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According to RealtyTrac, 1 in 70 homes have received foreclosures notices since January, 2010 – a total of 1.7 million houses in the U.S. Was your Inland Empire home one of them? In previous blogs, we’ve covered several ways to avoid Foreclosure, but a rising trend has brought another possibility to the forefront.

According to a recent Pew Research Center study, many individuals are surviving the economic blues by expanding their households. By the end of 2008, more than 16%, or 49 million, of Americans lived in a household with more than one generation. Although the statistics aren’t back yet for 2009 -2010, experts expect the numbers to be even higher.

These Americans aren’t all young college graduates moving back in with mom and dad, either. Parents have moved in with children, children with parents – somehow, even siblings have managed to live together in relative harmony. This trend spans across the board from single parents to elderly grandparents. According to the report, approximately one in five adults ages 25 to 34 and 65 + live in a multi-generational home.

 Are you suggesting I let family members move in?

Actually, yes I am.  Now, depending on your family dynamics, I realize this might be the equivalent of inviting World War III to your doorstep.  However, if you face losing your Inland Empire home to foreclosure, you might at least stop to consider the possibilities. For instance: 

• More working people in the household means more ability to pay the mortgage and stop the foreclosure.
  
• With more family members, you have a stronger family influence on children living in the home.
  
• With more people, responsibility is shared more.  You won't need to do everything on your own.

No, it’s not an ideal situation.  However, if you’ve said, “I’d do anything to keep my home,” did you mean it?  Does the definition of “anything” include family World War III?  Could you sit down with your family members, work out a set of compromises and live in harmony?  If you’ve tried everything else, this may be your best bet for avoiding foreclosure on your Inland Empire home. 

You never know; you may even come to like it. 

If you’re looking for a home to support a multi-generational household, I can help.  Call me at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com for more information.

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

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While those who own Inland Empire Homes for sale are worried about the real estate market, some buyers are getting good deals.  However, there are plenty of people on both sides of the market with a case of cold feet. 

For instance, some with Inland Empire homes for sale took them off the market. Others, who’ve thought of selling, haven’t. 

The same can be said for buyers.  Many potential homebuyers change their minds or still worry over that age-old question of, “Should I or shouldn’t I?”

Two Cases of Cold Feet

A 26-year old with a steady job, good paycheck and good credit, sums it up for many potential buyers.  “My job’s steady and my credit is good.  I keep watching the houses that go up for sale, thinking I could go ahead and buy, but then the ‘what if’s’ pop into my head.  I don’t want to miss this opportunity to get a great deal and lock in a low interest rate, but there are so many unknowns…” 

A former seller shares why he took his home off the market.  “My wife and I decided to sell and went through the process of hiring an agent.  The agent suggested having someone come in and redecorate the house.  While we were looking for another place, we kept coming back to this beautiful home and started remembering what we really liked about it in the first place.” 

He went on to say, “We also started thinking about all the things we no longer had to deal with.  We own this home, but if we bought another one, we’d have to take out a mortgage.  Our house started looking better and better.  Turns out we didn’t need to move; we just needed to redecorate.” 

Should I or Shouldn’t I?

Should you buy a home?  Should you sell the home you own?  Only you can really answer that question.  For the buyers, however, if you can afford a home of your own but are holding off for lower prices, you could end up missing out. Home prices and mortgage rates are already at all-time lows; this may be as good as it gets. 

For sellers, consider why you want to sell your home.  Is it too small?  Too big? Would remodeling turn it back into your dream home?  Or – do you really need to sell your home for some reason?

Putting your Inland Empire home up for sale or buying a new home should never be a spontaneous decision.  Before you do either, take stock of your finances and reasons. 

If you’d like to sell your home or find a home to buy, I can help.  Call me today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com for more information.

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

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Although the economy has been a catalyst for many issues, some of the trickle-down effects have had positive effects on Inland Empire homes.  One of the most notable is that families are drawing closer together. 

Over the past thirty to forty years, the “steps” to take for growing up were always one, grow up and two, move out.  Few parents ever considered that their now adult children might be moving back in to their quiet, empty Inland Empire homes.  However, with the economic problems hitting millions of Americans, the number of multi-generational households is growing. 

During the Great Recession and more specifically in 1940, approximately 25% of households were multi-generational.  Homes often held children, grandchildren, and sometimes even great grandchildren – four familial generations.  However, as the U.S. economy began to prosper and the baby boomer generation grew into adults, more homes became single family households.  By 1980, only 12.1% of homes held more than one generation. 

Now, the percentages are once again beginning to climb.  Loss of jobs, foreclosed homes and lack of security has contributed to approximately 49 million Americans, or 16.1%, living in multi-generational homes.  While this is far from ideal for those in a hurry to leave the nest, the benefits are many. 

I once asked a single mother what it was like moving back in with her parents.  She said, “It was hard at first, redefining the boundaries, but having my parents around has been a blessing in disguise.  My kids have a stabilizing influence and extra attention, while I get occasional breaks that I normally wouldn’t get.  We eat dinner together too, which helps build the family atmosphere for my kids.  It’s not all smiles and roses, there’s a lot of compromise, but it works.” 

For those who have been thinking about letting your family move in to your Inland Empire home, try to consider more than just the negatives.  Look at the positives as well.  And what could be more positive than closer family ties? 

Whether you need to upgrade to a bigger family home or downgrade to a smaller one, I can help.  Call me at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com for more information.

 Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty. 

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Are you tired of looking for a home for sale in the Inland Empire?  Have you found any that had everything you wanted, but cost too much?  Are you dissatisfied with the selection? 

A while back, I had a buyer tell me he didn’t want to spend more than $100,000 on a home for sale in the Inland Empire. He gave me a long list of features he felt the house must have - a pool, a big kitchen for his wife, four bedrooms, etc.  With it being his market (a buyer’s market), he said, I should have no problems finding a home with those qualifications and that price.  He refused to budge on any of it. That buyer is no longer my client. 

You May Have to Compromise

The buyer had read tons of material about it being a buyer’s market.  Prices, while not particularly great for the sellers, are great for the buyers.  “Thar’s gold in them thar hills.”  In other words, there are deals to be had. 

It’s all true, but there are limitations to what your money can buy, even now.  If you’re getting frustrated due to a lack of fully automated homes with pools and fallout shelters for $35,000, it’s time to ask yourself, “Do I really need a pool?” 

Okay, so that’s an exaggeration, but there is a legitimate question in all this. Can you compromise?  If you want a pool, can you buy a home with a big backyard where a pool can be built later?  Do you have to have a pool right now? 

Consider that a home is a long-term acquirement.  Think about what you want versus what you need.  For example, maybe you want a big kitchen.  What you’ve found are smaller kitchens with big dining rooms.  Can the two rooms be opened up to create a dining/cooking area?  Again, can you compromise? 

Before you go house hunting again, examine your expectations.  Are they realistic?  If not, create a list of needs, and then create a list of wants. Think about where you can compromise on the two lists.  Of course, you should be able to get some of your “wants,” but you may not be able to get all of them. 

When you look at a home for sale in the Inland Empire that you can afford, also look at the possibilities.  Can the affordable home be remodeled over time into the dream home you want?  

If you’re looking for a home with great potential, I can help.  Call me at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com.

 Brought To You By Randy Charlton Of Keller Williams Realty. 

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If you’re in the middle of buying Inland Empire real estate, for which you’re hoping to get a Homebuyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000, you have more time to finalize it.  

After a close brush with the deadline, Congress passed a 90-day extension of the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline.  The extension applies only to buyers who have written, binding contracts in place as of April 30, 2010.  The new closing deadline is now September 30, 2010.  

Extending the tax credit closing deadline will provide additional stability to Inland Empire real estate and real estate markets nationwide.  Additionally, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) estimates that this new extension will help about 180,000 to 200,000 homebuyers who already signed purchase agreements and were likely to miss the June 30 deadline.

Those are two of the reasons the NAR worked closely with Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle to get this extension approved.  Voter pressure on House members also helped to push this bill through.

Have questions about the Homebuyer Tax Credit or any other questions about Inland Empire real estate?  Give me a call today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com.  I’m happy to help.

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

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It's true.  There are a lot of parallels between buying a piece of Inland Empire real estate and running a marathon.

The Starting Line

At first, there is excitement.  The idea of buying a new home pulses in your veins and you can't wait to get started.  You're like a runner in the blocks just itching to begin.  Your muscles twitch in anticipation with every piece of Inland Empire real estate you see.  That's when the real adrenaline rush kicks in.

Start Out Slowly

Keep to a steady, consistent pace and you’ll make it to the finish line.  There's so much to do before you can get your Inland Empire real estate.  Home appraisals, inspections and financing to apply for…

You start to think about all the 'what ifs,' like what if you don't get the financing, what if something goes wrong, what if… goes on forever.

Stay Mentally Tough

Don't give into periods of self-doubt.  Remember all that you’ve done and have faith in yourself and your real estate agent.  Think about how hard you’ve worked and how rewarding it will be when you’re in your new home.

Hit the Wall

You feel like you simply can't go on any more and the ordeal is never going to end.  Your mind hurts from the strain, but you keep pushing onward because it’s the only direction you can go after coming so far.   Remind yourself that you'll get past this feeling.  Keep day dreaming about that finish line.

Breakthrough Bliss

Suddenly things begin to happen.  Home inspection reports come back.  Financing is approved.  You begin to breathe easier, the pain goes away, and you are sailing free and clear toward the finish line.

The Finish Line

You sign all the papers at closing and the keys are placed in your hand.  Congratulations!  You’re a winner.

When you’re ready to buy a home, I can help you from start to finish.  Contact me today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com.

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

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Many real estate aficionados worried that the ending of the homebuyer tax credits would mean an end to sales.  However, a new real estate survey, conducted April, 2010, says homeowners with a home for sale in the Inland Empire and throughout the nation have more chances to sell their homes. 

Survey Group

• 1,000 American consumers
• Ages 25 – 64
• $35,000 + household income

Survey Results

• Over 90% of American consumers think the homebuyer tax credit program helped the real estate industry and first-time buyers.
• 65% actually looking for a home don’t consider the end of the tax credit program to be a factor in their own decisions.
• 46% expect area real estate prices to increase over the next year.
• 12% expect area real estate prices to decline over the next year.
• 79% expect to see an increase in prices over the next five years.
• 20% expect prices to rise significantly over the next five years.
• 75% of renters think renting isn’t as good a long-term choice as owning a home.

How You Can Benefit

As the survey shows, there are still plenty of interested buyers out there.  You just have to know where to find them. 

Talk with your agent about which markets are hot in your area.  For instance, have older individuals been buying in the area more than young families or vice versa?  Maybe energy efficient homes have been selling better.  Find out what your home for sale in the Inland Empire has going for it that matches those hot markets. 

Most importantly, don’t give up.  Buyers are out there and consumer confidence is rising, which means nothing but good things for the real estate market and your home for sale in the Inland Empire. 

Want to work with an agent who can identify and target hot markets for your home?  Call me today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com for more information.

 Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

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There are many home improvements that add value to your Inland Empire home, but none add quite as much fun as a pool.  Depending on where your home is located, having a pool may increase re-sale value because buyers in certain areas look for homes that already have pools installed.

A pool can provide relaxation, recreation, and health benefits during the summer months, and in some areas of the country, all year long.  Before you get started putting in that pool, there are a few things to be aware of and prepare for.

Usage

The first thing to consider before you decide on adding a pool to your Inland Empire home is how often you will actually use it.  Pool maintenance and installation are expensive, so if you can't use it often, adding a pool doesn’t make much sense.

Surface Area

Before beginning construction of either an above-ground or in-ground pool, you need to check your surface area—not the pool's, your land's.  It should be relatively flat.  If your Inland Empire home is on an incline, you need to create a stable, level base, and that could add a great deal of expense to your pool construction.

Air Space

The air above the site for your pool is important too.  Most importantly, never place a pool beneath electrical wires.  The area above your pool should also be clear of hanging branches.   In fact, it’s a good idea to choose a spot with no close trees. While they make for great shade in the hot summer sun, they also make for harder clean-up and constant skimming because of falling leaves.

Fence it In

There is one final consideration before you jump in—a fence.  A security fence is important to keep neighborhood children from invading your pool when you aren't around.  A fence is also a crucial safety feature for pets and people.  You don’t want anyone or anything accidentally falling into your pool.

If you would like to buy or sell an Inland Empire home with a pool, I can help. Contact me today at (909) 938-9568 or Randy@TeamCharlton.com

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

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A past filing of bankruptcy does not mean you can’t buy Inland Empire real estate.  Your real estate agent may be able to help you get a mortgage or find other ways to buy a home, if you do get turned down for a traditional mortgage.  

Before you meet with your Inland Empire real estate agent, here are a few ways to prepare: 

• Have a copy of your current bank statement
• Have written proof of your monthly income
• Make a list of all your current monthly bills
• Collect all your recent credit card statements
• Have a copy of your bankruptcy agreement  

Put all this info in a file folder and take it to your meeting.  Your Inland Empire real estate agent will appreciate you doing your homework! 

If you have straightened out your credit since the bankruptcy, you are in a much better position to get a mortgage.  Hopefully, you are currently paying all your monthly bills on time and rebuilding your credit rating. 

The bigger your down payment, the easier it will be to get a mortgage.  So, where can you get money for a down payment? 

• Have you been having money taken out of your checks and put into a savings?
• Do you have any money market accounts?
• Do you have money invested in mutual funds?
• Do you have certificates of deposit about to come due?
• Will you be receiving a bonus from your employer?
• How about a friend or relative who would loan you the down payment? 

Hopefully, you are now ready to go shopping for your new home. To get started, give me a call today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com.

 Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

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In my years as a real estate agent, I’ve learned a lot from people and Inland Empire real estate. Oddly enough, the main thing I’ve learned is that homes are a lot like people… 

#1. Homes get wrinkles, too. Yes, believe it or not, I’ve seen Inland Empire real estate with sagging plaster, drooping windows and hanging doors.  Brand new For Sale signs sit out front, their clean, white sparkle contrasting with the wrinkles.  It’s not attractive; the homes may be only ten years old (30 in house years), but they look much older.  Be kind to your home – use cosmetic surgery. 

#2. There’s cosmetic surgery for homes.  Only, in home-speak, it’s called “replacements.”  If you notice your home has wrinkles and you want to sell it, see what replacements you can afford.  Windows?  Check.  They’re reasonably affordable on most budgets and can make a huge difference in how the house looks.  Hanging doors?  Check.  Not as affordable as windows, but still doable. With $10,000 or less, YOU can give your home a major facelift. 

#3. Homes get tired.  Have you looked around your house lately?  This is one of the first things you want to do before putting it on the Inland Empire real estate market.  Is your home tired and worn out?  Even relatively young homes can show signs of energy-deficiency.  Cabinets start sagging.  Doors groan and sigh when you open them.  Windows refuse to stay open all the way and slowly slide back down in the tracks.  Give your home an energy boost.  Even a little WD40 can make a difference, especially on groaning doors. 

#4. Homes can go bald and get age spots.  It’s true, they can.  What used to be a bright red roof has faded and peeled in places, giving the home an “aged” look.  The real kicker is, to keep it bright and pretty, you have to maintain it, dye it or replace it.  Take care of your home’s head! 

#5. Homes need TLC.  To stay happy and healthy, homes need tender loving care.  With a steady diet of maintenance, touchups and cosmetic surgery, your house will find a happy home with a good buyer.

Now, maybe it seems a little silly, and maybe it is, but all the above is true.  If you’re selling your home, make sure it stands proud above the rest! 

Are you looking for a buyer who will care for your home?  I can help.  Call me now at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com for more information.

 Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.