Archive for July, 2010
Liven Up Your Living Space With a Special Home Improvement Loan
OK, I’ve told all you Orange County homebuyers, sellers, and agents about this fantastic home improvement loan before. Now you get a sneak peek of what’s possible. But first, a recap – –
Right now you can take advantage of a Home Improvement Loan program that combines the sale price of a home and the cost of home improvement into one convenient loan.
These are the basics:
- Basic Explanation: the Home Sales Price plus all clients’ home improvements get wrapped into one, low fixed rate loan!
- Loan Limits = same as FHA County Limit (1 Units: $729K in Orange & LA County, $500K in Riverside. 2-4 Units higher)
- Low Down Payment – only 3.5% required! (plus normal closing costs carried by seller or buyer)
- Possible Renovations to home include: (Remodeled rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms, etc. Additions, alterations, or structural changes to home. Repair or replace plumbing, heating, air, roof, foundations, etc!)
- Also available for Refinances
- [Gov’t Insured Loan, 1-4 Unit SFR (no condos), 620 Min FICO]
Cori Hillis of Best Rate Financial has helped many individuals secure one of these dream loans. With his assistance, great things like this happen:
BEFORE HOME IMPROVEMENT LOAN AFTER HOME IMPROVEMENT LOAN
You can liven up that special living place, too. Learn more about how this new loan program can make your Orange County dream home happen. Or get started with a quick pre-approval. Just contact Cory Hillis at 888-299-4484 or cory@bestratefinancial.com . He’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Living it Up Lake Mission Viejo Style
If you’re looking for one of the ideal places to live in Orange County, you don’t need to search any further than one of the Lake Mission Viejo communities.
One major reason is the proximity to the lake itself. Living in this idyllic area means you’re only a walk away from the full range of fun activities the Lake offers. This includes swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and just plain splashing up a great time. 
Two well-maintained beaches add to the allure of the lake. North Beach features a large stretch of sandy splendor, volleyball courts, and a clubhouse perfect for renting out for special events. East Beach is smaller but just as inviting. Along with all the other great activities, it offers bold adventurers kayaks as well as pedal boats for rent. There also are a number of smaller private beaches for those seeking a bit of blissful seclusion. Remember, access to the lake is restricted to residents or their guests. Another great reason for hanging your hat here.
The lake communities offer almost as much as the lake itself. Spectacular views of both the lake and surrounding mountains, a safe living environment, and proximity to an array of fine restaurants and stores make this resort-like vicinity irresistible. Among the popular lakeside communities are Mallorca, Finisterra, San Marino, Tres Vistas, and Madrid Del Lago , each with a charm and character all it’s own.
If you’d like to learn more about living in high style in one of the Lake Mission Viejo communities, I’m ready to help. You can reach me at 949.338.7408 or angie@askangie.com. And be sure to follow me @AngieWeeks or @WeeksTeam. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Orange County Charity Event Brings Hope to Homeless
Be a Part of Project Playhouse
Hey, people. Wanted to tell you about a great cause, which is co-chaired by someone I’ve known for a while – Newport Beach Realtor, Brad Colemen. The cause is Project Playhouse. This 6 week-long charity event will raise money to build and renovate homeless shelters throughout Orange County. So far the project has helped HomeAid Orange County construct 44 local shelters.
Project Playhouse works like this. Various members of the building industry are creating a selection of amazing playhouses. 
These architectural masterpieces will be on display at the Irvine Spectrum for 6 weeks, beginning July 30th. Then on September 10, the playhouses will be auctioned off at a party taking place at an enchanting Crystal Cove estate. The proceeds will help fund the building and renovation of homeless shelters in Orange County. Tickets to the party are $250.00 each, with only a limited number available.
Brad is asking for your help in acquiring sponsors and donors for this high-profile event. I assure you, it’ll be great exposure for your company or business. The event draws thousands of guests, including many of OC’s elite. It even will receive a substantial amount of TV, print, radio, and Internet advertising. Sponsorships start at $1,000. For smaller companies wanting exposure, tax-deducible silent auction donations are welcome.
Please visit www.ProjectPlayhouse.org for more event details. And, if you or anyone you know is interested in a sponsorship, donation, tickets to party, or buying a playhouse, be sure to contact Brad Coleman.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )More Good Tax News For Orange County Home Buyers
The Weeks Team has great news they recently received from a local tax specialist – home buyers DON’T have to wait until next year to get their tax credit! In fact, qualified buyers can get a check this year. All they need to do is amend last year’s Federal tax return.
Patricia Yeckel, an Enrolled Agent with Canyon Tax and Bookkeeping in Rancho Santa Margarita, offers this helpful information for anyone wishing to learn more about this very generous credit:
- Any first-time homebuyers who entered into a binding contract to purchase a principal residence by April 30, 2010 and have or will be closing escrow before October 1, 2010, may be eligible for a tax credit up to $8000.
- There is a limit on purchase price of home: no credit available if home price exceeds $800,000.
- Long-time resident of same principal residence may qualify for reduced homebuyer credit up to $6,500 if taxpayer has lived in same home as principal residence for 5 out of last 8 years; new home purchased must be between 11/7/09 and 4/30/10.
- Credit phases out at Adjusted Gross Income in year of purchase between $125,000 and $145,000 for single taxpayers; $225,000 and $245,000 for married filing joint.
- Final settlement statement must be attached to correct form and to tax return.
- Credit may be claimed on the 2010 tax return filed after January, 2011 OR ON 2009 AMENDED RETURN FILED AS SOON AS ESCROW CLOSES IN 2010. THIS IS THE BEST NEWS OF ALL!!!
If you’re ready to get your tax credit or simply want to know more about this exciting benefit, Patricia will be delighted to help. You can contact her at Canyon Tax and Bookkeeping (949) 888.2829 or pyeckel@canyontax.com.
Bring Your Orange County Home to Life the Easy Way
So Long Ho-Hum Home
Whether you’re buying, selling, or staying put in your amazing Orange County home, one thing’s for sure – you want it looking its best, inside and out. Alright, before visions of major makeovers start dancing in your heads, know something right from the start – no major action is required. In fact, taking your residence from ho-hum to ooh-wow! is simply a matter of following a few basic steps.
Alisa Moffet, home staging, designing, and color specialist with Domani Designs, offers these insider tips and tricks guaranteed to work wonders for that place you call home sweet home.
- Remove all family photos.
- Add simple, single-panel drapery to warm a space instantly. Hang em’ high to make the room feel larger.
- Remove as many nick-knacks as possible. Less is more!
- Replace bathroom mirrors with framed mirrors. This is the least expensive way to update your bathroom — without remodeling.
- Add plants. These will create an inviting atmosphere.
If you’d like to learn more about making your home the best it can be, Alisa will be happy to help. You can reach her at 949.293.3858 or amoffett@domanidesigns.com .
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )
Orange County Real Estate Success 
