Valencia, CA

*I'm worried that my interest only or adjustable rate mortgage will cause me to loose my home!

*I have been trying to do a loan modification on my own!

*My credit score is very important to me!

*Its very important to me to avoid Foreclosure!

*I want to understand the benefits of a short sale vs foreclosure!

If any of the above statements are your concerns, please call the 24 hour Foreclosure Avoidance Resource Helpline for FREE Recorded Information:

Call: 1-(800) 805-2409 Extension 2002

Have we Hit the Bottom?
By Joshua Suess

So, has the housing market finally bottomed out? This is a topic where everyone seems to have a different opinion. The media certainly doesn't help clarify the situation and tends to cause more confusion for home buyers and sellers. Let's take a look at the statistics to get an unbiased, factual point of view about our local Santa Clarita real estate market.

A buyers' market is one where there are more sellers than buyers, of course, but specifically it's when there are more than six months of inventory (homes) for sale in the Multiple Listing Service. With that said, here are how many months of inventory the following price ranges have here in Santa Clarita.

· $0 - $99,000 has 9.8 months of inventory (buyers' market)

· $100,000 - $199,999 has 4.9 months of inventory (sellers' market)

· $200,000 - $299,999 has 5.5 months of inventory (sellers' market)

· $300,000 - $399,999 has 4.2 months of inventory (sellers' market)

· $400,000- $499,999 has 4.4 months of inventory (sellers' market)

· $500,000 - $599,999 has 5.2 months of inventory (sellers' market)

· $600,000 - $699,999 has 8.5 months of inventory (buyers' market)

· $700,000 - $799,999 has 12.8 months of inventory (buyers' market)

· $800,000 - $899,999 has 17.7 months of inventory (buyers' market)

· $900,000 - $999,999 has 31 months of inventory (buyers' market)

· $1,000,000 - $1,499,999 has 28.7 months of inventory (buyers' market)

· $1,500,000 - $1,999,999 has 29 months of inventory (buyers' market)

· $2,000,000 and above has 12 months of inventory (buyers' market)

* Information obtained from Tempo MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Here's another great program that the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) launched. The C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program (C.A.R.H.A.F. MPP), for first-time home buyers.

Through the Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program, first-time home buyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs may be eligible to receive $1,500 per month, for six months, to help make their mortgage payments. A qualified co-buyer also can participate in the program, and receive a monthly benefit of $750 per month for up to six months. Program benefits also include coverage for accidental disability and a $10,000 death benefit.

C.A.R.'s Housing Affordability Fund is dedicating $1 million toward its Mortgage Protection Program, and estimates that as many as 3,000 families will benefit from the program this year.

To qualify for the Mortgage Protection Program, applicants must:

· Be a first-time home buyer - someone who has not owned a home in three

or more years

· Open escrow April 2, 2009, or later, and close on or before Dec. 31, 2009

· Use a California REALTOR® in the transaction

· Purchase the property in California

· Be a W-2 employee (cannot be self-employed)

To apply for the program, home buyers must request an application for the H.A.F. Mortgage Protection Program from Jennifer and Gary Ricco REALTORS®, or your Realtor.

My husband Gary and I have taken the time to learn about this current real estate market. We specialize in distressed properties whether your buying or selling, we are Certified Distressed Property Experts, CDPE. By dealing with agents who have earned the CDPE designation, you as a home buyer ensure that you are working with real estate professionals that are equipped to handle your specific needs.

As a first time home buyer, you have a window of opportunity to negotiate a price which could be up to 20% below Fair Market Value. Now is a great time to buy with the right long term strategy and obtain a great interest rate which are at an all time low. As a first time home buyer let us help you find the home of your dreams. To learn about the First time Home buyer Tax Credit go to Gary's blog: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1004242/Is-Now-The-right-Time-To-Buy-If-Your-A-First-Time-Homebuyer

You need a team of experienced professionals guiding you through the purchase of your dream home. We work the Santa Clarita Valley, the San Fernando Valley, Palmdale, and Ventura County. If you would to learn more about us and the services we provide go to www.RiccoSellsHomes.com or give us a call at 661.290.3837. If you would like to search the MLS and get daily updates on properties available in the Santa Clarita or San Fernando Valley go to: http://santaclaritavalleyhomesforsale.listingbook.com/

irst off - Town-homes in Valencia California? Yes we have those too. We have received a lot of calls regarding our Country-wide relocation site and I wish to thank our subscribers very much for that.

Condo/Town-home - differences? In Southern California, which is of course different from other parts of the world, carry the following "agent understood" descriptions he two.

1. Condo: Single Story - apartment style
2. Town-home: More than 1 level.

Dont' forget our Market Snapshot Resources - Real Estate Value from the Source - the Local Multiple Listing Service.