Real Estate Information Archive

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Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 14

Energy Saving Tips

by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

Energy Auditing Tips:
1 Check the insulation levels through your home.
2 Check for holes or cracks around your walls, ceilings, windows, and electrical outlets.
3 Check for open fireplace dampers
4 Maintain appliances and heating and cooling systems.
5 Look for ways to reduce lighting energy use.

Heating & Cooling Tips:
1 Set your thermostat low in the winter and high in the summer.
2 Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month or as needed.
3 Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you are done cooking or bathing. 
4 when replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high [efficiency, low – noise models.
5 For furnaces, look for high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. The national minimum is 78% AFUE. Look for Energy Star models, some exceed 78% AFUE.

Lighting
1 Compact fluorescent bulbs are four times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, provide the same light levels and last about 4-10 times longer.
2 Turn off the lights in any room you’re not using, or consider installing timers, photo cells, or occupancy sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights are on. Instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it.
3 Use outdoor lights with a photocell unit or a motions sensor so they will turn on only at night or when someone is present.
4 Turn off decorative outdoor natural gas lamps, just eight such lamps burning year-round use as much natural gas as it takes to heat an average-size home during an entire winter.

Window Tips
1
In a warm-climate, install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.

(All information contained herein intended as helpful information only. If in doubt about any action, contact a professional.)

Avoiding Identity Theft- Tips and Practices

by Carol or Jim Chamberlain


Deter – Detect – Defend

DETER
1. Cross shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
2. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only when absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
3. Do not put your wallet on a counter.
4. Don’t give out personal information on the phone, the mail, or the internet unless you are familiar with the person.
5. Never click on the links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, use the web addressed you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software on your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit www.OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
6. Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Use a different password and PIN for each account. Create PINs with a combination of letters and numbers mixed up, then memorize.
7. Keep personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house, including SSNs, bank account numbers and PIN numbers.
8. Mail deterrents include: Install a locked mailbox at your residence. Remove mail daily after it is delivered. Or, have your mail delivered to a post office box.
9. DO NOT put your SSN on job applications.


DETECT
1. Bills that do not arrive as expected.
2. Unexpected credit cards or account statements.
3. Denials of credit for no apparent reason.
4. Calls or letters about purchases you did not make.


DEFEND
1. Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports and review them carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts.
2. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers ofr placing an initial 90-day fraud alert, a call tone company is sufficient:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian: 1-800-397-3742
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

3. A fraud alert will get you free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven’t contacted, accounts you didn’t open, and debts on your accounts that you can’t explain.
4. Close any unauthorized accounts. Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your knowledge. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents and the police report file number.
5. Ask for verification that the bad account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
File a police report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
6. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Online: ftc.gov/idtheft. Or call them toll free at 1-877-438-4338 (ID-THEFT) Use the ID Theft Affidavit at the ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.

The Latest Pending Home Sales Index and Forecast Release

by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

A modest gain in the level of home sales is possible over the next couple of months, and an improvement is forecast for the second half of this year as more buyers are able to access affordable mortgages, according to the latest forecast.The Pending Home Sales Index rose 6.3 percent to 88.2 from a reading of 83.0 in March. It's the highest index figure since last October. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said pending sales contracts have picked up notably in areas undergoing significant price drops. "Bargain hunters have entered the market en masse, especially in areas that have experienced double-digit price declines, but it's unclear if they are investors or owner-occupants," he said. "Sharp price reductions are leading to a quicker discovery of price equilibrium points. The West is already seeing year-over-year gains in pending contracts."

To read the complete forcast and pending home sales index at NAR "click here"

What to Keep From Your Closing

by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) statement. This form, sometimes called a HUD 1 statement, itemizes all the costs associated with the closing. You’ll need this for income tax purposes and when you sell the home.

 

The Truth in Lending Statement summarizes the terms of your mortgage loan.

 

The mortgage and the note (two pieces of paper) spell out the legal terms of your mortgage obligation and the agreed-upon repayment terms.

 

The deed transfers ownership of the property to you.

 

Riders are amendments to the sales contract that affect your rights. For example, if you buy a condominium, you may have a rider outline the condo association’s rules and restrictions.

 

Insurance policies provide a record and proof of your coverage.

Affidavits swearing to various statements by either party. For example, the sellers will often sign an affidavit stating that they have not incurred any liens on the property.

Understanding Capital Gains in Real Estate

by Carol or Jim Chamberlain
When you sell a stock, you owe taxes on your gain—the difference between what you paid for the stock and what you sold it for. The same is true with selling a home (or a second home), but there are some special considerations.
 
How to Calculate Gain
In real estate, capital gains are based not on what you paid for the home, but on its adjusted cost basis. To calculate this:
 
1. Take the purchase price of the home: This is the sale price, not the amount of money you actually contributed at closing.
 
2. Add adjustments:
 Cost of the purchase—including transfer fees, attorney fees, inspections, but not points you paid on your mortgage.
 Cost of sale—including inspections, attorney’s fee, real estate commission, and money you spent to fix up your home just prior to sale.
 Cost of improvements—including room additions, deck, etc. Note here that improvements do not include repairing or replacing something already there, such as putting on a new roof or buying a new furnace.
 
 
3. The total of this is the adjusted cost basis of your home.
 
4. Subtract this adjusted cost basis from the amount you sell your home for. This is your capital gain.
 
A Special Real Estate Exemption for Capital Gains
Since 1997, up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 for a married couple) on the sale of a home is exempt from taxation if you meet the following criteria:
 
 You have lived in the home as your principal residence for two out of the last five years.
 You have not sold or exchanged another home during the two years preceding the sale.
 
 
Also note that as of 2003, you also may qualify for this exemption if you meet what the IRS calls “unforeseen circumstances,” such as job loss, divorce, or family medical emergency.

California Wants Hurt More HomeBuyers & HomeSellers!

by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

I received this in an email from the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.)

C.A.R. is OPPOSING AB 2678 (Núñez) which among other things, requires that ALL homes and commercial property in California have an energy audit at point-of-sale and that mandatory energy efficiency investments be made. While C.A.R. appreciates the goal of AB 2678 C.A.R. strongly opposes the point-of-sale requirements in AB 2678 because they fail to achieve the bill?s objectives and, such mandates will further weaken the housing market. If enacted, AB 2678 could add thousands of dollars to the cost of purchasing a home, including up to $400 just to have a home audited. AB 2678 was passed by the Assembly Utilities committee. It will have a vote in the Assembly Appropriations committee before heading to a vote by the entire Assembly.

Don't kid yourself this will effect all home owners and home buyers. Call Your Lawmaker Today to Ask that  the Point-of-Sale Provision be Removed from AB 2678!

To read more AB2678 click here

 

  Service Phone Website
Anaheim
City Hall 714-765-4311 Anaheim.net
Convention Center 714-765-8950 Anaheimconventioncenter.com
Fire 714-765-4000 Anaheim.net
Libraries Anaheim.net/library
Police 714-765-1900 Anaheim.net
Public Schools Anaheim.net
Brea
City Hall 714-990-7600 CityofBrea.net
Chamber of Commerce 714-629-4938 BreaChamber.com
Community Center 714-990-7100 CityofBrea.net
Fire 714-990-7644 CityofBrea.net
Library 714-671-1722 Ocpi.org/63branch.asp
Police 714-990-7623 CityofBrea.net
Post Office 714-529-2163
Public Schools 714-990-7800 Bousd.k12.ca.us
Senior Centery 714-990-7750 CityofBrea.net
Fullerton
City Hall 714-738-5338 Ci.fullerton.ca.us
Fire 714-738-6500 Ci.fullerton.ca.us/depts/fire
Libraries FullertonLibrary.org
Police 714-738-6800 Ci.fullerton.ca.us/depts/police
Post Office Usps.com
Public Schools 714-447-7400 Fsd.k12.ca.us
La Habra
City Hall 562-905-9700 LaHabraCity.com
Chamber of Commerce 562-697-1704 LaHabraCity.com
Community Center 562-905-9708 LaHabraCity.com
Fire 562-905-9794 Fire.lacounty.gov
Library 562-694-0078 Ocpi.org/61branch.asp
Police 562-905-9750 LaHabraCity.com
Post Office 714-992-0580
Public Schools LaHabraCity.com
Placentia
City Hall 714-993-8231 Placentia.org
Chamber of Commerce 714-528-1873 PlacentiaChamber.com
Fire 714-573-6280 Ocfa.org
Library 714-528-1906 PlacentiaLibrary.net
Police 714-993-8164 PlacentiaPD.org
Post Office 714-993-1163
Public Schools 714-996-2550 Pylusd.org
Yorba Linda
City Hall 714-961-7100 Yorba-Linda.org
Chamber of Commerce 714-993-9537 YorbaLindaChamber.org
Community Center 714-961-7181 Yorba-Linda.org
Fire 714-573-6280 Ocfa.org
Library 714-777-2873 YLPL.Lib.ca.us
Police 714-990-7625 Ci.Brea.ca.us
Post Office 714-528-7052
Public Schools 714-996-2550 Pylusd.org

One of The Best Places To Get Moving Supplies?

by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

One of the biggest deals about buying or selling a home is the Packing. If there is anything that would keep most people from moving its the pain packing up all our stuff and then unpacking at the new home or apartment. The Box connection makes the job so much easier for the job of packing. Best of all you can order online and they will deliver all your supplies the next day. Sometimes even the same day. We have recommended this company for years and they have never let us down or clients. Click Here to get to the website. They will deliver anywhere in Orange and San Diego counties.

 

 

Placentia's Movies In The Park

by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

Back by popular demand Movies in the Park, FREE! Every Friday between July 11 - August 22, 2008, bring the whole family, come by yourself, young and old  will have a good time. The movies begin at dusk at the Champions Sports Complex, 505 N Jefferson, Placentia. All movies are PG rated. Bring your fold up chairs and blankets for a inexpensive night out under the stars.
Best seats in the house fill up early. July 11 Over the Hedge, July 18 Surf’s Up, July 25 Happy Feet, August 1 Bee Movie, August 8 Flushed Away, August 15 Shrek the 3rd, August 22 Water Horse, Legend of the Deep.

10 Ways to Make Your House More Salable

by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage.

2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.

3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows.

5. Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially in dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

6. Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems, such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet, may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.

7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.

8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Clean your gutters.

10. Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.

 

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 14

Contact Information

Photo of Carol and Jim   Real Estate
Carol and Jim
Preferred Home Brokers
3230 E Imperial Hwy, Ste 125
Brea CA 92821
714-726-3144
714-726-3144

Carol & Jim Chamberlain 714-726-3166 or 714-726-3144                  "Yes, We Can Be In Two Places At Once!"                                              BRE Lic Numbers: 00912962, 01015143