Honey, Can We Lower Our Property Taxes?
Monday, September 15th was the deadline to appeal your property taxes. There was a flood of coverage about the deadline and my wonderful, loving husband asked me, "Honey, can we apply to reduce our property taxes?" Being the patient and loving wife that I am, I ignored the fact that he has asked me this question 3 times! It's okay, I know that many people are discussing this and if my husband, spouse to a Realtor, insists upon asking several times, maybe I should explain for everyone's ben…
Read more...Sign of the Times
I often answer questions that consumers post about Real Estate on Trulia's Q & A. Tonight, one came across my computer that is a real indication of where we are at today in our real estate and financial markets: What if the bank that owns the foreclosed home I want to buy, goes bankrupt b…
Read more...Mortgage Market Week in Review
Donna Pacchini, of Pan American Mortgage has generously shared her knowledge and insights with us once again. Thank you Donna! First Fannie and Freddie: As EVERYONE knows by now, Fannie and Freddie were taken over by the Federal Government last Sunday. What does that mean? A couple of things that have become clear so far: 1) The fact that US government is now not only implicitly backing Fannie and Freddie’s debt but explicitly (putting your money where their mouth is) h…
Read more...I Remember
I wanted to post something, a tribute for those who were lost September 11th. I've looked at some moving videos and tributes, beautiful things people have taken the time to put together. But I can't bring myself to post them because I know that every time a family member has to see it, they watch the moment that someone they loved died. I can't bring myself to repost it. So instead, I hope it's enough to say, I remember. I remember and I'm so sorry for your loss, for our loss. But, I…
Read more...Maybe Atlas Isn’t Shrugging Just Yet….
A few years ago I read Ayn Rand's 'Atlas Shrugged'. It had a powerful impact on me. I read - a lot - but it is the rare book that years later, I still think about. 'Atlas Shrugged' is one of those books. Part of the premise of the storyline is the forced redistribution of wealth from the leaders and entrepreneurs that fuel the economy by way of higher taxes and union demands. And, as the title suggests, 'Atlas' shrugs. Those major contributors to the economy become sick of carry…
Read more...Why Orange County’s Median Price May Fall Under $400,000
It's a long way to fall I know. From our '07 high - well over $600,000 - to our median home price as of July '08 at $460,000 (according to DataQuick). As tough as that is to swallow, we may still have a ways to go. Here's a picture of the Southern California Real Estate market and the prove…
Read more...Fannie and Freddie Bailout Official
This week's important news about the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bailout requires some lender expertise and further explanation. Donna Pacchini, of Pan American Mortgage, has been kind enough to share some of her insights with OC Real Estate Voice readers. Well, it happened. In case you haven’t heard the news, Fannie and Freddie were bailed out by the Federal Government over the weekend. I’m not going to go over all of the details but just try to hit some “high points.” …
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Linsey Planeta
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