We bagged a peak!
Tongva Peak on the Beaudry Trail, Glendale, Ca.
Sent from my iPhone
{ Monthly Archives }
January 2010
Web Tools for Troubled Homeowners
Making Home Affordable – Web Tools for Troubled Homeowners
It seems like every other person I meet is applying for a loan modification on their mortgage. The general feeling seems to be, “Why not? It might work.” Well, check out http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/pr_01192010.html. In this article, the government says there are 3-4 million homeowners who may be eligible for the Home Affordable Modification Program. That’s millions. And all of 110,000 (that’s thousands) have been approved, and of that, 66,000 have been signed. That’s for permanent modifications. They also say that 850,000 modifications in excess of $500 (that’s hundreds) has been approved. If you live in LA County and you are offered a temporary $500 modification, what will that do for you? Not a whole lot, is my guess.
Because the document submission process can be a challenge for many borrowers, the Administration has created
new resources on www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov to simplify and streamline this step.
New resources include:
• Links to all of the required documents and an income verification checklist to help borrowers request a
modification in four easy steps;
• Comprehensive information about how the trial phase works, what borrower responsibilities are to convert
to a permanent modification, and a new instructional video which provides step by step instruction for
borrowers;
• A toolkit for partner organizations to directly assist their constituents;
• New web banners and tools for outreach partners to drive more borrowers to the site and Homeowner’s
HOPETM Hotline (888-995-HOPE).
• Homeowners do not have to pay for loan modification services
If you are considering doing a short sale, where you sell your house for less than you owe on it, you pretty much have to attempt a loan modification first. You can go on the website above in the privacy of your own living room and see where it takes you. Once that’s done and you still feel a short sale is in your future, there are a number of online resources that you should read through (I can help you find them), plus you should consult your tax preparer, accountant, and attorney. After all that, call me back and we’ll talk about selling your home.
Why we live near the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA
How lucky we are to live here. As my mother always said about growing up in this area,"Living in Pasadena was like being in heaven on earth."
From Our Beloved Mountain Camp
If anyone wants to volunteer to help our beloved DeBenneville Pines Camp, it would be a great service and a great workout opportunity! Imagine how strong and fit you would be after a couple of days of shovelling! I would be happy to pay for the cost of your food and for all the food you take up there for everyone. Contact me to work out the details.
Sent on behalf of Janet James, Director Camp deBenneville Pines.
We are looking for some adult volunteer snow shovelers for the weekend.
And only, folks with upper body strength. NO CHILDREN. NO PETS. Just
strong upper bodies. We need 5 good volunteers if you know of anyone
who could come up to help shovel decks, we would really appreciate the
support.
And only, folks with upper body strength. NO CHILDREN. NO PETS. Just
strong upper bodies. We need 5 good volunteers if you know of anyone
who could come up to help shovel decks, we would really appreciate the
support.
We desperately need heavy equipment if anyone in your church has a lead
on that type of thing. Our Case is too small for the job. Any
volunteers who come up to shovel, will be housed in Craig’s Cabin, and
need to bring food. We are out of any kind of combination that makes
sense….we are living on PB&J J and soup. No food deliveries right
now.
on that type of thing. Our Case is too small for the job. Any
volunteers who come up to shovel, will be housed in Craig’s Cabin, and
need to bring food. We are out of any kind of combination that makes
sense….we are living on PB&J J and soup. No food deliveries right
now.
This Youtube video of the storm will open your eyes to the challenge we
all have before us in order to make your camp a reality. If you cannot
click on it, copy and paste it into your browser.
all have before us in order to make your camp a reality. If you cannot
click on it, copy and paste it into your browser.
Janet James
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What’s the market like now?
This is probably the most common question I am asked as we launch into an exciting new year in real estate. Everyone is happy to be done with 2009 and to look forward with hope to a much better year. The most common answer I hear from various experts is that, in general, don’t expect much different from last year. I think it’s better than that in our special corner of the LA area.
Here is my personal experience so far since the beginning of this year, a bit over 3 weeks.
I’ve taken two listings, one of which hasn’t come on the market yet. Sellers are seeing that the prices aren’t necessarily as dismal as this time last year, so it might be a good time to sell and figure out a good next step. I’ve been on about 9 listing appointments and several of them may decide to move forward in the next month or two. I also opened escrow with some people who have been looking hard for many months.
Of the two listings in Eagle Rock that I have on the market now, we are having a good turnout at our open houses. That means over 30-40 people at the $699,000 listing at 5320 Rock View Terrace at each the last 3 open houses. Yesterday was the first open house for 4902 Wiota, listed for $429,000, and we had over 60 people!
5320 Rock View Terrace, Eagle Rock
So the first-time buyer crowd is out in force for the under $500,000 price range, with good interest for higher price ranges as well. And we don’t have just looky-loos walking through (though you are always welcome at my open houses), we have serious talk of offers at both properties.
The First-Time Buyer Tax Credit deadline of April 30, 2010, is having a positive effect both on buyers and on sellers. I think there is a real urgency to take advantage of that opportunity, so buyers are about to have a better choice of interesting properties to consider. The inventory is extremely low right now as properties are being snapped up.
4902 Wiota Street, Eagle Rock
For you homeowners who have been in your primary residence 5 of the last 8 years, you have a very brief opportunity for a tax credit as well. Check out my previous blogpost at http://www.tracyslarealestate.com/federal-tax-credit-for-home-buyers-expanded-and-approved-for-eagle-rock-home-buyers. You can also go to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com for the complete information.
But whether or not you qualify for tax credits, this year is starting off with an active real estate market fueled by relatively low interest rates and prices higher than last year, but lower than the peak. Opportunity is everywhere!
Dog Found!
Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts and help to find the lost dog, Brownie. The good news is, the dog was found and is back home with his loving family!
Please Help / Missing Dog- Brownie
To My Fellow Eagle Rockers:My dog was let out by someone working in my home yesterday. He has been missing since 4:30 pm on 1/21/10. Please send this email out to everyone you know who lives in Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Glendale and Pasadena. I am VERY worried about him. In the past when he has escaped he has returned after a few hours. I think the rain is preventing him from finding a scent to find his way home. He was last seen in Eagle Rock on Mt.Helena and Colorado BlvdPLEASE CALL US IF YOU SEE HIM WANDERING AND IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT TIME YOU CALL!!!
Name: BrowniePlease call: 310-994-7784 Brandi and 323-842-2743 TonyAGE: Around 8 years but is mistaken for a puppy all the time.Weight: 30 lbs and is a medium sized dogLast seen wearing a green collarr and red bandana with bones. He has his tags and is microchipped.Thank you!Brandi (see pictures below)
Hot News around Eagle Rock and Pasadena
Great news! Corner Pizzeria in Eagle Rock is now open with a varied menu for breakfast lunch and dinner. Plus free delivery (but not for breakfast) with a $10 minimum purchase.
306 W. Bellevue Drive, Pasadena listed for $2.159 million is a fabulous example of Old Pasadena style, grace, and architecture. It's almost 5,000 square feet of wonderfullness. Not my listing, check it out on the MLS or Realtor.com.
Highland Park Heritage Trust
This is a group that deserves your support. In the face of decades of often overwhelming negative press about Highland Park, this dedicated group of residents has held workshops and tours, published brochures, books and even movies in the pursuit of educating people about preserving their historic homes and neighborhoods. In fact, they offer walking tours every other month. Check it out. You will be amazed by the history and architecture you will see.
You might not know that Highland Park was the first suburb of the City of Los Angeles, formed in the late 1800s. First there were a number of large lovely Victorian-era homes and during the early 1900s the predominant style was the Craftsman bungalow. From the “Professor’s Row” shingle-sided beauties along Sycamore Terrace near where the original Occidental College campus stood, to block after block of a dynamic mix of Spanish-influenced, English or Craftsman-style homes throughout the area between Figueroa and York Blvds, the stock of interesting character-laden homes that still stand is stunning.
HPHT was instrumental in establishing in Highland Park the first HPOZ (Historic Preservaton Overlay Zone) in Los Angeles to include both commercial and residential structures. It’s also the largest HPOZ in the City of LA, over 2500 structures are included. If you own a contributing structure to an HPOZ, you have a strong case to qualify for the Mills Act, which can save you big bucks on your property taxes.
For all the details, check out:
http://www.hpht.org
http://www.preservation.lacity.org/hpoz/la/highland-park
http://www.laconservancy.org/neighborhoods/hpozs.php
But back to HPHT. If you are a supporter of historic preservation or like nice Craftsman homes or are a resident of Los Angeles, or if you are just moved by the pluck and spirit of this dedicated group, go to their website and donate some money. Better yet, join up and become a part of what they do.
Why am I talking so much about preservation and historic architecture? Because a well-designed historic home is worth more preserved than it is “remodeled.” But that’s a subject for another blog.
