Charming Home Located In The East Highland Ranch Neighborhood. Home Features 3 Spacious Bedrooms, A Loft and 2.5 Bathrooms In Approx. 1,581 Square Feet Of Living Space. Other Features Include Front and Rear Landscaping, An Open Floor Plan, A Covered Patio, A Huge Balcony Off The Loft, Concrete Sideyards, Ceiling Fans, A Spacious Kitchen With Ample Storage Space, A 2 Car Garage and So Much More Not Listed Here. Priced For A Quick Sell!

Absolutely Beautiful Home In A Well Established Area of Ontario. This Home Features 2 Spacious Bedrooms and A Full Bath In Approx. 1,130 Square Feet Of Living Space. Other Features Include An Inside Laundry Room, A 2 Car Garage, A Cozy and Remodeled Kitchen With A Ceiling Fan, A Seperate Dining Room With A Sliding Door To Your Large Backyard, An Open Living Room with A Relaxing Fireplace and Ceiling Fan, Wood Flooring, Ceiling Fans In Both Bedrooms, Central Air, An Updated Bathroom with Ceiling Fan, Walk In Closet, Attic Fan, Plus So Much More Not Listed Here.

Features

• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 1
• Year Built: 1939
• Size: 1,130 Sq Ft
• Lot Size: 6,700 Sq Ft
• Garage: 2 Car Detached

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We, meaning the real estate industry, say, “It’s a buyer’s market!”  Buyers think that means that deals are available out in the big wide world of Inland Empire homes for sale.  Although that’s true, it’s not the whole truth. The whole truth is that money pits, bad deals and half-hearted sellers still exist.  Without careful consideration, you may not get the deal you expected. 

If you’re in the market for one of the Inland Empire homes for sale, follow these tips to help you get a great deal: 

1. Go back to school. In other words, do your homework. Yes, due to the buyer’s market, you have an advantage, but you still need to do your research.  Talk with a real estate agent who specializes in the area and look at the prices of homes sold within the past year.  The main point of the research is to find out how much homes are actually selling for in the area in which you want to live, and to determine if you can afford to buy there.
    
2. Line up the home team. Be prepared to jump on a deal as soon as you find it. Get pre-approved for a mortgage.  Gather your real estate agent, home inspector and insurance agent.  By having this team of real estate professionals on hand, the transaction will be smoother and faster.
    
3. Look for motivation. There are motivated sellers and not-so-motivated sellers who just “think” they “might” want to sell if “the right buyer” comes along (quotes are so handy, aren’t they?). You don’t have to guess which is which, however.  Has the price been reduced?  Is the home vacant? These clues lead to a motivated seller, willing to genuinely negotiate to get the home sold.
    
4. Don’t buy angry. One of the worst mistakes a buyer can do is to get into a war with the home seller.  Emotions grab hold and you find yourself in a fierce competition based on who’s going to WIN WIN WIN! If you find yourself in this situation, learn how to negotiate and listen to your real estate agent’s advice.  If you don’t, your great deal can turn into a big mess. 

There are plenty of Inland Empire homes for sale out there and great deals to be had, but being cautious is the best way to get the best deal. 

Are you a motivated seller or a buyer looking for a great deal?  I can help.  Call me now at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com to get started!

 Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

Inland Empire condos or houses:  that is the question! 

You may be thinking of getting a home but wondering how much space you really need.  If you opt to look at houses, your choices are vast.  Houses, both large and small, are abundant in today’s real estate market. 

Even though Inland Empire condos are typically smaller than most houses, there are large condos available (even condos larger than houses).  And, just like traditional houses, there are a lot of condos available in this buyer’s market. 

So, how do you choose?  Your selection should be based on your current and near-future needs. 

Let’s demystify the differences and clarify your selection: 

• Space: Is your family large?  Are you planning to add many more?  Do you work from home?  Consider your plans for the next 5 to 7 years, and buy the size that fits those needs.
   
• Price: Condos can be more affordable, especially the smaller ones.  But, with condos you have to pay condo association fees.
   
• Location: If you want a condo with a great view, close to work, for example, prepare for a premium.  Conversely, many homes with great yards and neighborhoods are quite affordable.  Not choosy?  Competitive pricing awaits you with either choice!
   
• Luxury: Lavish Inland Empire condos, much like ideally-located ones, are often steeply-priced.  Luxury houses are expensive, too.  The good news is that whichever style of housing you choose, you’ll find luxurious versions.
   
• Availability: There are typically more houses on the market than condos, so, in general, your selection is greater with houses.
   
• Privacy: Houses typically offer more in the way of privacy.   But, the trade off is that you also have more responsibilities and maintenance when you own a house.  Want a care-free, low-maintenance lifestyle?  A condo may be your best bet.
   
• Acreage: If a smaller yard (or no yard) doesn’t bother you, a condo can offer excellent square footage and lower payments.  Looking for land?  A home is your best way to go.
   

Still Unsure? 

I’d love to assist in your juggling act.  Call me at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton and together we’ll find the perfect home to fit your budget and lifestyle.

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

Rejection is a hard thing to face in life, whether it’s from a potential client, a potential boss or a potential home seller.  As an Inland Empire home buyer, your stress level might be reduced if you’re aware of some of the reasons a seller may reject your offer.   

Before I give you the list of reasons, I’d like to mention that even if you and your buyer’s agent do everything right, the seller may still reject your offer.  It frequently has nothing to do with you.

With that said, here are 5 common reasons sellers reject offers on their homes:

1. The offer wasn’t enough for them to pay off their mortgage. For most sellers, the bottom line is paying off their mortgage. If your offer won’t cover the mortgage, they cannot accept it.
   
2. They may have just been testing the waters to see what they can get for their home.
   
3. Their plans may have changed.  People put their homes on the market because they need to move, they want to upgrade their home, or they can no longer afford their Inland Empire home.  If the circumstances change, they may not need to sell their home.
   
4. Their deal may have fallen through. Perhaps your seller was buying another house contingent on the sale of their property.  If something went wrong with that deal, they may not be able to sell their Inland Empire home to you.
   
5. You may be asking too much of them. The seller may not have the time or money to make any repairs they think are insignificant.  Perhaps you want to close too soon or would like to move in to the home before closing.

Don’t get depressed when a seller rejects your offer. There may be many reasons for their refusal.  Help your real estate agent develop a counter offer, or move on to a new opportunity.  There are a lot of homes on the market.  You may be pleasantly surprised when you start looking again and find a home that fits your lifestyle even better.

When you’re ready to buy a home, I can help you find a great home and negotiate to a successful “Yes, we’ll accept your offer.” Call me today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@Teamcharlton.com to get started.

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

Have you ever seen a child right after a huge chewing gum bubble pops on his face?  A mess everywhere, eyes wide, mouth in an “O” – rather reminiscent of the real estate industry when its own bubble popped.  Homeowners panicked and began trying to sell their Inland Empire homes. 

As more pushed to unload the instantly unwanted “step child” of homeownership, the real estate market became glutted, resulting in lower sales prices.  Two years later, some owners are still trying to sell their Inland Empire homes, still panicking, and still worried about what the future will bring.  However, you might be like some homeowners, who are indecisive about selling their homes or who realize they don’t really want to sell. 

Stop. 

Take a deep breath. 

Quit worrying for a moment and ask yourself… Why am I selling? 

There are good reasons to sell:

• Your house has become hard to afford. 
  
• You’re getting older and need to move somewhere that doesn’t take as much maintenance.
  
• You need to relocate for your job.

But there are a lot of not-so-good reasons to sell:

• You’ve read so much about people who have been unable to sell their homes that you became alarmed and put yours on the market “just in case” you want to sell it later.
  
• You’re simply tired of your home.  If that’s the case, all you actually need to do is update or redecorate your home to make it sparkle again.
  
• You’d just like to see what you can get for your home. 

It may seem strange for a real estate agent to speak against selling Inland Empire homes.  However, my first motivation is always doing what’s best for my client, including giving them the best advice I can.  So, I urge you to take a moment and think about it:  do you really need to sell your home now? 

Even if your home has lost some of its value, there are many ways that your home is still very valuable: 

• Building credit - Home ownership is still a good way to build credit. With good credit you can borrow for other major expenses, such as a new car. 
    
• Building equity – The average home equity for the U.S. is approximately $38,000.  When you consider how much your home costs, that may not seem like much.  However, when you are ready to sell, that equity will be there to put toward your next home purchase or your retirement savings.
   
• Saving money on taxes – Owning a home offers several tax benefits.  For most Americans, the biggest benefit is deducting the annual interest paid on a mortgage.
   
• Living well – There’s a reason why homeownership is still called the American Dream.  It simply feels good to live in a home you love.  That you can decorate any way you want.  A home that’s your very own. 

Now think about why you bought your home in the first place.  Do the things still exist that made you value the home enough to buy it?  If yes, maybe you should stay. 

If you do need (or want) to sell your home, I can help. Call me today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton for more information.

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty. 

On June 16, the Senate approved a plan to give homebuyers an extra three months to finish qualifying for federal tax incentives.  If the plan passes, it means you’ll have until September 30, 2010, to close on your Inland Empire home and qualify for tax credits of up to $8,000.  (First-time buyers were eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000. Current owners who bought and moved into another home could qualify for a credit of up to $6,500.)

Who Qualifies?

Originally, you had to sign a contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010, and close no later than June 30, 2010.  With this extension, anyone who had a signed purchase agreement by April 30 would have until September 30 to close on the sale of that home.

Why the Extension?

Mortgage lenders have been swamped with borrowers trying to get their Inland Empire home purchases approved by June 30.  Many potential borrowers are having difficulty meeting that deadline. 

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) estimates that 180,000 buyers are likely to miss the June 30 deadline "because of delays in the process." That's particularly true of short sales, the NAR noted.

Is it Approved?

Unfortunately, an extension of the deadline for the federal homebuyer tax credit remains tied to Senate legislation that would extend unemployment benefits, complicating efforts to get the deadline extended before the expiration date of June 30. 

But don’t give up hope.  If lawmakers extend the deadline after June 30, the language in both the House and Senate bills will apply retroactively.

Have questions about the federal tax credits?  Or any other questions about Inland Empire homes?  Give me a call today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com.  I’ll respond promptly and personally.

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

When most of us think of Fourth of July festivities, we think of fireworks and food, especially barbeque.  In fact, the Fourth of July is one of the most popular days of the year for barbequing. Many invite family and friends to their Inland Empire home and throw burgers, hot dogs or ribs on the grill. 

Unfortunately, some barbequers unknowingly give their family and friends a healthy dose of bacteria along with the food.  To keep your family and friends healthy over the holiday, while still enjoying this summer activity, follow these meat safety tips at your Inland Empire home:

 Avoid cross contamination

When you go to the grocery store to buy meat and other foods, keep the raw meat separated from the rest of the food to lessen the chance of cross contamination. Make sure the raw meat is wrapped in plastic bags, again, separated from other meat and foods. Even packaged raw meat can leak, and you want to keep the juices from seeping onto other food.

 Head Home

The summer is hot for most areas of the country.  Even if you have air conditioning in your car, you want to go straight home from the grocery store. The longer food is exposed to heat, the more chance it has of gaining a nice bacterial growth. Make sure the grocery store is your only, or last, stop before heading home.

 Refrigerate

When it’s hotter than 90 degrees, food needs to be refrigerated within the first hour of leaving the store. If it’s less than 90 degrees, you have two hours. Freeze any meat or poultry you won’t be using in a day or two, but make sure everything is refrigerated as quickly as possible.

 Thaw Carefully

If you’re going immediately from thawing to the grill, you can use a microwave to defrost.  However, for the safest methods, either slowly thaw in the refrigerator over a period of a day or two, or use cold water and sealed packages.

 Transport Cold

If you aren’t barbequing at your home and need to transport the meat, transfer the meat immediately to an insulated cooler (40 degrees or below) right before leaving home. As well, make sure you keep the cooler out of direct sun, which can reduce its efficiency at keeping food cold.

 Serve Hot

Keep the food hot (140 degrees or warmer) until it’s served.  You can set the meat at the side of the grill rack or on a warming tray.  Use a clean serving platter rather than the same plate that held the raw meat.

By following the above tips, you’ll help your family and friends have a happy, healthy Fourth of July.

Looking for an Inland Empire home of your own to celebrate next year’s Fourth of July?  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.

If you’ve ever been to a block party, you know it is a great way to gather your neighborhood friends together for some fun. You can easily throw a block party everyone who lives near your Inland Empire home will love. Here’s how:

1. Enlist the help of your neighbors. Throwing a block party at your Inland Empire home is a major undertaking, so you will need all the help you can get. Ask others in your community to help you plan, decorate, prepare food, and clean.
   
2. Get permission. You don’t want your party broken up by the police or fined by the homeowner’s association. Find out from your municipal government if you are required to get a permit for a block party. Follow up with your homeowner’s association and make sure they will allow the block party.
   
3. Select a theme. Themed parties are easier to plan and more fun for the guests. For example, if you choose a Fourth Of July theme, you know what colors and accessories to use in the decorations: anything blue or red, flags, stars, and fireworks of course. You also know to serve bar-b-que and foods like hamburgers and hotdogs.
   
4. Plan a menu and decorate. Keep the menu and decorations simple to prepare and easy to clean. Choose food that can be eaten without utensils, like finger foods and sandwiches. Don’t use elaborate decorations.
   
5. Have fun. The most important part of your block party is the party itself. Give yourself permission to enjoy the party and the company of your neighbors. Talk to people. Laugh with your neighbors. Participate in any games you play. This is your night to shine.
   
6. Clean up. If you planned properly and have enough help, clean up shouldn’t be too overwhelming. Make sure the area where you held the party is completely litter-free and looks better than it did before the party. Don’t give your homeowner’s association any reason to prohibit future block parties.

Getting to know neighbors makes life more enjoyable.  Throwing a block party is a great way to accomplish that while also having fun.

Let me help you find an Inland Empire home in a great neighborhood. Call me today at (909) 938-9568 or email me at Randy@TeamCharlton.com.

Brought to you by Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.

Current Mortgage Rates As Of Today: 30 Year Fixed Rate Is 4.52%. 

Brought To You By Randy Charlton of Keller Williams Realty.