In many areas of the country, including Los Angeles County, homes offered through foreclosure or short sales are available at substantially reduced prices. However, many of these homes have been poorly maintained or damaged by previous occupants. Additional great buys can be found in older, well-established neighborhoods offering excellent schools, shopping, employment and other amenities. But the biggest problem for those seeking this type of opportunity has been having a GO TO organization that has all the details. Unfortunately, most prospective buyers are not aware of how to cost effectively finance both the purchase of the home and the renovation work required.  RE-build USA is the answer. HOMEBUYER Opportunity : By including cost of renovation in your home mortgage, you pay for th... 12/02/2009

Clients often ask me if we are at the bottom and if not, should they wait a little longer. My response may not be intuitive until you do some numbers crunching, then it becomes very clear.If you're still sitting on the sidelines waiting for housing prices to hit bottom, you should consider that what might be gained from a further drop in housing prices could easily be lost by a rise in interest rates. Rates continue to be volatile and this opportunity might not last long.  And with first-time homebuyers  eligible for an $8,000 tax credit , which does not have to be repaid unless you sell your home within three years and repeat move-up homebuyers eligible for a $6500 tax credit, now is the time. Remember, interest rates and tax credits have a shelf life and who can predict when things wi... 12/02/2009

West Lancaster, California Real EstateWe here at the Gockel Group, continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find West Lancaster real estate statistics for the last seven days.Total inventory today is: 241   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 76Number of homes entering the market in the last 7 days: 36   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 7Number of homes entering escrow in the last 7 days: 43Number of homes closing escrow (sold) in the last 7 days: 36   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 6Number of homes cancelled/removed/expired/withdrawn from the market in the last 7 days: 20See my 24 hour Market Report of the entire Antelope Valley by viewing A.V. Real Estate Trends... 11/25/2009

Richard OBrian www.homesbyjr.com | Keller Williams Reality AV | (661) 733-0508 or 0507 N.E corner of Ave K & 7th St East., Lancaster, CA 9 LOT Parcel at $19,400 each. Zone R-7000. Ready for Development. 108,900 sqft Vacant Land offered at $175,000 Lot Size 108,900 sqft DESCRIPTION 9 LOT Parcel at $19,444 each. Zone R-7000. Ready for Development. Great location fronting Avenue K. Development surrounds the 9 LOT parcel. Plans are ready for approval!!! Grading, Street Lighting already been approved and signed!!! street signs, water, sewer , and street improvements. The final map has already submitted and paid all the city fees for its approval. Architectural plan for the models are available. Directions N.E corner of Ave K & 7th St East. Net Acres 2.16 Width 165 Depth 660 App. Sq.Ft./Gros... 11/24/2009

Would you spend $150,000 for a home with sagging shutters, no landscaping, peeling paint, old appliances, outdated wallpaper and a generally drab exterior? On paper, the house sounds less-than-desirable. But before you answer, consider that this potential fixer-upper is located in California at the bottom of the market. Drab as it may be, could this home sparkle one day? With a coat of paint, some "sweat" equity, and thorough revamping inside and out, could this property be an investment gem? All homes are different, but there are certain criteria which can help you spot a fixer-upper with good potential. Here are a few basic questions to ask: What needs to be changed? There are some homes which are structurally sound that require only cosmetic changes -- say that worn carpet from the 1... 11/19/2009

East Lancaster, California Real EstateWe here at the Gockel Group, continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find East Lancaster real estate statistics for the last seven days.Total inventory today is: 166   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 51Number of homes entering the market in the last 7 days: 19   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 1Number of homes entering escrow in the last 7 days: 43Number of homes closing escrow (sold) in the last 7 days: 17   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 1Number of homes cancelled/removed/expired/withdrawn from the market in the last 7 days: 7See my 24 hour Market Report of the entire Antelope Valley by viewing A.V. Real Estate Trends... 11/12/2009

West Lancaster, California Real EstateWe here at the Gockel Group, continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find West Lancaster real estate statistics for the last seven days.Total inventory today is: 227   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 73Number of homes entering the market in the last 7 days: 32   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 10Number of homes entering escrow in the last 7 days: 55Number of homes closing escrow (sold) in the last 7 days: 41   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 3Number of homes cancelled/removed/expired/withdrawn from the market in the last 7 days: 11See my 24 hour Market Report of the entire Antelope Valley by viewing A.V. Real Estate Trend... 11/11/2009

If you are a homeowner wanting to move up, this might help you make that decision. What is the definition of a move-up or repeat home buyer?The law defines a tax credit qualified move-up home buyer ("long-time resident") as a home owner who has owned and resided in a home for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. Repeat home buyers do not have to purchase a home that is more expensive than their previous home to qualify for the tax credit. What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit, provided the home is purchased for a price less than or equal to $800,000... 11/10/2009

Please be very careful out there. We all know how many scams there are and they can be very clever. I hope you find this info useful. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.  Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist?  BBB offers the following advice: If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a hand held device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identi... 11/06/2009

Please be very careful out there. We all know how many scams there are and they can be very clever. I hope you find this info useful. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.  Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist?  BBB offers the following advice: If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a hand held device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identi... 11/06/2009

East Lancaster, California Real EstateWe here at the Gockel Group, continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find East Lancaster real estate statistics for the last seven days.Total inventory today is: 177   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 48Number of homes entering the market in the last 7 days: 30   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 5Number of homes entering escrow in the last 7 days: 26Number of homes closing escrow (sold) in the last 7 days: 43   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 4Number of homes cancelled/removed/expired/withdrawn from the market in the last 7 days: 13See my 24 hour Market Report of the entire Antelope Valley by viewing A.V. Real Estate Trend... 11/05/2009

Have you noticed how much nicer Short Sale listings look in comparison to REO properties. Then why are they harder to sell? Good question. Up until recently, banks have been taking...3,4,5 or more months to get an answer. That's Nuts! Well, at least here in California, the banks are finally listening to the Real Estate Industry (except BofA) and are starting to respond. I  prefer selling Short Sales more than REO's because in many instances, they are move-in ready as the people are still maintaining the property and they are prices competitively with all other homes. The key word here is maintaining the property.If you can keep the property look good, you have a much better chance of selling it over the REO competition. I am always asked the difference between Short Sales and Foreclosur... 11/05/2009

I found a Title Professional in the Antelope Vally of Southern California in the high desert from Fidelity National Title.  Frank Donato has a link on his website to look at the market reports for the Southern California Counties.  Great comparative information for consumers to look at within the communities they are looking to purchase or sell. Click here to check it out! 11/02/2009

West Lancaster, California Real EstateWe here at the Gockel Group, continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find West Lancaster real estate statistics for the last seven days.Total inventory today is: 242   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 87Number of homes entering the market in the last 7 days: 24   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 7Number of homes entering escrow in the last 7 days: 52Number of homes closing escrow (sold) in the last 7 days: 30   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 4Number of homes cancelled/removed/expired/withdrawn from the market in the last 7 days: 18See my 24 hour Market Report of the entire Antelope Valley by viewing A.V. Real Estate Trends... 10/28/2009

I'm not one to look backward but 2007 kicked my butt. It took everything I had to stay afloat. It got to the point where I needed to take a full time job to survive. Having said that, I have been back full time in Real Estate. I HATE punching a clock! It seems that the old ways of getting clients has gone away and now I am learning all of the new technology to help my business grow. With the help of a friend and fellow Real Estate agent, Richard O'Brian, I ams slowly learning. I need to know what works best for you. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks 10/28/2009

East Lancaster, California Real EstateWe here at the Gockel Group, continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find East Lancaster real estate statistics for the last seven days.Total inventory today is: 168   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 54Number of homes entering the market in the last 7 days: 21   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 4Number of homes entering escrow in the last 7 days: 36Number of homes closing escrow (sold) in the last 7 days: 20   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 1Number of homes cancelled/removed/expired/withdrawn from the market in the last 7 days: 12See my 24 hour Market Report of the entire Antelope Valley by viewing A.V. Real Estate Trend... 10/22/2009

Senate Banking Committee chairman Chris Dodd, D-Conn., went on the record Tuesday calling for a seven-month extension of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, which is set to expire in five weeks. Chairing a hearing on the state of the housing market, Sen. Dodd said home prices are stabilizing but "we still need to use every tool at our disposal to try and fix this problem." The White House has yet to reveal its position on the extension. The Mortgage Bankers Association and other trade groups, predictably, support the extension. My guess is that Mr. Obama will endorse it. As soon as the Feds realize that what goes around, comes around, we will all be a lot better. Just think of it...encourage 1st time buyers to buy some of this foreclosure inventory, give them $8000 incentive and... 10/21/2009

Being from California, specifically the Palmdale and Lancaster area, loan modifications here might differ from other areas of the country.I recently went to a NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) convention here in LA. If you are like me, you have clients who ask for your help. Most of these families want to stay in there homes but for mulitple reason, the economy not withstanding, they are struggling to make their payments. NACA has a lobby that puts pressure on the lenders to work with these owners. I was extremely impressed with how the system works. After meeting with a representative of NACA and going through your numbers, they recommend what you can afford as a payment. Then you actually meet with a representative with your lender and work out a deal right on the ... 10/19/2009

Since moving to the Antelope Valley with my family in 1987, I have seen it grow from a small community of less than 100,000 residents to a thriving city of over 300,000. I have been an active member of the community, involved in youth sports as a coach and Board of Directors member, as a commercial business owner and as a supporter of elementary education, through the Palmdale Education Foundation, and as a founding sponsor of Keller Williams' adopted school, Eastside Elementary. I love being able to call Palmdale my home and raising my children here was the best decision I could have made for their future. Since becoming a Realtor in 2001, I have been fortunate to be consistently ranked in the Top 10 agents in both sales and listings. I bring my expertise and knowledge of the Antelope ... 10/16/2009

Are you upside down on your home? Do you want help saving your home? Janet O'Brian short sale agent may be able to help you save your home. Janet O'Brian has the knowledge and expertise to help you. I'll give you with choices, you make the decision. Richard & Janet O'Brian Real Estate Agents in California work with buyers of all types, from first time, to investors, please let us work for you!   Call us today.  If you are looking for an aggressive Team to find and fight for the best deal call us or visit out website http://www.homesbyjr.com/.  Janet O'Brian is a Certified Short Sales Specialist and is ready to help you with your situation please visit her web-site. 10/15/2009