San Diego Housing Inventories dropped drastically is a post from: San Diego Real Estate-San Diego Homes | Riverside Real Estate-Riverside Homes

• As the housing market continues to struggle for stabilization, many homeowners are turning to strategic default.  Almost 11 million homes are now underwater, according to Corelogic.  Around 3.5 million homeowners are behind in their payments and another 1.5 million homes are already in the foreclosure process, according to RealtyTrac.
   
• Aside from the moral quandary of whether strategic default is the right decision, there also are other factors to consider.
• The borrowers’ credit scores will take a hit. According to FICO, someone with a 680 credit score would see their score decline anywhere between 85-100 points after a strategic default, and someone with a 780 credit score could lose 140-160 points.
• Borrowers who are considering strategically defaulting on a house should look at it as a last resort, not a first option.  Financial troubles could be eliminated by refinancing, especially if the Obama administration’s program is implemented.
• Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding foreclosures, which affect both the length of the process and what the borrower could be liable for in the end.

If you have equity in your home, we will sell your home and get top dollar in this challenging market, go to County Properties Marketing Homes.

Want to know what your home is worth?

If you do not have enough equity, and you must sell your property as a short sale we have the expertise to do so also and close escrow in 45-60 days or less. Learn more about mortgage relief options and how to take advantage of our FREE REALTOR (R)  CONSULTATION for loan modification and or selling .  or go to www.ShortSaleRealtors4U.com

More questions we can help you, at County Properties, 25 years of brokerage experience, trust and a Member of the local Better Business Bureau! Want to know what your home is worth? Click here for a free market evaluation !

By the way…if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service in real estate we provide, please call me or have them go to www.CountyProperties.net and I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.

Should homeowners turn to strategic default? is a post from: San Diego Real Estate-San Diego Homes | Riverside Real Estate-Riverside Homes

The economy added 243,000 jobs in January and the unemployment rate fell to 8.3%, its lowest level since February 2009.

The Labor Department said large gains in professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing jobs drove the gains, which came in well above most analysts’ estimates. The rate in December was 8.5%.

Analysts surveyed by Econoday expected 135,000 new jobs in January with a range of estimates between 110,000 and 189,000.

The unemployment rate is down from 9.1% in August. Private-sector employment rose by 257,000 jobs in January, while government jobs declined by 14,000, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said. For 2011, governments shed 276,000 jobs at the local and state level. 

Service industry jobs continued to climb in January with most of the 44,000 new leisure and hospitality jobs in food and drinking places. The Labor Department said food services added 487,000 jobs since a low in February 2010.

Retail sector employment also rose last month as department stores added 19,000 jobs, health stores added 7,000 and car dealers added 7,000, according to the BLS.

Jobs for nonresidential specialty construction increased by 30,000 the past two months, helping the construction industry add another 21,000 jobs last month on top of a December gain of 31,000.

The federal agency revised gains in nonfarm payrolls for November up to 157,000 from a prior reading of 100,000. The Labor Department slightly increased the December figure to 203,000 from 200,000.

The number of unemployed Americans fell to 12.8 million in January from 13.1 million the prior month, with the long-term unemployed, or those without jobs for 27 weeks or more, flat at 5.5 million, or nearly 43% of the unemployed.

The unemployment rate hit 9.8% in November 2010 and hovered around 9% for most of 2011 before decling the last few months.

Unemployment rate falls is a post from: San Diego Real Estate-San Diego Homes | Riverside Real Estate-Riverside Homes

February 3 Fun Friday Nites Parents can have a “date night” while children enjoy a night of games, crafts, pizza and movies with friends at the San Elijo Recreation Center. Program is supervised by trained recreation leaders. For ages: 4-12 years. Cost: $20/child; $5 sibling discount. Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Location: San Elijo Recreation Center, 1105 Elfin Forest Rd, San Marcos For more information visit http://www.san-marcos.net/index.aspx?page=563

February 4 El Cajon Ford Youth Fishing Derby   Poway’s annual Youth Fishing Derby for ages 15 and under. Fishing begins shortly after 6:00 am and continues until noon, followed by a free barbecue lunch. The awards ceremony and raffle drawing will begin at approximately 1:00 pm. Prizes will be awarded to age division winners, raffle ticket winners, and to the kid with the best fishing story. Time: 6:00 am – 2:00 pm Location: Lake Poway, 14644 Lake Poway Rd, Poway For more information visit http://www.poway.org/Index.aspx?page=14&recordid=7508

February 9 – 19 22nd Annual San Diego Jewish Film Festival The San Diego Jewish Film Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious Jewish Film Festivals in North America. Annual presentation of American and international feature films, including documentaries and short subjects that explore the Jewish experience.   Time: Refer to website for schedule Location: Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center/ Jacobs Family Campus, 4126 Executive Dr, La Jolla For more information visit http://www.sdcjc.org/

February 11 Mermaid San Diego 5K, 10K & Half Marathon This event is an all women’s 5K and 10K run/walk & half-marathon that travels along the shoreline of East Mission Bay and on the roadway around Fiesta Island. See website for admission fees. Time: 7:00 am – 12:00 pm Location: South Tecolote Shores, Mission Bay For more information visit www.mermaidseries.com

February 11, For the Love of Chocolate & SweetArt Festival 3rd Annual “For the Love of Chocolate” festival will take place in Downtown Escondido. Sample locally brewed beer and wines, paired with San Diego’s finest chocolatiers. Cost: $20 per person; includes 10 beer or wine and chocolate pairings. Admission to Sweet Street is free. Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Location: Downtown Escondido, Grand Avenue For more information visit http://www.downtownescondido.com/chocolate.html

February 12 Coronado Valentine’s Day 10K The flat and fast course is perfect for the casual runner or couple who are looking for a fun event or for the serious racer who is looking for the perfect course for a 10K PR. See website for registration fees & contact information. Time: 8:00 AM Location: Tidelands Park, Coronado For more information visit http://www.coronado10k.com/

February 12 San Dieguito Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk USAT&F certified course, sanctioned event. Beautiful, scenic course through Rancho Santa Fe: starts and ends at San Dieguito County Park. Long sleeve t-shirts to all participants. Medals to all Half Marathon & 5K finishers. Post-race merchandise drawings and refreshments. Time: 8:00 am Location: San Dieguito County Park, Rancho Santa Fe For more information visit www.kathyloperevents.com/sandieguitohalf/

February 18 K9 Cancer Cure Walk – San Diego Help to find a cure for Canine cancer. There is a 1 mile walk, vendors, guest speakers, and gift bags. All the proceeds benefit the Morris Animal Foundation.   Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Location: Walnut Grove Park, 1950 Sycamore Drive, San Marcos For more information visit http://www.curecaninecancer.org/about.html

February 18 Polar Plunge Totally insane individuals plunge into the ocean to raise money for Special Olympics.This event is sponsored by the Special Olympics Southern California. Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Location: Oceanside Pier Amphitheater, Oceanside For more information visit www.ci.oceanside.ca.us

February 18 9th Annual Little Italy Carnevale Venetian masquerade event in Little Italy mirrors the one held in Venice, Italy, as the celebration before Lent. People will be dressed in traditional Venetian Carnevale attire and entertainment includes music, stilt-walkers, jugglers, and more. Free admission. Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Location: Little Italy, Downtown San Diego, India Street between Hawthorn & Cedar Streets For more information visit www.littleitalysd.com

February 21 Mardi Gras 2012 Gaslamp Quarter An adult only (age 21+) Mardi Gras. Masked revelry in the streets. Entertainment on multiple stages, masquerade parade at 9:30 pm, International DJ talent, themed areas, and beads–beads–beads! See website for details and locations. Time: 5:30 pm – Midnight Location: Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown San Diego For more information visit http://www.gaslamplocal.com/menu/165/Events.html

February 21 Hillcrest Mardi Gras Mardi Gras for adults only (age 21+). Dress up in colorful attire and lots of beads, and party down. Dance in the streets, mingle, drink beer and enjoy games, rides, and a laser light show. Time: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm Location: Hillcrest, University Ave (between 1st & 4th Aves), 3rd Ave (between Washington & Robinson Sts) For more information visit www.fabuloushillcrest.com

February 24 – 26 Silver Bay Kennel Club Dog Show The Silver Bay Kennel Club dog show is one of the largest in the United States. Open to the general public. Free admission. Please, no pets. Only dogs participating in the show are allowed. Time: Fri: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sat: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Sun: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar For more information visit www.delmarfairgrounds.com

February 24 – 26 Heritage Weekend Festival and Parade The Heritage Day Festival and Parade is a grassroots community affair with many free activities for the entire family to enjoy. The parade features two-minute presentations from over 60 parade entrants. Time: Festival & Parade: Sat 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Location: Abraham Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave, San Diego For more information visit www.heritagedayparade.org

February 25 9th Annual Guacamole Bowl Cook-Off Contest Guacamole lovers, feast your mouths on this!! Well, it’s not exactly a cook-off, but more of a whip-up. Teams will come together and use their own guacamole recipes that will be entered into a contest for the best tasting concoction. Come hungry and vote for your favorite! Admission $5.00 – includes a bag of chips and a vote of your choice. Benefits “Sports for Exceptional Athletes.” Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Location: Balboa Park, 2150 Pan American Rd West, San Diego For more information visit www.guacamolebowl.com

February 26 San Diego 2012 Muscle Walk Muscular Dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases in which the muscles that control movement progressively weaken. Participants who join this 5K event are encouraged to obtain pledges or donations to raise funds for services through the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Admission: Participant pledge/donation.   Route: Crown Point Shores > boardwalk > Ingraham Street Bridge >Riveria Dr. > Crown Point Shores. Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm Location: Crown Point, Mission Bay, 3600 Corona Oriente Rd, San Diego For more information visit walk.mda.org

Fun things to do in Feb. 2012 San Diego CA is a post from: San Diego Real Estate-San Diego Homes | Riverside Real Estate-Riverside Homes

Golf Champ Phil Mickelson Relists Rancho Santa Fe 

After slashing nearly $4M off the 2008 asking price, Phil Mickelson is once again looking for a buyer for his one-of-a-kind, Tuscan-style villa. The home, designed with unparalleled attention to detail, features soaring ceilings, imported marble and hand distressed walnut flooring. It also offers some of the most stunning, unobstructed sunset views in the San Diego area. Other amenities include a trophy room, gym, putting green, horseshoe pit, pool and hot tub– perfect for soaking after a long day on the links. 

Golf Champ Phil Mickelson Rancho Santa Fe Home for Sale is a post from: San Diego Real Estate-San Diego Homes | Riverside Real Estate-Riverside Homes

HomePath Mortgage allows a borrower to purchase a Fannie Mae-owned property with a low down payment, flexible mortgage terms, no lender-requested appraisal and no mortgage insurance. Expanded seller contributions to closing costs are allowed.

Benefits to You, the Borrower

• Low down payment and flexible mortgage terms (fixed–rate, adjustable rate, or interest–only).
• Down payment (at least 3 percent) can be funded by the borrower’s own savings; a gift; a grant; or a loan from a nonprofit organization, state or local government, or employer.
• No lender-requested appraisal.
• No mortgage insurance; ask your lender for cost details on loans without mortgage insurance.
• Expanded seller contributions for closing costs allowed.
• Available for primary residences, second homes and investment properties.
• Many condo project requirements are waived; ask your lender for details

HomePath properties offer buyers a wide selection of options, including single-family homes, condominiums, and town houses. HomePath properties may also be eligible for HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage financing, which offers homebuyers an opportunity to purchase with as little as 3 percent down. Click here to find out additional information or to get your loan started using (Homepath approved lender) to finance your next purchase.

See properties below! Call 619 540-5811 today for a complete list

or Click Pro-Search HomePath & Reo Properties!

Self Search List of Fannie Mae foreclosures below or Contact us TODAY

HomePath 3% Down payment on Fannie Mae Owned homes & updated Sneak Preview is a post from: San Diego Real Estate-San Diego Homes | Riverside Real Estate-Riverside Homes

Former 49er Looking to sell his Wine Country Estate.
NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana recently relisted his Calistoga getaway and this time, he’s giving buyers a special treat by slashing $14M off the asking price. The 500 acre estate is nestled in California’s wine country and features an olive farm, full bocce ball court, basketball court, equestrian stable, an exquisite pool and spa, and breathtaking mountain views. The home also includes a private pond, shooting range and guest house.

10500 Franz Valley Road, Calistoga CA

Price:	$35,000,000
Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	3½
Property type:	Single-Family Home
Size:	9,700 sqft
Lot:	21,780,000 sqft
Price/sqft:	$3,608/sqft
Year built:	2003
MLS/ID:	21121133
Zip:	94515
Listed by:	Pacific Union International, Inc.

County Properties, 25 years of brokerage experience, trust and a Member of the local Better Business Bureau! We offer free counseling in real estate regarding; home values and information on options of selling vs. Foreclosure.

Click here to get loan informationbefore the rates go up. To get started on viewing homes, condos, investment properties, pre-foreclosures, bank owned foreclosures (REO’s) or thinking of selling your property, please contact me today for free counseling at (619) 540-5811.

New Pro-Property Search. We will setup a customized search for you by our professional REALTOR® Team. Sit back relax and shop at home! We will make changes to your Pro-Property Search any time you like, just let us know. Have fun!

By the way…if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service in real estate we provide, please call me or have them go to www.CountyProperties.net/ and I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.

Joe Montana selling his estate home is a post from: San Diego Real Estate-San Diego Homes | Riverside Real Estate-Riverside Homes

New changes for Gov’t HAMP principal reductions on existing home loans is a post from: San Diego Real Estate-San Diego Homes | Riverside Real Estate-Riverside Homes

1. Genius Scan
What it does: Puts a document scanner in your pocket. Enables you to use your phone’s camera to take a picture of a document, then email it to anyone in PDF or JPEG format.

Why it’s useful: Many real estate agents now use digital document signature software which allow you to sign with a click and, more importantly, without faxing documents back and forth. But some don’t – and some mortgage lenders will simply not accept anything but a copy or scan of your ‘wet ink’ signature.

Throughout your transaction, you might find yourself needing to scan and email your contract documents with your original signature, a copy of your deposit check, new payroll check stubs as you receive them, your driver’s license, a gift letter from your Auntie Grace or any of a number of other documents you’ll need to get to your agent or mortgage pro across town – or across the country. Having the ability to scan documents and checks and email them right from your phone can save you a lot of time and hassle – not to mention gas and cash.

Works with: iOS
Price: Free
Android Alternative: Document Scanner (Free 7-day trial/$3.98 for full version.)

2. Dictionary of Real Estate Terms
What it does: Translates the vast universe of real estate jargon and acronyms into plain English, putting a decoder at your fingertips for easy reference any time you need it during your house hunt or transaction. The Dictionary includes over 3,000 real estate terms, charts and graphs. You can save your searches and email terms to others. Your phone does not have to be connected to the Internet to use the Dictionary, which can be useful if you need to look up a term on an inspection or appraisal report while you’re in a home or office where you don’t have a great connection.

Why it’s useful:  I can guarantee few things in life, but one thing I do feel comfortable assuring you is that home buying will expose you to terms you have never heard before. You need to know what the terms used in your inspection, disclosure, contract and loan documents mean, and sometimes looking them up is the best way to do that.

Works with: iOS and Android
Price: $1.99 (iOS) and 99 cents (Android)

3. House Hunter
What it does: Helps you organize your house-hunting notes and priorities so you can more easily remember and compare the homes you’ve seen. The app also helps you evaluate the homes you’ve seen by providing a scorecard that weighs features against what you’ve identified as requirements and priorities. It includes a mortgage calculator, photo storage, and a feature that allows you to share your notes with your agent, among other bells and whistles.

Why it’s useful: After you see about five houses, they can all blend together. This app helps you keep it all straight, while also keeping you mindful of what your original priorities were and how the homes you see measure up against them.

Works with: iOS
Price: $3.99

4. SpringPad
What it does: Helps you keep track of any and every thing you want to remember in a digital notebook you can access from anywhere, on any device. You can:

• scan barcodes of home furnishings, appliances and other items you want to buy after you move;
• save ideas, property addresses, online clippings from design and news sites, photos from decor mags and to do lists from your mortgage broker;
• categorize all these things – and more – by house hunt, mortgage and escrow, moving, and decorating; and
• set reminders, share your notes with your agent or even get an email alert when the duvet you want goes on sale.

All without a single scrap of paper!

Why it’s useful: Empowers you to organize the hundreds of elements of your home buying adventure into a single spot and access it wherever you are – without carrying a bulky, messy binder or folder around.

Works with: iOS and Android
Price: Free

5 good real estate phone apps is a post from: San Diego Real Estate-San Diego Homes | Riverside Real Estate-Riverside Homes

Have you checked your furnace filter, insulation lately?

10+ home winterization musts is a post from: San Diego Real Estate-San Diego Homes | Riverside Real Estate-Riverside Homes