November property prices were up 2.1% from October and 19.3% from November 2011, making this past November the 11th straight month of year-over-year increases, according to the real estate information firm DataQuick. Volume was up over 14%, making November the highest month of volume in six years. “More buyers feel confident about their jobs, the … Continue Reading
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Foreclosed Properties Are No Longer the “Deals” They Once Were
Orange County, Newport Beach and Costa Mesa Buyers Take note – The days of a foreclosed home being sold for 20 percent or more under market value are all but gone in the Southern California and Orange County marketplaces, especially in ideal locations such as Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. And with good reason. Well-priced … Continue Reading
Short Sales Demystified – Red Flags and Potential Pit Falls
A short sale property listing – a property being listed, and potentially sold, for less than the current mortgage/debt, by agreement of the owner and lender(s) – can be a wonderful opportunity for the right, and very patient, buyer. However, potential buyers beware, as short sales can have massive problems, pit falls, delays and be … Continue Reading
Renters Beware – Scam “Leasing” Of Foreclosed Properties Is On The Rise
Renters beware. A new rental scam is on the rise as foreclosures continue to flood the marketplace… rental properties being “leased” by sham “landlords” with no connection, whatsoever, to the property! You, the renter, find a great rental property – perhaps on-line or driving by – you fill out your applications, pay a deposit, maybe even … Continue Reading
Save Water, Save Money, Upgrade Your Home, All For Free – The Weather-Based Irrigation Control Rebate Program From The Municipal Water District of Orange County
There are many energy-efficient rebate programs still out there. While Congress let lapse a key federal tax rebate for all kinds of great energy-efficient upgrades, there are still many programs remaining that homeowners, landlords and businesses should jump on. One of the best programs (because it’s completely free for single-family residences), is to upgrade to a Weather-Based Irrigation … Continue Reading
HOA Investments – Can An HOA Buy A Mutual Fund Or Other Non-FDIC Security??? – Maybe… But It Shouldn’t
Can a California Homeowner’s Association (“HOA”) invest in mutual funds or other potentially “risky” investments (as opposed to traditional FIDC savings accounts, CD, etc.)? This appears to be a hot topic right now, given the low/zero interest rates traditional FDIC investments are returning, with HOA Boards, and members alike, eager to get more return on … Continue Reading
Seriously, Change Your Air Filter Often When In Use
As I recently reminded myself… When running your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning unit (your HVAC), check your filter more often. Routinely check every 2-3 months, and more so in the hot summer and cool winter months. -Devin Lucas Author Devin R. Lucas is a Real Estate Attorney, Broker and REALTOR®, specializing in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa … Continue Reading
The Impact of California Budget Cuts on All Litigation Matters (Real Estate, Personal Injury, Business Disputes and Beyond)
As many litigators have no doubt noticed throughout Orange County and beyond, courtrooms are simply disappearing. Departments are being consolidated, judges are being asked to take on more work, court staffs are being shuffled around, and so forth. While Los Angeles County has made some recent headlines (150 more workers laid off last month), this … Continue Reading
National Association of REALTORS® Home Ownership Matters Public Advocacy Campaign
Home Ownership Matters. Not only is this a definitively true statement, it’s the theme of the National Association of REALTORS® new Public Advocacy Campaign. If you have not already seen the TV commercials, radio spots or email ads, you soon will. The National Association of REALTORS® is working hard to ensure this truism of American … Continue Reading
