IF you are a planning on buying a home this year, here is why now is the time! This fall will be a particularly good time for First- time homebuyers to jump in 1. Prices may show a little more dropas the market stabilizes, thanks to the government take over of Freddie Mac and Gannie Mae 2. interest rates are likely to decline as Freddie and Fannie get help. 3. The Federa lHousingAdministration recently boosted it loan limits t $729,750.oo in expensive areas.  It is going to take some that back come Jan. 1, when that loan limit will shrink to $625,000.00 4. THe FHA allows down paments of as little as 3% but will raise to 3.5% in October 1st. People scraping together a down payment should try to set their cloings for the end of this year so down payments from FHA don't go up again. 5. Th... 10/02/2008

Fall Market is here and Yes, The South Bay is still selling ocean view properties are still holding their value despite all the grimm news this week! Here is some great tips for Fall Sellers 2008, call 310-377-6695 for this free home seller's tips 2008 Real Estate for the Soul's Featured Property of the Week: http://activerain.com/blogsview/388938/32646-Coast-Site-Rancho   Rancho Palos Verdes Best Ocean view Condo http://activerain.com/blogsview/306368/4134-Pacific-Coast-Hwy Torrance Newer Home Best Newer Construction http://activerain.com/blogs/palosverdesrealtor4god/tags/homes%20historical Pasadena Victorian Updated and Prestigious Real Estate Articles: http://activerain.com/blogsview/672576/Buyers-How-Much-is http://activerain.com/blogsview/667760/Selling-your-Home-2 http://activerai... 10/02/2008

Average August '08 home price was $538,916 compared with $648,628 in August  '07, 20.4% price drop!  Total of 103 homes were sold  last month - same as in August last year.  Average DOM was 64 days compared to 38 days a year ago. Highest priced home sold at $1,100,000; lowest at $310,000. Check out recent sales in your area!  Visit http://www.FantasticTorranceHomes.com to search Free MLS! Wondering what your home is worth in today's market?  Visit http://wwww.SouthBayHouseValues.com for Free Internet home evaluation, delivered to your e-mail within 24 hours!   Torrance Beach 09/24/2008

Please seek help from a qualifed real estate professional that can refer you to the right sources.  If I can give you any advice and help, please do not wait to long to seek help. The biggest problem with foreclosure is the time lost in hope that you will find a cure for your problem or one of those letter promising to help will save you.  Majority of those letters are a great loss of time and many con artists are out their praying on unsupecting victims of foreclosure, especially if you have equity in your property. Read below a warning I received from one of my realtor associate. Plesae Pass this on!                                                                                                       Pic courtesy of google.com home protection.com Just last week I heard of a Nurse who ... 09/17/2008

I received this great notice of our school children having a wonderful event on September 24, 2008 called "See you at the poles."  Please pass this on to your moms and your schools, start organizing this so we can make September 24th a day to be remembered for our children and pray that this will give our children a bold stepping out in faith and uniting in Jesus. Pray that God will put a hedge of protection on all our students who will step out in faith on September 24th.. Here is the letter I recieved from Jay Secular at the ACLJ. "Dear Mary,In recognition of the upcoming nationwide See You at the PoleTM event this year on Wednesday, September 24, I have written a crucial online bulletin regarding students' rights http://www.aclj.org/media/pdf/ACLJ_SeeYouatthePole-2008_090308.pdf and... 09/17/2008

Many of our friends,family and clients May have a friend or relative that has been touched by the recent Foreclosure Problems. Below is a list that may help them to call their lender's loss mitigation department and seek some relief from the financial and emotional stress of being in foreclosure or close to. Most important, Find a realtor that has experience in the short pay offs and foreclosure. Most Realtors that have been around since the 1990-1992 rash of foreclosures became great experts in working with the banks and lenders during the foreclosures of the early 1990's . Currently, especially with the recent Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bail out, Lenders are more willing to work with the borrower to help lower his interest rate and keep the borrower in the house. In this season, banks... 09/10/2008

  Torrance Housing Hope: Signs the Housing Market May Rebound in 2009   Most experts agree that 2007 was one the worst years for the Torrance real estate market in a long period of time. People have begun comparing the present market problems to the crash during the 1980's. Though certain aspects, such as prices, may stop falling in the current year, there are signs that the market will truly begin to rebound in 2009. This could signal rises in prices, which have been rapidly dropping in the last couple months. Another reason a 2009 rebound is predicted is that it is believed the market will finally hit bottom in the current year. On the surface, this may cause anxiety, but consumers need to remember that a market must hit bottom before it can fully recover.   Read more »   Past Article... 09/07/2008

1st time looking for a Mortgage in Torrance California? Read these tips first! Mortgage Tips for First Time Home Buyers in the Torrance Real Estate Market Most people have the dream of one day starting a family and living in their Torrance dream home. If you have made smart financial decisions throughout the years, you are most likely very close to reaching your goal. However, there are some tough steps that lay ahead before your dream is a reality. You will need to do tons of research and evaluation to be sure you receive everything you want and can handle. Read Also:  Better for Torrance Citizens: Conventional Home Loans or FHA Loans? If you are close to making the decision to enter the Torrance Real Estate Market, study these tips on mortgages before searching all Torrance Homes for ... 09/06/2008

Credit Rating and The FCRA: How They Affect Torrance Real Estate Mortgages It is possible that you are a Torrance consumer who is facing money issues and looking for a quick fix to the problems. Loans are commonly utilized as a way to deal with the situation. Currently, there are a great deal of loan options, such as pawning possessions, asking organizations for some temporary money, loans from commercial lenders, etc. Home loans One option, specifically for people with high debt in Torrance, is a mortgage. A mortgage is just giving up the property title to a company as collateral for a substantial loan. Before receiving the loan, certain terms are set, such as payment amount and dates, and violating the agreement could cause you to lose your property. Unfortunately, some people cannot ... 09/04/2008

Ways to Avoid Foreclosure of your South Bay Area Home Tips on How to Avoid FHA Home Foreclosure of Your South Bay Area Home FHA home foreclosures are foreclosed homes that were previously financed by individuals, either by homeowners or investors in the South Bay area. Various situations cause foreclosures: financial difficulties due to unemployment or death in the family, debts from credit card use and others. What to Do When You're Faced with an FHA Home Foreclosure The foreclosure of a South Bay area home can be shocking and demoralizing to any homeowner. However, it can still be forestalled by certain simple measures and proper education. If you own a home in the Palos Verdes Peninsula area (Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates), the Bea... 09/04/2008

Yes, you read this right. I predicted that the buyers who were still waiting needed to stop 6 months ago. http://activerain.com/blogsview/487163/Interst-Rates-up-Dont 4/28/08  Courtesy of Google, moneytips.com Why because it is a common known denominator in this down turned housing market that rates will go up when prices go down. Just as rates are going up now. As a buyer in the South Bay you need to do the math and see that waiting is costing you money. Unless you can predict the interest rate future, it does not look like it is going down. Don't wait. I have worked in this market for over 25 years and seen interest rates at 17% in 1981, 7% jump to 11% in 1986 and now from 2005 to 2008 we have watched interest rates go from 5% to 6.75% and more.                                What thi... 09/03/2008

Home Loan Readiness for Those Looking to Enter the Torrance Real Estate Market. The American Dream Purchasing a home is one of the largest dreams many people have. One's own home is a symbol of an extended period of hard work and careful planning. Unfortunately, home ownership is not a simple process. For a monetary standpoint, all the options and complications can be extremely confusing. Also, a potential buyer must posses substantial money before even considering entering the real estate market. Read Also:  Torrance California Mortgage for those that are credit challenged! One must analyze their own financial situation before trying to buy a home. This includes carefully looking at savings and current and future sources of income. If one expects to receive a loan, a clear strategy for... 09/03/2008

Torrance CA American Dream Comes True with FHA Loans   An Analysis of the FHA for Torrance Citizens Has the idea of purchasing a Torrance home ever struck you? Does it seem within reach and affordable? With FHA home loans, many people are able receive the money necessary for home ownership. What is the FHA? An FHA loan gives the ability for a consumer to buy a property with a tiny down-payment of 3%, in contrast to many other types of loans which require a higher percentage. With this loan program, first-time buyers without much extra money will also see benefits when searching Torrance homes for sale. Realize that the FHA does not actually grant these loans; they insure them.  If a buyer defaults on his loan, the lender will receive payment covered by the FHA.  To receive an FHA loan, ... 09/03/2008

Better for Torrance Citizens: Conventional Home Loans or FHA Loans?  What is the difference between FHA and Conventional Home Loans? When selecting a Torrance property, we all want the best possible deal, and for an example, look at your own home.  In the movie "Duplex", Drew Barrymore and Ben Stiller debate many advantages and disadvantages before making the decision to remain in the property. That strategy must be utilized when you decide to purchase Torrance real estate. Read Also:  Torrance CA American Dream Comes True with FHA Loans A place to live, no matter the type, is a major investment, and most consumers cannot afford to pay directly on the spot. This is where mortgages come into play, as they allow for payments over a period of time. Currently, someone purchasing property in... 09/03/2008

 Prepare you the Seller to sell your house.  Do your best to see the house, no longer as your home, but as a your most major investment to be marketed for the best price.  This is perhaps our hardest challenge as a Realtor. It takes some work and mental adjustment. especially if you have been in the home for 7 o rmore years, you will  have many memories there. Try to not get sentimental but keep in mind your goal. Whether it is getting that extra bedroom so your children can have seperate rooms or downsizing to allow you more freedom to visit those darling grandchildren or keeping a foreslosure off your credit hard as they all maybe it is all for the good. Keep the reason for selling in the forethoughts of your mind.  It is all good and change is hard but it is the only thing we are gua... 08/30/2008

Torrance House Values Affect Divorce Rate   Every Torrance homeowner knows a quick glance at today's news will often result in some sort of information on the recent real estate crash. Although some areas have avoided direct effects from the housing crash, the vast majority of locations have been affected in some way. Consequently, almost all homeowners have been hurt in some way from the collapse. Continuing with basic ways of life is becoming more of an issue due to the market fall. Specifically, many more couples are getting divorces as a result of the problems with the housing market. In Torrance and elsewhere, it has become commonplace for divorcing couples to place their home on the market, split the proceeds, and begin their new lives alone. The problem is that with a huge suppl... 08/26/2008

Torrance For Sale By Owner: AKA now interviewing Realtors Torrance Homeowner - Warning to Potential For Sale By Owner If you are looking to sell your Torrance CA home, you may think that it would be better to try to sell the home yourself.  For sale by owner may sound like an appealing way to sell your Torrance home.   Just think of the money you could save!    Just stick a sign out front Place an ad in the paper Host a couple of open houses How difficult could it be? What does it take to get your Torrance home sold? Let's talk about what you are getting into and why the commission you pay to an experienced Torrance Realtor may be worth every penny.  There are many things your Torrance Realtor will do for you.  In this highly competitive LA County Real Estate market, the first thirty da... 08/25/2008

Turn your Torrance Second Home into a Vacation Rental Savvy Torrance Real Estate Investing: Turn Your Second Home into a Vacation Home and Rent It Out The idea of acquiring a second home has grown more popular over the last few years. In fact, the American real estate business has benefited from the fact that nearly four in ten investments are being made by individuals who want to own their second home. Often, second homes are located in pristine, picturesque locations, such as the Torrance in the South Bay area of Los Angeles California,  that provide their owners a retreat from the whirlwind fatigue of city life. However, for most part of the year, these homes are often empty and left unused. Second Homes: Another Source of Income You can generate income from your second home in Torr... 08/25/2008

Torrance California Short Sales - Is it right for you? What is Torrance Property Foreclosure? Due to the prevailing economic slips in the country, a lot of businesses have been hit with huge slaps of losses. One of the businesses affected in Torrance California is real estate. There has been a tremendous three-fold increase in the foreclosure of properties in America now and because of that, the condition has been considered an epidemic. Many houses in the Torrance area and cities across the country are up for foreclosure. Because of this crisis, a new kind of business emerged - that which Short Sale properties. Short selling of a property is something landowners should clearly understand first before they hop onto it since knowledge of the method or lack of it will spell out profit or ... 08/25/2008

It is that time again to address prospective home buyers, especially those of you who are new to the process, regarding the importance of pre-qualification with a lender. Many times I have encountered home seekers who would like me to take them to view properties, yet are unfamiliar with the process of buying a property. If you are serious about purchasing a home, it really is necessary to get pre-qualified with a lender before you start looking. Why? Because many prospective buyers don't really know what they will qualify for, as they haven't furnished their assets and debts, nor obtained a credit score from a lender in order to receive a hard number. A lender will tell you, "You may purchase a property for up to this amount:" (fill in the blank). He or she will also tell you how much ... 08/16/2008