what the market performance is doing and what you may anticipate. All condo's are different and an indepth comparitive market analysis consisting of location, sqft, and upgrades are needed to give you an exact list price. As a buyer these numbers help you to understand what the price ranges are in Westridge, Whether your buying or selling a condo in Westridge, I would like the opportunity to interview with you for the job. I have an extensive marketing plan to put your home infront of buyers to get your home sold.

To see the current market activity click on Westridge Valencia Condo Sales.

My husband and I specialize in short sale/foreclosure properties. Many of you have heard these terms on the news lately or see these type of homes in your communities. Would you like to know what these terms mean? Go to: http://www.santaclaritavalleyhomesonline.com/shortsale.htm. If you or someone you know are in a difficult situation with your property consider us. We are Santa Clarita Short Sale Specialists and would like opportunity to sit down with you and give you a free, no obligation, consultation on this process.

Do you know of anyone who is thinking about moving to the Santa Clarita Valley? Let me show them this beautiful community among others here in the Southern California area.

If you would like to search specifically for Valencia condo's for sale or any other areas of Southern California go to: http://www.santaclaritavalleyhomesonline.com/

*All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed, information directly from SOCAL MLS

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

700 Billion Dollar Bailout, How Does This Affect Me As A Buyer Or A Homeowner?


THIS IS A QUESTION THAT WE ARE ALL ASKING OURSELVES ABOUT THE BAILOUT "HOW DOES THIS IMPACT ME AND MY SITUATION"?

My husband and I have many different approaches to help buyers and homeowners in today's market here in Santa Clarita. We can help you in the following ways:

- Loan Modifications
- Short Sale Consultations/Short Sale Purchases
- Home Rentals/Leasing
- Traditional Home Sales/Purchases
- Bank Owned Purchases (REO's)

For further information on our services go to: http://www.santaclaritavalleyhomesonline.com/

Valencia Ca Homes For Sale/Market Report October 21, 2008


Homes for sale in Valencia. As your Santa Clarita Realtor I am here to provide you with the most current single family home sales information for the entire Valencia area.
This is a picture Six Flags Magic Mountain.

ACTIVE LISTINGS AS OF OCTOBER 21:
Currently there are 219 single family homes for sale in Valencia.
Minimum List Price: $295,000 Days on Market: 1
Average List Pirice: $657,724 Days on Market: 88
Maximum List Price: $2,395,000 Days on Market: 525

ACTIVE LISTINGS AS OF SEPTEMBER 25:
There were 203 single family homes for sale in Valencia.
Minimum List Price: $250,000 Days on Market: 0
Average List Pirice: $688,080 Days on Market: 93
Maximum List Price: $3,350,000 Days on Market: 66

BACK UP OFFERS AS OF OCTOBER 21:
Currently there is 31 homes in back up offer status.
Minimum List price: $295,000 Days on Market: 2
Average List Price: $458,412 Days on Market: 59
Maximum List Price: $699,900 Days on Market: 570

BACK UP OFFERS AS OF SEPTEMBER 25:
There were 40 homes in back up offer status.
Minimum List price: $295,000 Days on Market: 2
Average List Price: $482,754 Days on Market: 67
Maximum List Price: $950,000 Days on Market: 410

PENDING AS OF OCTOBER 21:
Currently there are 46 homes pending.
Minimum List Price: $299,000 Days on Market: New Listing
Average List Price: $510,904 Days on Market: 70
Maximum List Price: $2,199,900 Days on Market: 332

PENDING AS OF SEPTEMBER 25:
There were 59 homes pending.
Minimum List Price: $299,000 Days on Market: New Listing
Average List Price: $531,272 Days on Market: 67
Maximum List Price: $2,199,900 Days on Market: 332

HOMES SOLD IN THE PAST 30 DAYS:
43 Homes SOLD in Valencia.
Minimum Sale Price: $359,900 Days on Market: 0
Average Sale Price: $581,288 Days on Market: 80
Maximum List Price: $2,515,000 Days on Market: 410

10 of the homes sold were Short Pay Offs
15 of the homes sold were Bank Owned Properties also know as REO's

With the constantly changing market we are in my goal is to keep you up to date with the most current home sales statistics for the entire Valencia Area. As a potential seller it helps to give you an idea of what the market performance is doing and what you may anticipate. All homes are different and an indepth comparitive market analysis consisting of location, sqft, and upgrades are needed to give you an exact list price. As a buyer these numbers help you to understand what the price ranges are in Valencia, there are many different homes for sale.Whether your buying or selling a home in Valencia, I would like the opportunity to interview with you for the job. I have an extensive marketing plan to put your home infront of buyers to get your home sold.

To see the current market activity go to Jennifer's Blog button and click on Valencia Home Sales.

My husband and I specialize in short sale/foreclosure properties. Many of you have heard these terms on the news lately or see these type of homes in your communities. Would you like to know what these terms mean? Go to: http://www.santaclaritavalleyhomesonline.com/shortsale.htm. If you or someone you know are in a difficult situation with your property consider us. We are Santa Clarita Short Sale Specialists and would like opportunity to sit down with you and give you a free, no obligation, consultation on this process.
Do you know of anyone who is thinking about moving to the Santa Clarita Valley? Let me show them this beautiful community among others here in the Southern California area.

If you would like to search specifically for Valencia homes for sale or any other areas of Southern California go to: http://www.santaclaritavalleyhomesonline.com/

*All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed, information directly from SOCAL

Friday, October 17, 2008

Stevenson Ranch Ca Homes For Sale/Market Report October 16, 2008


Homes for sale in Stevenson Ranch. As your Santa Clarita Realtor I am here to provide you with the most current home and condo sales information in the Stevenson Ranch area which includes Southern Oaks and Sunset Point.




ACTIVE LISTINGS AS OF OCTOBER 16:
Currently there are a combination of 86 single family homes and condo's for sale.
Minimum List Price: $245,000 Days on Market: New Listing
Average List Price: $597,625 Days on Market: 81
Maximum List Price: $1,395,000 Days on Market: 421
ACTIVE LISTINGS AS OF SEPTEMBER 25:
There were a combination of 85 single family homes and condo's for sale.
Minimum List Price: $279,000 Days on Market: 1
Average List Price: $666,598 Days on Market: 90
Maximum List Price: $2,300,000 Days on Market: 400

BACK UP OFFERS AS OF OCTOBER 16:
Currently there are 18 listings on the market.
Minimum List Price: $ 250,000 Days on Market: 1
Average List Price: $ 563,469 Days on Market: 73
Maximum List Price: $989,000 Days on Market: 495
BACK UP OFFERS AS OF SEPTEMBER 25:
There were 28 listings on the market.
Minimum List Price: $ 299,000 Days on Market: 1
Average List Price: $ 528,313 Days on Market: 78
Maximum List Price: $925,000 Days on Market: 495

PENDING AS OF OCTOBER 16:
Currently there are 31 listings pending.
Minimum List Price: $239,990 Days on Market: 4
Average List Price: $540,203 Days on Market: 81
Maximum List Price: $989,000 Days on Market: 375
PENDING AS OF SEPTEMBER 25:
There were 35 listings pending.
Minimum List Price: $239,990 Days on Market: 4
Average List Price: $481,962 Days on Market: 75
Maximum List Price: $799,000 Days on Market: 375

HOMES/CONDO'S SOLD IN THE PAST 30 DAYS:
20 listings SOLD in Stevenson Ranch.
Minimum Sale Price: $250,000 Days on Market:11
Average Sale Price: $598,000 Days on Market: 113
Maximum Sale Price: $1,125,000 Days on Market: 389

With the constantly changing market we are in my goal is to keep you up to date with the most current home sales statistics in the Stevenson Ranch Area. As a potential seller it helps to give you an idea of what the market performance is doing and what you may anticipate. All properties are different and an in depth comparative market analysis consisting of location, sqft, and upgrades are needed to give you an exact list price. As a buyer these numbers help you to understand what the price ranges are in Stevenson Ranch, there are many different homes for sale. Whether your buying or selling I would like the opportunity to interview with you for the job. I have an extensive marketing plan to put your property in front of buyers to get your property sold.

To see the lastest market activity report click on Stevenson Ranch Home Sales.

My husband and I specialize in short sale/foreclosure properties. Many of you have heard these terms on the news lately or see these type of homes in your communities. Would like to know what these terms mean? Go to: http://www.santaclaritavalleyhomesonline.com/shortsale.htm. If you or someone you know are in a difficult situation with your property consider us. We are Santa Clarita Short Sale Specialists and would like opportunity to sit down with you and give you a free, no obligation, consultation on this process.
Do you know of anyone who is thinking about moving to the Santa Clarita Valley? Let me show them this beautiful community among others here in the Southern California area.

If you would like to search specifically for Stevenson Ranch homes for sale, or any other areas of Southern California go to: http://www.riccosellshomes.com/

*All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed, information directly from SOCAL MLS

Monday, October 6, 2008

Save Money While Increasing The Value of Your Home, With Solar Power


Solar panels were to costly in 1978, when the prices were well over $300 per watt or more than $6 per kWh (kilowatt-hour). Today, with state incentives, that $6 per kWh cost has come down to around $0.09 to $0.12/kWh, a 99% drop! What this means for you is that you'll be guaranteeing yourself this electrical rate for the next 30 years, over which time we all know electrical rates from the utilities will be sharply increasing.

What do these lower prices and governmental incentives mean for the average homeowner? We are frequently seeing 15% annual returns on investments (ROI) - far better than the stock market, bond market, money markets, and long-term CDs. According to the National Appraisal Institute (Appraisal Journal - Oct. 1999), your home's value increases $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills.

This means a 3.0 kW Photovoltaic (PV) system increases your home's value by $17,520 and costs you less. So you're money ahead on day one!

State and Federal Solar Incentives


Several states currently offer rebate programs. California
In addition, there is a further Federal tax credit of $2000 for your renewable energy system (solar or wind) after rebates. This comes directly off of the amount of income tax that you owe. For businesses, there is also a 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit that can be carried forward 15 years or back three tax years. The "MACRS" five-year accelerated depreciation schedule is also applicable. Businesses often seen paybacks as low as three years and internal rates of return in excess of 25%.
For more information check out http://www.realgoodssolar.com/ This company was founded 17 years ago right here in Southern California.