Category

Sonoma County info

Full House to Cast vote on lending bill—-

By | Sonoma County info | No Comments

Today posted in the WSJ, we find more information on the tight controls that Congress would like to impose on the lending industry. It is a big question as to whether the consumer will benefit or not from this bill.

Our local business associate, Rachel Dollar, Attorney at Law in her blog www.mortgagefraudblog.com   tells of some pretty ugly stories of what brokers have done to the consumer.  Listen to her recent interview http://blownmortgage.com/2007/07/23/rachel dollar-mortgagefraudblogcom-interview and her discussion of her new book about the subject.

FYI….

House Panel Clears Bill on Lending
Wall Street Journal (11/07/07) P. A5; Paletta, Damian
The House Financial Services Committee approved a mortgage overhaul bill proposed by Chairman Barney Frank, D-Mass., and the full House will cast votes in the coming week. The legislation would force lenders to consider whether borrowers can afford mortgages when the interest rates reset and only write refinance loans that give borrowers a “net tangible benefit.” The measure also contains a provision holding secondary market investors liable for problem subprime mortgages, bans yield-spread premiums and mandates licensing for mortgage brokers. The banking industry opposes the bill–particularly a provision that permits states to impose stricter regulations–and insists that borrowing costs will rise and mortgages will be more difficult to obtain. It is uncertain when a similar bill will be proposed by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., but he says it is in the works.
Denise

Sonoma County in the fall

By | Buyers, Press Democrat, RE by the numbers, Sonoma County info, Visit WineCountry | One Comment

As my husband always acclaims: Sonoma County is the most beautiful place in the world to live. Well there are other beautiful places but the fall colors in Sonoma County together with the dramatic skies never fail to catch my breath. Our dear friend Vernon Nelson has taken some beautiful pictures, feel free to visit his website for some beautiful pictures. His wife owns a spa and is one of the best massage therapists I know (A Place To Relax on Cleveland Ave).

Anyway, this morning The Press Democrat had a gallery with beautiful pictures: The Colors of Fall.

fallcolor3.jpg

Just some Real Estate numbers for your information: As of this moments we sold a little bit over half the amount of properties that were sold in the all time high top year 2004. Considering that 2004 was a crazy year in Real Estate and that we are now paying the price for the ridiculous lending practices, it’s not that bad. Also, isn’t it interesting to see how fast the median home price went up? That was not healthy either. It was time for a correction. 

stats.jpg

By the way, should you be interested to see these numbers for your neighborhood, please contact me.

Enjoy the colors of the beautiful fall and enjoy the day.

mirjamnew.jpg Mirjam

Economic Outlook for Sonoma county

By | Sonoma County info | One Comment

For those that were unable to attend the recent presentation by Chris Thornberg please paste into your browser http://www.sonoma-county.org/edb/pdf/2007/thornberg_pres_20071102.pdf and read his overview of the local economy.  Not a pretty picture in the short term, however, better than many other parts of the nation.

We are very lucky that Sonoma has a very diverse economy and is not dependent on only one industry. Since I moved here in the early ’70s Government-state, federal and local have been the backbone of employment. Key employers like Medtronics, Santa Rosa Jr. College , Agilent, Kaiser, etc. provide a very broad- based, diverse industrial base . I believe that with all the issues facing the Bay Area in the next year, we will continue to be the least expensive property in the region that many will flock to and buy a little piece of the wine country.

Pls call me or Mirjam for any information that you may need to make an informed decision!

Denise

 

 

Quotes about Owning Real Estate

By | Buyers, RE Investing, Retirement, Sellers, Sonoma County info | One Comment

And you thought now is about the worst time to buy Real Estate let alone own Real Estate? Over priced, not worth it, etc etc etc. Let me share some quotes with you:

“A home is where a bad investment is” – San Francisco Examiner 1996. -> Average price of a home in San Francisco in 1996 was $250,000. Ten years later is was $750,000

“Financial planners agree that houses will continue to be a poor investment” – Kiplinger’s Personal Financial Magazine, 1993 -> Average home price around $190,00o

“If you are looking to buy, be careful. Rising home values are not a sure thing anymore” -Miami Herald 1985 -> Average home price around $120,000

“The goal of owning a home seems to be getting beyond the reach of more and more Americans”- Business Week 1969 -> Average home price around $ 25,000

“Houses cost too much for the mass market. Today’s average price is out of reach for two-thirds of all buyers” -Science Digest, 1948 -> Average home price around $ 7,000

Here it is, the history makes it clear: buying a home has always been expensive, first time home buyers have always been in a difficult spot, the first year is hard. However, rewards are there for those who take the challenge and go for home ownership.

Think of it, I don’t know how old you are, but the people who were starters in 1965, are retired by now, their home has become a nice nest egg…

Have a great weekend!

mirjamnew.jpg Mirjam

Aging in Sonoma County

By | Aging in Place, Retirement, Sonoma County info | No Comments

Since Sonoma County is one of the most beautiful places on earth to live (ask my hubby) people tend to stay around. I tend to think that people who live in a great environment live longer. Alas, when we get older, the home we live in might get to big and to much upkeep. The good news is that there are some great communities that cater to these needs.

Earlier this week, I had lunch at Merrill Gardens in Rohnert Park. A great retirement community that gives you the opportunity to get away from household chores and home maintenance. Entering the property, you immediately get a feeling of casual country living, of enjoying life. It’s on a beautiful location in Rohnert Park. There is a program every day with interesting things for everyone, go to the mall, do an art class etc.  Everyone gets his own email address and is encouraged to stay on touch with friends through email, they have computers to use for this in the country store/library. And, pets are allowed, that is, if they pass the initial interview. While Judy Goldman showed me around, I did see a few friendly dogs accompanying their owners.  The 1 bedroom apartments with a small kitchen have a great floor plan and they have some 2 bedroom apartment too. So you can cook in your apartment but you can also go to the restaurant for lunch or dinner. The food is great and there is have anytime dining.

Should you or one of your loved ones be thinking about moving into a retirement community, make sure to visit Merrill Gardens on Rohnert Park. Judy Goldman and Sandi Truesdell will be happy to show you around. Tell them I sent you!

Have a great day!

  mirjamnew.jpg Mirjam