Santa Clarita Valley Real Estate

The City of Santa Clarita is proud to announce the Recovery Zone Facility Bond (RZFB) program. RZFBs are tax-exempt private activity bonds authorized by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) to stimulate the local economy. The program allocated $13,270,000 to the City of Santa Clarita for the purpose of investing in private projects that would benefit the community. “The RZFB presents a great opportunity for local businesses looking to upgrade their infrastructure or expand their existing operations,” commented Mayor Laurene Weste. “This is also another great tool for the City to help attract new businesses to Santa Clarita and create more jobs for our local residents.” The RZFB program provides a wide range of businesses access to tax-exempt bonds typically reserved for governments and a very narrow range of private businesses. RZFBs can be used in place of conventional financing and provide a lower interest rate. For the rest o

Today Dec 11, 2009 the House of Representatives approved the biggest changes in financial regulation since the Great Depression on Friday, marking a win for the Obama administration and top Democrats in Congress. The sweeping bill, which will have to be reconciled with any measure the slower-moving Senate might eventually approve, aims to safeguard the financial system and ward off future crises of the type that punished the nation in the past year with its deepest recession since the 1930s. The House voted 223-202 to pass the 1,279-page bill, which was hammered out in the months since last year's crisis convinced Democrats of an urgent need for reform. All of the chamber's Republicans and 27 Democrats voted against bill. "This legislation brings us another important step closer to necessary, comprehensive financial reform that will create clear rules of the road, consistent and systematic enforcement of those rules, and a stronger, more stable financial system," Pr

Case-Shiller index improves for second consecutive quarter Home prices improved in the third quarter of 2009, posting their second quarter-over-quarter gain in three years, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index, released yesterday. See the complete data here.

New Opportunities for Qualified Home Buyers! Federal tax credits of $8,000 or $6,500 are available now. There’s good news for you and for qualified home buyers. Effective now through April 30, 20101, qualified first-time and repeat or move-up home buyers may be eligible to receive a federal tax credit from their new home purchase. Below are some of the key program highlights: • Up to $8,000 tax credit for qualified first time homebuyers • Up to $6,500 tax credit for eligible repeat / move-up homebuyers • $800,000 maximum purchase price (primary residences only) • No repayment of tax credit required3. Weichert, Realtors – Hoshaw & Associates is committed to responsible and professional real estate representation. As buying, selling, financing, bank owned and distress sales specialist, you can count on us for up-to-date information, and clarification of all your questions and concerns for your best situation and outcome. For a personal consultation about your rea

The new tax credit is an improvement over the existing one which expires on Nov. 30. Some of the enhancements it includes are: The $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers has been extended through April 30, 2010. Current homeowners are eligible for a $6,500 tax credit through April 30, as long as they have lived in the home they are selling as a principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight years. Time has been added to allow for closing the home purchase. As long as buyers have a binding contract by April 30, they will then have until June 30, 2010, to close the transaction. Income limits for eligible buyers were increased to $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for couples. The passing of this legislation is very positive news for anyone looking to buy or sell a home. Both first-time and move-up buyers can now take advantage of the new tax credit in addition to today's historically low interest rates. We'll help you stay

Myth #2 – You Must Be Behind on Your Mortgage to Negotiate a Short Sale While this may have previously been the case, today lenders are looking for verifiable hardship, monthly cash flow shortfall, or pending shortfall and insolvency. If you meet these three requirements and believe that you soon may be unable to afford your mortgage, act immediately. Any delay could limit your options. Do not wait until the countdown clock to foreclosure has started and you have even less time left. No matter how many payments you are or not behind please call me right away to discuss you personal situation. When we talk will review all your options and advise you with answers to all of your questions, and update you on current laws and rights available to you.

America Recycles Day— November 15 th America Recycles Day is an annual campaign to encourage Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products. As their slogan says, “it all comes back to you.” Even a small shift in your attitudes and actions, multiplied many times over by others accepting this challenge, can change the world. Maybe you’ll throw those soft drink cans in the recycle bin. Or buy recycled content products. Or participate in an America Recycles event. Even organize one yourself! The more you do, the better. But even a little helps a lot. Getting Back to Basics Recycling is really just common sense, and until the “modern era,” it was a common household activity. Before the 1920s, 70% of U.S. cities ran programs to recycle certain materials. Because of concern for the environment, recycling is again on the upswing. The nation’s composting and recycling rate rose from 7.7% of the waste stream in 1960 to 17% in 1990. It’s currently up to around 33%.