Hope For Ventura Real Estate

I was just looking though a blog a used to contribute to and saw a posting stating that there were only 3 beach properties available in Ventura.  Of course, this was a few years ago, but I thought it might be interesting to see what's available now.  While on broker tour last week, an agent that specializes in the beach area mentioned that there wasn't much available.  As of this morning there are approximately 26 single family homes available in Ventura ranging in price from $765,000 to $3,600,000. 

Search for Ventura Beach Homes and Real Estate at:

www.VenturaRealEstate.org

A while back I woke up to find a very soggy downstairs. It seems that a fitting on the discharge hose of the water softner had cracked. The result was a couple of inches of water in the laundry room, powder room, hall, and extending part way to the family room and dining room. Since this had never happened to me, I was a bit lost in figuring out what to do. However, a couple of things came to mind. First was the thought of selling my home someday and filling out that 3 page form called a Transfer Disclosure Statement. The other thing that came to mind was that thing that we've all heard so much about. Mold.

I found out that there are companies that specialize in the proper clean up of water and moisture. They came in and pulled back carpet, removed padding, and cut out dry wall. Then they put about 6 fans and a de-humidifier in the rooms affected. A few days later they were back to check to make sure all the moisture had dried.

Since I can see the studs in the walls and the concrete on the floor, I feel confident that the moisture in my home is gone. I've got alot of work to do like replacing drywall, putting in new baseboards, painting, and haveing the carpet reinstalled. However, I'm feeling very confident about filling out that Transfer Disclosure Statement someday. And most of all, I'm feeling confident that my home is a healthy place for my family.

Search for Ventura County Real Estate at:

www.VenturaRealEstate.org

This gorgeous home Above the College in Ventura has just been reduced to $675,000.  This home has hardwood floors throughout, crown molding, dual pane windows, remodelled kitchen and baths, granite, custom fireplace, french doors, new furnace and air conditioning, and sooooooo much more. 

Open Saturday 1pm - 4pm

Open Sunday 2pm - 4pm

4429 Sweet Briar

Ventura, CA  93003

More pictures and information on this home at:

www.HopeGoss.com

Many homes in Ventura County are staying on the market longer these days. Making your home appealing to buyers will make the difference in selling your home. Here's a few tips:

• Expose hardwood floors and make them shine. Many buyers in Ventura County do not like wall to wall carpeting.
  
  
• Remove outdated furnishings. Get rid of matched sets and funky patterns from the 1970's and 1980's. Living in a funky beach town is enough! Arrange the remaining items to feel more contemporary.
  
  
• Take down heavy draperies and outdated light fixtures. Let that beach air in!
  
  
• Remove wallpaper. Many buyers are overwhelmed by the task of removing
  wallpaper.
  
  
• Paint. Choose earth tones and neutrals, not necessarily white.

Search the MLS for Ventura County Real Estate at:

www.VenturaRealEstate.org

Please stop by to check out this beautiful home in a great location Above the College.  This home has every imaginable update and upgrade.  You'll notice the curb appeal right away.  There's a paver driveway and walks, updated landscaping with lighting and sprinklers, newer exterior paint, dual pane windows, newer roof and gutters, and a beautiful custom entry door.  As you enter the home you notice the gorgeous wood floors throughout, the crown molding, and the custom fireplace. 

The formal dining room has a beautiful set of french doors leading to a covered, stamped concrete patio. 

The kitchen has been redone and features newer cabinetry, granite counters, and updated appliances.  There's a cozy family room off the kitchen for watching tv or just hanging out to chat with the cook.  The hall bath has been completely renovated and the master suite has another set of inviting french doors to a private patio on the side of the house.

Open Sunday 1-4pm

4221 Sweet Briar Streetl

Ventura, Ca, 93003

More pictures and information at www.HopeGoss.com

Prop 13 was passed in 1978 as a way of reducing property taxes. Now, according to the amended state constitution, property tax rates could not exceed 1 percent of the property's market value and valuations couldn't grow by more than 2% per annum unless the property was sold.

Features of Prop 13

• One percent rate cap. Prop 13 capped, with limited exceptions, property tax rates at once percent of full cash value at the time of acquisition.

• Assessment rollback. Prop 13 rolled back property values for tax purposes to their 1975-76 level.

• Responsibility for allocating property tax transferred to the state. Prop 13 gave lawmakers responsibility for allocating property tax revenues among local jurisdictions.

• Reassessment upon change of ownership. Prop 13 replaced the practice of annually reassessing property at full cash value with a system based on price at acquisition.

• Vote requirement for state taxes. Prop 13 requires any measure enacted for the purpose of increasing state revenues to be approved by 2/3 vote of each house of the legislature.

• Voter approval for local "special" taxes. Prop 13 requires taxes raised by local governments for a designated or special purpose to be approved by 2/3 of the voters.

Search the MLS for Ventura Real Estate at:

www.VenturaRealEstate.org

Do you own a home in Ventura County?  Has your mortgage payment increased?  Lost your job?  Had a change in family status?  You're not alone.  If you are having a problem making your mortgage payment, there are options!

A survey by Freddi Mac concluded that a full two thirds of home borrowers were unaware of workout options if they became unable to pay their mortgage. These options include forbearance, which temporarily delays or reduces payments, and loan modifications, which can restructure the payment terms for a fixed period. Many servicers typically describe these options in their collection letters. However, it is up to borrowers to follow-up with their servicers to learn more about these options. So, it's important to pick up the phone and communicate with your lender about all the options.

Borrowers can find a comprehensive description of workout options at the Avoiding Foreclosure page of the Freddie Mac website.

In addition, you can get free counselling through the Homeownership Preservation Foundation.  The help they offer is free.

This just in!  The IRS has added information to their website regarding taxes for those who are losing their homes to foreclosure or short sales.  Visit the site at IRS.gov 

Search the MLS for Ventura Real Estate at:

www.VenturaRealEstate.org

There are always questions about the deposit money when we sit down to write an offer. The deposit is collected from the buyer when an offer is accepted. It is deposited in escrow and held until the close of escrow. It will go towards the buyers closing costs and down payment, or, it may be refunded to the buyer if not needed for down payment or closing costs.

In the case of an escrow cancelling, the deposit is disbursed according to the progression of the contract. If the buyer has not released all contingencies, the deposit would ordinarily go back to the buyer. If all contingencies have been released by the buyer, the seller may have claim to the deposit based on the buyer defaulting on their contractual obligations. In either case, both buyer and seller are required to sign the cancellation prior to all deposits being disbursed.

 The typical amount we've been seeing here in Ventura County is about 1% of the purchase price. In going lower than this, it may express a lack of committment to the contract. The larger than 1% deposits may show the seller that the buyer is committed to completing the escrow, and that the buyer has the financial strength to make such a large deposit.

Search the MLS for homes at:

www.HopeGoss.com