It was 30 years ago today (on November 10, 1977) that the city of Rancho Cucamonga was incorporated.  The city, formed by the mergers of the towns of Alta Loma, Cucamonga and Etiwanda, has always been acknowledged as a funny sounding name.  The Jack Benny Show gave the area some early publicity when Mel Blanc as a train announcer would say over the loud speaker:  "Train now leaving on track five for Anaheim, Azusa, and Cuc... amonga," with progressively longer pauses in the middle of Cucamonga.  The inside joke for LA viewers is that no such train route exists.Rancho Cucamonga also has the following ties to myth and history (sourced from Wikipedia):In the movie Fletch Lives, Fletch, played by actor Chevy Chase, claims to a Ku Klux Klan leader that he is from the "Cucamonga Klan" from Ca... 11/10/2007

Victoria Gardens . . . It's A Great Place To Live! Built in a setting that is reminiscent of a traditional main street, Victoria Gardens retail district is the keystone of this master planned community (located between Base Line Road, Foothill Boulevard - Route 66, the 15 Freeway, and the Day Creek Channel). Victoria Gardens excellent location and accessibility from all of the major freeways within San Bernardino along with its unique mixture of regional and neighborhood shopping, restaurants, entertainment, professional, civic and cultural activities makes it one of the most desired addresses in the Inland Empire. A new Cultural Center, comprised of a library and children's theater, is coming soon and will overlook the town square and form the centerpiece of this project. This communit... 11/08/2007

Rancho Etiwanda . . . It's A Great Place To Live! The sweeping vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains provide a majestic backdrop to the elegant community of homes in Rancho Etiwanda. This master planned community is another example of the smart growth Rancho Cucamonga has become known for. Buyers select Rancho Etiwanda for its surrounding lifestyle advantages including proximity to employment, recreation and the vast shopping opportunities. An additional benefit is the understanding schools of the Etiwanda and Chaffey Joint Union High School districts that reassure families of an excellent educational opportunity. Looking for a home with a 4-car or an oversized RV storage garage? Want to make a stunning impression with a dramatic courtyard? Want a separate detached pool cabana? Like the o... 11/08/2007

Deer Creek.....It's  A Great Place To Live! The essence of fine living is defined in this coveted enclave of estate homes. Tucked in just north of Chaffey College and just below the gated community of Haven View's custom homes, lies Deer Creek, the most desired address in Rancho Cucamonga. This community sets the standards by which all others compare to.    The mature tree lined streets offer glimpses of exquisite large estate homes throughout the neighborhood.  The Deer Creek Community reflects a dedication to elegant living and a commitment to unsurpassed style that's not easily duplicated. The expansive home sites are situated on half acre+ lots and most provide views of the mountains, valleys, and city lights below. Homeowners love the community so much that most opt to remodel, upd... 11/08/2007

 Welcome to Rancho Cucamonga!Crowned by the majestic San Gabriel Mountains, the three communities of Alta Loma, Cucamonga, and Etiwanda voted to incorporate into the city we now know as Rancho Cucamonga.  A premiere city in Southern California's Inland Empire, Rancho Cucamonga is one of the nation's fastest growing metropolitan areas. Located 40 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, the City's boundaries cover an area of approximately 38 square miles in San Bernardino County. Rancho Cucamonga boasts planned communities and award-winning architecture in addition to a quality, family lifestyle. A heritage of vineyards, ranchos, orchards, and wineries are reflected in the historic buildings that complement the newer, suburban development.  There's no mistaking that Rancho Cucamonga is truly ... 11/08/2007

September  2007 Comparison to September 2006September Average Price            Average Price TrendSeptember 07 # Sold                        2007                   200661                         $529,445             $520,195          +1.8%San Bernardino County Homes for Sale Monthly Totals:September 07 # Sold                     2007                      20061376                   $335,042                $348,553        -3.9%Closed Residential Resale Transactions As Reported By Dataquick Information Services. I post this information monthly so you can keep up with trends in a few select cities in San Bernardino County. I always post the cities of Ontario, Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana and Rancho Cucmonga as a comparison with the specific city as well. Brought to you by: Doug Beaver Corona... 11/06/2007

Bank-owned properties and short sales continue to add to the number of homes on the market in Rancho Cucamonga. Home shoppers can find a wide variety of homes in all price ranges.According to information provided by the Inland Multi-Regional Multiple Listing Service, 1,230 Rancho Cucamonga homes were listed as available on Nov. 4. Of the homes listed for sale, 836 were single-family homes with no monthly association fees and 394 were condos, townhomes or single-family homes in homeowner associations. Ninety-two homes were reported in escrow.Call (909) 261-3541 to get daily updates on new listings, including bank-owned and short-sale properties and the services of experienced professionals dedicated to helping you buy or sell real estate with confidence. 11/05/2007

All listing agents: If you have a seller that is replacing carpet in a 2-story house, I have some good and easy advice for you.  If there are any squeaks in the 2nd level floor of the house, STOP the carpet installer after they rip out all of the old carpet and padding.  With the sub-floor exposed (usually plywood in my area), walk on the floor and listen for any squeaks in the floor.  If you hear any, get a nail & hammer or screw & drill and nail/screw the nearest floor joist by the squeak.  Many times it is as easy as that to get the squeaks out.  Though it's not usually a major problem, it is nice to know potential buyers will be walking upstairs WITHOUT any squeaking. As with anything, if you're not familiar with homes, please have a professional do this.  I just thought I'd pass th... 11/02/2007

Bring the youngsters and the oldsters to see show cars competing for 6 awards Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Calvary Faith Center Car Show at 8301 Elm Ave., Suite 600, Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The show runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has bouncers for the young and hot dogs and sodas for all ages ($1 each).  Directions: From Foothill Boulevard, West of Milliken Avenue, take Elm Avenue south.    10/29/2007

DQ News has reported that  12 single-family existing homes were sold in Alta Loma Zip Code 91701 in September. The median sales price was $470,000, 7.4 percent less than in September 2006. In Zip Code 91730, 17 existing homes were reported sold in September, 13 percent less than in September 2006; median price was $400,000. In Zip Code 91737, 7 homes were reported sold in September; median price was $800,000, 41.7 percent more than in September 2006. In Zip Code 91739, 14 homes were reported sold in September; median price ws $494,000, 33.3 percent less than in September 2006. Sales of new homes were not included.In Rancho Cucamonga, the Inland Multi-Regional Multiple Listing Service reported that 1,247 existing homes were listed as available on Oct. 28. Of the homes listed for sale, 85... 10/29/2007

Bank-owned properties and short sales continue to add to the number of homes on the market in Rancho Cucamonga. The local multiple listing service reported 1,283 homes for sale on Oct. 21.Of the homes offered for sale, 854 are single-family homes with no monthly association fees and 389 are condos, townhomes or single-family homes in homeowner associations. Forty-five homes are in escrow, according to the IMRMLS.The large number of bank-owned and short-sale properties are for sale, providing home shoppers a wide variety of homes in all price ranges. With many bank-owned properties sitting vacant, home buyers who are ready to act can close escrow quickly. Offers on short-sale properties generally take much longer. The lender must approve any short-sale offer. Because the anticipated proc... 10/21/2007

I think almost everyone knows to get the oil changed in their cars regularly and tune-ups annually, or so.  But that's not what I'm talking about.What about your heating and cooling systems? What kind of maintenance do they need?  The easiest and one that every homeowner can do is changing the air filters regularly.  If you buy a disposable air filter, the packaging should indicate the interval, usually 30-90 days.  If you have a permanent air filter, check the directions.  As a general rule, I would not recommend ever going over 90-days without changing the air filter.  This is comparable to changing the oil in your car.How about a tune-up for your heating and cooling system?  What's that?  Is there such a thing?  YES.  You can hire a qualified technician to examine, adjust and clean y... 10/21/2007

Here in California people love their pools and spas. I know the swimming season is over but some of you realtors may still be selling your clients a home with a pool.Heating a spa will result in a higher natural gas bill. The buyer can ask the seller to estimate the higher gas bill when the spa is used, but it's not usually too much.However. heating pools is totally different.  People are usually not aware that trying to heat a pool can be very expensive.To put is in perspective I'll give you an example.  Without getting technical, natural gas heaters (furnaces) are rated in input BTU's.  Here is California it is common to see a furnace for a 2,000 square foot home rated at 100,000 input BTU's.  However, most of the pools I see have a heater rated at 400,000 input BTU's, THAT's 4 TIMES ... 10/16/2007

We all love food right? Pho Ha in Rancho Cucamonga is GREAT! If you are in the area of Foothill and Hellman in Rancho Cucamonga, check out the Pho Ha Restaurant. It is a great Vietnamese restaurant that features a great varied menu with all of the Vietnamese soups and entrees, their spring rolls with peanut sauce is great! The atmosphere is a little cafeteria style.  They are closed on Tuesdays but make sure you get there early as they tend to be packed with a well diverse clientele.Located at 9319 Foothill Blvd on the south west side of the strip mall, at the corner of Hellman and Foothill in Rancho Cucamonga. Empire Realty - Premium Full Service at a Discount Visit us on the web http://www.empireteam.com 10/02/2007

If you are in the area of Foothill and Hellman in Rancho Cucamonga, check out the Emperor's Kitchen Restaurant. It is a a great Chinese restaurant that features a great varied menu, their appetizer specials, bacon wrapped scallops and shrimp are to die for. The atmosphere is delightful on the up side and their silk scroll menu is unique.  The thing I like the most is their desert, banana fosters that rocks, it is made table side with nothing but pure ingredients, the flavors waif around you enhancing the experience.Located at 9319 Foothill Blvd on the south west side of the strip mall, at the corner of Hellman and Foothill in Rancho Cucamonga. Empire Realty - Premium Full Service at a Discount Visit us on the web http://www.empireteam.com 10/02/2007

By Ila JosephsReports of an exploding job market is good news for Rancho Cucamonga homeowners. The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reported on Sept. 27 that Milken Institute rates the Ontario-San Bernardino-Riverside market as No. 3 among 200 large U.S. metropolitan areas in job creation and retention, ranking just behind Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, North Carolina.It makes sense. The LA/Ontario International Airport processes passengers and cargo more easily than the vast airport in Los Angeles, major freeways offer quick access, land costs much less than in Los Angeles or Orange counties, and the large number of people who moved to the Inland Empire in search of lower- cost housing provide a ready source of employees. More jobs will bring more people to the area needing a place to liv... 09/27/2007

If you are in the area of Foothill and Haven in Rancho Cucamonga, check out the Dono Sushi Restaurant. It is a a great American Sushi restaurant that features a great variety sushi, tempura and other cooked dishes for those of you that can't bring yourself to eat the raw fish. The atmosphere is bright and open with tables and of course the sushi bar where you can chat with others while you enjoy your meal.  The thing I like almost as good as their sushi is that they have great lunch and dinner specials and their fare is priced well for a sushi restaurant.Located at 10720 Foothill Blvd on the north side in a stand alone building between the street and the strip mall, one signal east of haven on foothill in Rancho Cucamonga. Empire Realty - Premium Full Service at a Discount Visit us on t... 09/23/2007

Hi everyone, A local lender sent me the following;First Time Home Buyer Program for The City of Rancho CucamongaUp to $80,000 assistance Depending on Buyers need.Assistance can be used for down payment and closing costs.Income Limits Apply.Must be a First Time Home Buyer, A buyer may not have owned a home within the last three years.Must have 3% Down.Must Purchase an existing single-family residence in Rancho Cucamonga.Other Conditions may apply.This is an example of the programs I'd like to see discussed here in this goup. 09/17/2007

Rancho Cucamonga Market Report as of August 2007 No matter what the market, people will continue to desire to live in Rancho Cucamonga, as it remains one of the most prestigious cities within San Bernardino County. Comparatively speaking, the Rancho Cucamonga housing market continues to post brisk sales. In of August 2007, 68 single family homes and a total of 31 condos/townhomes sold.  Total sales are down 52% for the same period last year in the Inland Valley MLS.Closed Sales For August 2007:57 Single Family Homes9 Condos/TownhomesPending Sales For August 2007:68 Single Family Homes31 Condos/TownhomesCurrent Actives As of Today's Post:785 Single Family Homes221 Condos/TownhomesIt's important to stay in tune with the changes in the market. Call Empire Realty for your next personal real... 09/12/2007

Home prices in the inland valley are agressive and value-driven.  The qualified "buyer," in today's market, is golden and holds the keys to affordable home ownership.  Why not take the front seat to this knowledge and use it as a tool to direct you through the home buying process.  With my expertise and guidance, I can design a plan to fit your budget, needs and desires whether on your own for the first time, or for relocating your family.  I am the perfect choice to help you with your Real Estate needs.  As a real estate professional, and more importantly a mother of seven school-age children, I know how to prioritize and maximize time efficiently! 08/08/2007