Can you really live by a lake in Valencia?  Yes! One of my favorite secret little places in Valencia – one of the communities in Santa Clarita Valley, CA – is Valencia Bridgeport. Valencia Bridgeport is one of those places that many Santa Clarita residents have never discovered; perhaps because as you drive by Newhall Ranch Road or McBean Parkway, the only evidence is the Bridgeport Lighthouse, which looks a bit as if it has been transported from a New England beach town. Oh, sure you can see a portion of the lake; however you would not suspect that nestled in the middle of the shopping, theaters, restaurants of Westfield Town Center Mall and the Bridgeport Shopping Center is this little gem that has walking paths around a portion of the lake. There are numerous ducks and various birds... 05/04/2012

Santa Clarita is reflecting the national trend of bidding wars. Santa Clarita home buyers and Investors are sometimes shocked to learn that many homes on the Santa Clarita real estate market are seeing multiple offers, many above the asking price in a resurgence of the bidding wars we saw a couple of years ago. Home buyers are asking, “Why is this happening now?” The answer is manifold: Many national and local Santa Clarita home buyers feel that the market has reached something close to the bottom price-wise and are deciding to ‘strike while the iron is hot’. And when they do, they learn that others are feeling the same way and so…. multiple offers on the same property! (More )   Search for all Santa Clarita homes for sale 05/03/2012

Why it's so important for short sale owners to maintain their HOA payments....... Short sale properties are usually surrounded by some very unique energy.  They are classified as a distressed property for that exact reason:  there is some sort of distress and/or stress being undertaken by the owner. The reasons to short sale a property can vary - financial hardship, death, domestic issues, job-related issues, relocation, etc. And much of the time the distress revolves around finances that typically result in mortgage payments in arrears.  Some of the properties are those within a homeowners association, with monthly dues or annual dues. Not only am I a certified, hired short sale facilitator, but I am also the President of my homeowners association in the single family home tract in whi... 04/26/2012

Investment Property: Growing Your Wealth April 2012 If you're looking for a way to grow your nest egg, investing in real estate is still a great idea. There are many reasons to purchase a rental property, and the market is still favoring buyers! With today's low rates and home prices, your purchasing power is strong, allowing you to get more home for the money.   Benefits of owning investment properties include: 1.    Diversity in your financial portfolio 2.    Rental rates are climbing as demand for rentals increases 3.    Rising income from rental fees over time mean more cash in your pocket as you pay off    your mortgage 4.    Tax benefits of depreciation and expenses* Why Invest Now? Numerous market factors make now a great time for investing. Here are the two main reasons you sho... 04/23/2012

Santa Clarita Open Houses on Sunday Posted: 22 Apr 2012 09:52 AM PDT Open houses can be fun to drive around and look into.  Sometimes you meet real estate agents that are pure quality.  However, there is a dark side to some open houses.  Have a watch of this video....[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]          This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now Santa Clarita on Facebook Posted: 21 Apr 2012 08:11 PM PDT You can easily “Like” our page on Facebook We are about the clients and their needs on FaceBook.  We post our Santa Clarita Updates on FaceBook for those that like our Page.  Most...[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] 04/23/2012

  Trends in Interior Design April 2012 Fashion isn't just for clothes. Your home reflects your tastes and style, and decorating your home in the latest trends can make you just as fashion-forward as having the hottest designer bag, shoes or sunglasses. Even if you're short on cash, you can make your home look modern by tracking current trends and adding inexpensive versions or accents to your own living space. Plus, choosing new classic colors, décor and furnishings means you won't have to repaint in a year or completely redecorate next season.   So what are the trends of 2012 that we think will be around for more than just this year? Here are some hot styles you can use to update your own humble abode:   Bold and bright are back. Tangerine is being touted as 2012's color of the year. ... 04/18/2012

Dear Clients, Family, Friends & Realtors, It’s happened once again, buyers are out looking for homes, multiple offers are normal in the Santa Clarita Valley once again.  Valencia, Stevenson Ranch and other Santa Clarita Valley communities are in a full blown real estate market recovery.  Safety, great schools and a strong community environment have brought out home buyers locally, throughout California and around the nation looking for the best location to live. Home prices, low interest rates, home affordability & strong economic signs have increased home buyers confidence.  Many are now concerned that prices will rise as will interest rates.  It is essential to have loan approval in hand and be prepared to move swiftly once the right home is found.   Distressed sales such as Bank Owne... 04/17/2012

Here is a quick update from the Paris911 Blog with Santa Clarita realtors at REMAX.Paris911 at REMAX has two office locations to serve your needs – Here are the newest Foreclosures Posted: 17 Apr 2012 09:07 AM PDT Considering purchasing a foreclosure?  There may be some types of properties that first time buyer may want to steer clear of.  Here is another “helpful” video.  Remember, I am not an actor  (If you knew me, you’d know that I am being sarcastic..”) 04/17/2012

The bank is not your friend and it’s not supposed to be!  There are different types of relationships such as Stranger, not wanting anything to give or take, acquaintance, usually usually someone that only cares what you can give them, friend usually someone that is willing to give as much as they receive and Love meaning someone that gives not wanting or expecting anything in return. Our relationship with a Bank or Lender is that of acquaintance.  The Bank or Lender is only looking for what benefits them.  Us, on the other hand, only care about the money needed to make a purchase.  The current real estate market has put the Bank or Lender in a position of not being paid the money owed.  They are not happy with borrowers that are defaulting on their mortgage.  The reasons they are being ... 04/14/2012

There is an Unsung Hero looking out for you!  Yes a Realtor is an unsung hero.  This true American Hero puts the needs and best interest of those they serve far above their needs and personal time that could be utilized sharing with their family. Selling and Buying a Home is quite an urgent matter to the person doing so.  They entrust this sensitive matter in the hands of their Realtor.  Keep in mind that a Realtor has a Fiduciary relationship with their clients.  There are very few Fiduciaries such as a Doctor and Lawyer.  This relationship holds the Realtor to the highest degree of trust as seen in the eyes of the law. A Realtor will take care of the needs of their client and not the needs of their family or bank account.  A Realtor will answer calls day or night, weekdays or weekends... 04/11/2012

New homes are different than RE-Sale residential real estate, both can be found on our Mother Site for Santa Clarita real estate. $924,000 24729 Garland Drive Valencia, CA 91355BEDS: 4   BATHS: 4 full baths   SQ FT: 2,963 MLS F11102153DETAILS $499,500 29957 Bouquet Canyon Road Saugus, CA 91390BEDS: 3   BATHS: 1 full, 2 part baths   SQ FT: 2,168 MLS F11089375DETAILS $205,000 PRICE REDUCED 27849 Lost Spring Road Canyon Country, CA 91387BEDS: 4   BATHS: 1 full, 1 part baths   SQ FT: 1,316 MLS F11064406DETAILS $185,000 Valencia, CA 91355BEDS: 2   BATHS: 2 full baths   SQ FT: 1,252 MLS F1846000DETAILS   The information being provided by CARETS (CLAW, CRISNet MLS, DAMLS, CRMLS, i-Tech MLS, and/or VCRDS) is for the visitor's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose othe... 04/08/2012

Dear Clients, Family, Friends & Realtors,Easter, despite what most people realize, is the holiest and most sacred day for Christians.  This is the day that gave testament to believers and won many non-believers that there truly is a heaven and that God is connected to the humans that were created.Dani & I wish you a very Happy Easter and have compiled this Santa Clarita, Los Angeles & Southern California list of Easter Events, Things to do, Reservation & Worship Services. We both honor and respect you no matter your religion or belief! Much Love,  Tony & Dani Lewis Your Friends & Realtor, Tony & Dani Lewis RE/MAX of Valencia www.TonyLewis.com tonyglewis@yahoo.com 661-510-7975  04/06/2012

Courtesy of Joshua Suess with RE/MAX Olson - CA Lic.# 01334330 - 661.251.8900 03/31/2012

Santa Clarita house prices... what is my home value?  Click on the map below to find out in seconds!             03/22/2012

Some tips on preparing your Agent Visual Inspection As agents, we provide a visual inspection on properties on which we represent either the buyer or seller. The most important aspect is to realize that it is just that - a VISUAL inspection. It is entirely separate from and does not have anything to do with the general inspection that is performed on behalf of the buyer by a certified property inspector. In other words, you should not be lifting carpet, looking behind paneling, moving appliances, or in essence, placing your hands on anything in order to do your visual inspection.  The second you start to do that, you are placing yourself in the realm of the inspector, which you are not qualified to do. The premise of the AVI is to do a reasonable visual inspection of the property to not... 03/22/2012

One fact Bank’s don’t want you to know when you offer on a Foreclosure Posted: 20 Mar 2012 11:54 PM PDT Are we playing craps? Highest and best refers to a two prong test for any offer written on a seller’s home, condo or town-home that is for sale.  When an offer is written by a Buyer’s... (click the link above to read the rest - thanks) 03/21/2012

Short Sale Your Home or Stay? Many homeowners are asking themselves a very difficult question, "Do I short sale my home or stay and tough it out?" To make the best decision for you, your family, and your future, it is important to have all of the information in front of you. Because the consequences of this decision are very often unknown, we've created a tool to give a glimpse at the potential future based on your decision to short sale or stay and tough it out. Please, check out our Short or Stay Calculator. Click on the start button below to get started! It's a short, easy process to give you an idea when your home will become an asset again. Simply enter the following information... Your Property Information Mortgage Information Your e-Mail Address. The results are emailed to you al... 03/17/2012

Lord, what do I do when I see so many people drowning and I only have a few life rafts? How do I feel good about what I do with my life each day, knowing that I'm helping everyone else but still helping myself? Why is it that there are so many people in need of help? This is the biggest issue in my life and I need help dealing with this. If I can somehow get past this, I can probably be even more productive of a person than I am now. (which is hard to imagine!) Words of Wisdom? (I know - this is pretty heavy stuff, but I just thought I would put it out there.  Ask and Ye shall receive, yes?) Los Angeles Homes For Sale Los Angeles Condos For Sale Los Angeles Townhomes For Sale 03/17/2012

Thinking of Buying or Selling a Home? Don't Delay! Jobs are coming back, consumer confidence is on the rise, home prices are increasing around the country and interest rates are being raised soon.  It is time to encourage first time buyer to get out and find that first home.  Good things come out of bad situations and buying a home now will benefit buyers now and financially into the future.  Home ownership offer far too many benefits and far outweighs and fears or concerns. There is absolutely the most incredible news for home owners that owe more than their home is worth.  The new Harp 2.0 will soon be implemented.  This program is designed to allow home owners to refinance even if their home is worth less than they owe on it... 03/16/2012

Santa Clarita Real Estate Update    Give me some value before I explode Posted: 15 Mar 2012 03:43 PM PDT It’s about answering questions.  Being on the inside track and giving freely without expectation.  Playing it forward with everything that we do in providing our clients a valuable...[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]          Why is the Santa Clarita City real estate inventory so depressing for buyers Posted: 14 Mar 2012 07:23 PM PDT Here is the latest recon showing why the Santa Clarita city inventory is so depressing for the real estate buyers of the world.  With over 85% of the listings being Short Sale in nature, it is hard...[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ... 03/15/2012