About West Hills' Woodland Hills

Did you buy a home last year? Have you owned your home for a decade? Do you have an accurate idea of how much equity you really have in your home? If you were to sell today, do you know how much cash you’d have available moving forward?

Understanding the true equity you have in your home is a vital part of understanding your complete financial picture. You may have a vague idea of what you think your home is worth, but do you really know? And if you’re not sure, can you really be sure of your equity?

I often help clients get an accurate picture of their home equity through a three step process:

First, I use a comparative market analysis to establish a probable range of sale prices for your home. This takes into account recent closings as well as the unique features your home has to offer potential buyers.

Second, we look at your current loan and any other outstanding obligations which must be settled from the proceeds of the sale.

Third, I take into account any other fees or expenses incurred during the sales process which would impact the free equity in the home.

Whether the actual equity turns out to be $1,000 or $100,000, my clients find a certain peace of mind knowing exactly where they stand. The facts can help them plan for the future and make decisions about whether or not now is a good time to make any changes.

Are you curious about your home equity position? Contact me if you’d like to learn more: Esperanza@esperanzabutler.com

I think you’d probably agree that the worst investing advice in the world is: Buy high, sell low. That’s the very definition of losing money on an investment, right?

So let me ask you: Why would you wait for the housing market to improve before buying a house?

I understand there’s a lot of uncertainty out there. Job security is questionable, unemployment is high, and you’re not sure what it takes to get pre-approved for a home loan. It’s scary. But here’s the thing: Letting fear dictate your financial strategy for the future is a guaranteed way to pay too much for a house in the years to come.

Put fear aside for just a moment. Here are some facts:

- Interest rates are at or close to historic lows

- Prices for homes have plunged to the lowest levels we’ve seen in a generation

- Bank and government-owned property inventory is at an all-time high

- Rents are rising and rental inventory is shrinking (limited rental options!)

Shouldn’t you, rather than your landlord, be the one who benefits from owning a home? Right now is the “buy low” in the “buy low / sell high” cycle. Every day I help renters explore their purchasing power. You might be surprised just how qualified you are for home ownership.

If you’re curious simply reply to this email / drop me a line at Esperanza@EsperanzaButler.com and I’d be glad to have a no-obligation conversation about how you could own your own home.

Esperanza Butler

DRE. 01797405
Realtor, GRI, e-PRO, SFR
Rodeo Realty
21031 Ventura Blvd.#100
Woodland Hills, Ca. 91364
Cell: (818) 926-5425
Office: (818) 999-2030
Esperanza@EsperanzaButler.com
www.Esperanza4homes.com
www.Activerain.com/Esperanza
http://goo.gl/tQnbs
http://goo.gl/ky7BA

Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you.

I look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the opportunity to be your Realtor now or in the near future.
I am here for all your real estate needs.

I came across this interesting infographic in the Washington Post recently called “Anatomy of a Burglary,” which reveals some fascinating statistics about break-ins, including a few ways to protect your valuables and deter thieves.

Some interesting facts:

· Most burglaries occur between 10AM and 3PM.

· The typical house burglar is a male teenager who lives within a couple of miles of your home.

· Burglars spend on an average between 8 and 12 minutes inside your home.

Not only did the graphic detail the most common entry points for a burglar, but it also offered these helpful tips for protecting your home:

· A home with a security system is 3 times less likely to be broken into than a home without a security system. (Even if you don’t have one, buying the stickers for them can deter an amateur.)

· Consider alternatives to the master bedroom for hiding valuables. It’s the first place most burglars go.

· Burglars want to spend fewer than 60 seconds breaking in. Anything you can do to lengthen that time will increase the likelihood they’ll pass on your house.

· The appearance of an unoccupied home is what typically attracts burglars. Not bringing the garbage cans back up a few days after trash day can be a big sign you’re not around.

For a detailed look at the infographic, visit the Washington Post site here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/artsandliving/homeandgarden/features/2007/burglary-070507/graphic.html

Protect your home and your valuables! Common sense is often enough to keep you from becoming a victim. And remember: Keep an inventory of your possessions for insurance purposes.

Quality of your neighborhood got you nervous? Looking to move to a nicer zip code?

I’d be glad to help you find a safer home. Contact me! (818) 926-5425

Esperanza@Esperanzabutler.com

New guidelines for the real estate tax deduction

Beginning with the filing of your California tax return for 2012, you are required to file an itemized report on any real estate tax deductions you claim, as well as include the parcel number and amounts that can or cannot be deducted.

Deductions may be claimed for state, local and foreign real estate taxes based on the property’s assessed value, called ad valorem taxes. Charges on the tax bill unrelated to property taxes and local government maintenance of offsite improvements are not deductible.

Deductions may not be claimed for:

• amounts included in the tax bill for local benefits which increase the value of the parcel assessed;
• special assessments and fixed charges such as assessment district bond payments and zoning violation fees and penalties;
• itemized charges for services incurred in maintenance on the site of the parcel;
• transfer taxes or stamp taxes; and
• rent increases due to property tax increases.

Amounts billed with property taxes for benefits locally received are deductible if they are for the maintenance, repair or interest charges related to offsite improvements such as sidewalks, streets, water lines, sewer lines, irrigation and other similar improvements. This excludes local offsite improvements that increase the value of the property (and thus its assessed value).

To analyze your local county property tax bill, look up a sample tax bill for each county from the Franchise Tax Board’s (FTB’s) webpage, Understanding the Real Estate Tax Deduction.

Re: “California – Personal Income Tax: FTB Releases New Guidelines Concerning Real Estate Tax Deduction” from CCH

Copyright © 2011 by first tuesday Realty Publications, Inc. Readers are encouraged to reprint or distribute this information with credit given to the first tuesday Journal Online — P.O. Box 20069, Riverside, CA 92516.

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Esperanza Butler
Realtor, GRI, e-PRO, SFR
Rodeo Realty
21031 Ventura Blvd.#100
Woodland Hills, Ca. 91364
Cell: (818)-926-5425
Office: (818)-999-2030
Esperanza@EsperanzaButler.com
www.Esperanza4homes.com
www.Activerain.com/Esperanza
http://goo.gl/tQnbs

Home Buyer Beginnings

My West Hills home buyers guide contains useful information written exclusively for home buyers, designed to assist you make an informed decision about your home purchase. I'll use my West Hills real estate expert knowledge of the area to find you the perfect West Hills home, one that’s comfortable for your life style as well as your budget.

Home Seller Solutions

• West Hills Home Value
• West Hills Home Sellers Guide

If you are considering listing and selling your West Hills home, you’ve come to the right place! As a West Hills resident, I combine area knowledge with the latest internet home sales technology to market and get your home SOLD!

If you'd like to know the value of your West Hills home receive a no-obligation CMA delivered direct to your inbox. My "West Hills Home Sellers Guide" will provide everything you need to know about selling your home, quickly and for top dollar! Home Seller Curb appeal for your home, why it matters, how to get it and Sellers quick tips for the interior and exterior of your home.

My Website	For Sellers	For Buyers	Monthly Newsletter	Call me! eMail me!	Canoga Park-Winnetka	SF Valley
Face Book	Listing Book	West Hills	LA Gas Prices	Rentals	Housing Trends	You Tube

If you have questions about the real estate market in Woodland Hills, West Hills or in general about the San Fernando Valley please feel free to call. (818) 926-5425 I’ll be happy to talk with you.


Neighborhood Boundary Maps

West Hills	Woodland Hills	Calabasas	Hidden Hills	Canoga	Winnetka	Tarzana
Sherman Oaks	Studio City	Northridge	Chatsworth	Lake Balboa	Grandada Hills	Encino

Chart last updated 11/2/11

	October 2011	September 2011	October 2010
One Year Rate Differential	.16%	.24%	.72%

Data courtesy of Freddie Mac

A homebuyer’s maximum financial ability to purchase property depends entirely upon his down payment and the amount he qualifies to borrow from a lender. The amount a homebuyer can borrow is initially based on two factors:

• the buyer’s income, which generally changes annually at the rate of inflation; and
• current mortgage rates, which change constantly.

Lenders know that by one standard, homebuyers are less likely to default if they allocate no more than 31% of their monthly gross income to monthly mortgage payments. Accordingly, mortgage lenders now refuse to lend more money than the buyer can repay at that 31% gross income ratio amortized over 30 years based on a fixed rate of interest.

Read More first tuesday Analysis

Copyright © 2011 by first tuesday Realty Publications, Inc. Readers are encouraged to reprint or distribute this information with credit given to the first tuesday Journal Online — P.O. Box 20069, Riverside, CA 92516.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Esperanza Butler
Realtor, GRI, e-PRO, SFR
Rodeo Realty
21031 Ventura Blvd.#100
Woodland Hills, Ca. 91364
Cell: (818)-926-5425
Office: (818)-999-2030
Esperanza@EsperanzaButler.com
www.Esperanza4homes.com
www.Activerain.com/Esperanza
http://goo.gl/tQnbs

Home Buyer Beginnings

My West Hills home buyers guide contains useful information written exclusively for home buyers, designed to assist you make an informed decision about your home purchase. I'll use my West Hills real estate expert knowledge of the area to find you the perfect West Hills home, one that’s comfortable for your life style as well as your budget.

Home Seller Solutions

• West Hills Home Value
• West Hills Home Sellers Guide

If you are considering listing and selling your West Hills home, you’ve come to the right place! As a West Hills resident, I combine area knowledge with the latest internet home sales technology to market and get your home SOLD!

If you'd like to know the value of your West Hills home receive a no-obligation CMA delivered direct to your inbox. My "West Hills Home Sellers Guide" will provide everything you need to know about selling your home, quickly and for top dollar! Home Seller Curb appeal for your home, why it matters, how to get it and Sellers quick tips for the interior and exterior of your home.

My Website	For Sellers	For Buyers	Monthly Newsletter	Call me! eMail me!	Canoga Park-Winnetka	SF Valley
Face Book	Listing Book	West Hills	LA Gas Prices	Rentals	Housing Trends	You Tube

If you have questions about the real estate market in Woodland Hills, West Hills or in general about the San Fernando Valley please feel free to call. (818) 926-5425 I’ll be happy to talk with you.


Neighborhood Boundary Maps

West Hills	Woodland Hills	Calabasas	Hidden Hills	Canoga	Winnetka	Tarzana
Sherman Oaks	Studio City	Northridge	Chatsworth	Lake Balboa	Grandada Hills	Encino