Join the community of Santa Clarita on Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 1pm - 5pm for the 21st annual Taste of the Town - Santa Clarita's Premiere food & wine tasting event for a day of dining, wining, dancing and fun at the 2009 Taste of the Town!
Over thirty of Santa Clarita's finest restaurants, caterers, wine vendors and micro-brewers will serve up their culinary masterpieces to hundreds of guests. Plus there will be live entertainment by Platinum recording artists Mark LeVang & Friends and a silent auction to help raise funds for the Child & Family Center.
It is important to remember the many children and families who are helped every day by the Child & Family Center's mental health services. Taste of the Town provides much needed funds to continue helping kids with emotional and behavioral problems.
Participating restaurants to date include Babe's Dessert Bar, BJ's Restaurant, Bristol Farms, Castaic Lake Water Agency, Cavi Cucina Italia, Clarice's Cake & Candy Supplies, Frankies NY Italian Restaurant, Freshers, Indian Wells Brewing Co., Jill's Cake Creations, Maru, New Moon, The Paseo Club, Rattler's Bar-B-Que, Roast House, RSVP the Catering Company, Salt Creek Grille Catering, Sisley Italian Kitchen, Stonefire Grill, Tandoori Grill, Trader Joe's, Tropical Smoothie Café, Vines, Vino 100, Vintner's Cellar, Vivoli Café & Trattoria, Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co.
Don't miss the chance to taste all the exceptional restaurants located here in Santa Clarita while supporting the Child & Family Center a very worth while cause!
Click here The Child & Family Center Website for further information on the center.
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/
As a member of the Southland Regional Association of Realtors I am always looking for ways to educate potential home buyers on the latest programs. Here is Grant to help first time home buyers that serves our local communities. This grant currently provides a home ownership grant to low and moderate-income individuals and families who purchase a home in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valley. The amount of the grant will be $4,000. Here is how the Grant works:
The funds are paid after the close of escrow and there are no repayment requirements.
The Southland Association of Realtors staff will administer the applications.
The grants will be awarded to the most deserving candidates.
Each candidate would receive $2,000 from the SRAR Foundation, and a further $2,000 from the
C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund.
NOTE: THERE IS A LIMITED NUMBER OF GRANTS. GRANTS WILL BE AWARDED TO
QUALIFIED APPLICANTS BASED ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND ACCORDING TO
INDIVIDUAL APPLICANT NEED. BUYERS NEED TO BE AWARE THAT THERE IS NO
GUARANTEE THAT AN APPLICATION WILL RESULT IN A GRANT.
Here are the requirements to qualify:
1. You must be a first time home buyer.
2. Your combined family income level must be at $120,000 or less per year.
3. You must attend the Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services class.
4. The home must be located in the San Fernando or Santa Clarita Valley.
5. Buyer's REALTOR must be a full Southland Association of Realtors member.
6. Must receive additional assistance programs.
To receive the funds you will need:
1. A photocopy of your ID (BUYER).
2. A copy of your final closing statement. You will receive this from the Escrow Company a few days
after your transaction.
3. Page 8 of the contract showing buyer's agent.
4. Your class certification.
5. Details of loan programs AND assistance programs that you attained. Please include loan addendum
that indicates low or moderate income program funding.
6. First Time Home Buyers verification (Lender/CPA/W2's etc.).
Once you have assembled this information, it must be submitted to:
It may take a month or longer to receive the funds after all the paperwork has been submitted.
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, home buyers ensure that they are working with real estate professionals that are equipped to handle their specific needs.
You as a first time home buyer 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 purchase of your dream home. We work both the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley's. If you would to learn more about us and the services we provide go to www.RiccoSellsHomes.com. 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/
Here is the latest scam that is going on which was brought to our attention by our clients as well as at our recent Keller Williams Office meeting. Private companies are trying to take advantage of homeowners who are upside down on their property values. Homeowners have been receiving a notice in the mail stating that they need to pay anywhere between $100-$200 to apply for a property tax reduction. The letter also goes on to say that there is an imposed timeline in which you have to file with their company before They charge a late fee. There are various companies that are crawling out of the woodwork to scam homeowners into thinking they must respond to these letters. I am here to get the word out to you . There are no fees associated with applying for a property tax reduction through the County Assessors office Period!! only a government agency can issue such notices, it is a violation of California laws. If you or someone you know receives an illegal solicitation, please contact the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs by phone at (800) 973-3370 or visit their website.
Another issue that our clients are concerned with is seeing a 2% tax increase in their property taxes in this declining market. You may ask yourself but how can my taxes increase when property values are decreasing? Here's how it works. Unless you own a single family home or condo that you bought after July 1, 2004, the value of your property as shown on the property tax bill probably went up by 2% from last year. You might wonder how is this possible when real estate values are dropping. The answer is in the way property is valued under Proposition 13. Generally speaking, the assessed value of your property under Proposition 13 is established when you either buy or build the property. This is called the "base year value". This base year value can only increase by 2% each year, even if the market value of the property increases at a significantly higher rate. In a rapidly increasing real estate market, like we experienced in the early 2000's, the difference between the assessed value of your property and the actual market value can be substantial. For example, If you purchased your home in 2000 for $240,000, the base year value is $240,000. By 2004, the actual market value of your property had increased to $420,000 but the assessed value, limited by 2% annual increases, had only increased to $259,782. In 2005, the market value of your property began to drop. Even though the drop was significant, all the way down to $320,000 by 2008, it was still more than the 2008 assessed value of $281,194. If at some point in the future, the market value of your property drops below the assessed value, the 2% will not be applied and the actual market value of your property will be the assessed value for that year.
Santa Clarita Short Sales & Bank Owned Properties. As your Santa Clarita Real Estate Specialist I am here to provide you with the most current short sale and bank owned property statistics in the Santa Clarita. As of today's date February 3, 2009 here is the current average list price and days on market for Stevenson Ranch, Valencia, Saugus, Newhall, Canyon Country, and Castaic.
ACTIVE BANK OWNED LISTINGS IN STEVENSON RANCH FEBRUAURY 3, 2009:
There are 6 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $549,850 Days on Market: 75
From 1/10/2000 - 02/03/2009 there were 3 homes sold, the average sale price was $575,666 days on market 48.
The bank owned homes sold $25,816 above the average list price.
There are 8 homes in back up or pending status.
ACTIVE SHORT SALE LISTINGS IN STEVENSON RANCH FEBRUARY 3, 2009:
There are 21 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $537,185 Days on Market: 98
From 1/10/2009 - 02/03/2009 there were 2 homes sold, the average sale price was $438,500 day on market 27.
The short sale homes sold for $98,685 below the average list price.
There are 14 homes in back up or pending status.
Short sale homes in Stevenson Ranch are listed for and selling for less then the bank owned homes.
ACTIVE BANK OWNED LISTINGS IN STEVENSON RANCH JANUARY 10, 2009:
There are 10 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $535,800 Days on Market: 32
From 12/13/2008 - 01/10/2009 there were 5 homes sold, the average sale price was $549,780 days on market 33.
The bank owned homes sold $13,980 above the average list price.
There are 6 homes in back up or pending status.
ACTIVE SHORT SALE LISTINGS IN STEVENSON RANCH JANUARY 10, 2009:
There are 26 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $537,987 Days on Market: 93
From 12/13/2008 - 01/10/2009 there were 2 homes sold, the average sale price was $490,500 day on market 27.
The short sale homes sold for $47,487 below the average list price.
There are 8 homes in back up or pending status.
Short sale homes in Stevenson Ranch are listed for and selling for less then the bank owned homes.
ACTIVE BANK OWNED LISTINGS IN VALENCIA FEBRUARY 3, 2009:
There are 18 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $492,100 Days on Market: 43
From 1/10/2009 - 02/03/2009 there were 6 homes sold, the average sale price was $456,491 days on market 35.
The bank owned homes sold for $35,609 below the average list price.
There are 30 homes in back up or pending status.
ACTIVE SHORT SALE LISTINGS IN VALENCIA FEBRUARY 3, 2009:
There are 81 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $461,054 Days on Market: 119
From 1/10/2000 - 02/03/2009 there were 3 homes sold, the average sale price was $396,666 days on market 121.
The short sale homes sold for $64,388 below the average list price.
There are 42 properties in back up or pending status.
Short sale homes in Valencia are listed for and selling for less then bank owned homes.
ACTIVE BANK OWNED LISTINGS IN VALENCIA JANUARY 10, 2009:
There are 10 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $532,800 Days on Market: 32
From 12/13/2009 - 01/10/2009 there were 13 homes sold, the average sale price was $442,730 days on market 34.
The bank owned homes sold for $90,070 below the average list price.
There are 6 homes in back up or pending status.
ACTIVE SHORT SALE LISTINGS IN VALENCIA JANUARY 10, 2009:
There are 85 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $457,265 Days on Market: 119
From 12/13/2008 - 01/10/2009 there were 9 homes sold, the average sale price was $391,266 days on market 194.
The short sale homes sold for $65,999 below the average list price.
There are 36 properties in back up or pending status.
Short sale homes in Valencia are listed for and selling for less then bank owned homes.
ACTIVE BANK OWNED LISTINGS IN SAUGUS FEBRUARY 03, 2009:
There are 20 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $371,271 Days on Market: 60
From 1/03/2009 - 02/03/2009 there were 10 homes sold, the average sale price was $412,818 day on market 30.
The bank owned homes sold for $41,547 above the average list price.
There are 26 homes in back up or pending status.
Bank owned homes in Saugus are listed for and selling for less then short sale homes.
ACTIVE SHORT SALE LISTINGS IN SAUGUS FEBRUARY 03, 2009:
There are 63 single family homes sale.
Average List Price $453,837 Days on Market: 115
From 1/10/2009 - 02/03/2009 there were 1 homes sold, the average sale price was $495,000 days on market 36.
The short sale homes sold for $41,163 above the average list price.
There are 32 homes in back up or pending status.
ACTIVE BANK OWNED LISTINGS IN SAUGUS JANUARY 10, 2009:
There are 20 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $378,530 Days on Market: 56
From 12/13/2008 - 01/10/2009 there were 14 homes sold, the average sale price was $420,155 day on market 43.
The bank owned homes sold for $31,147 above the average list price.
There are 25 homes in back up or pending status.
Bank owned homes in Saugus are listed for and selling for less then short sale homes.
ACTIVE SHORT SALE LISTINGS IN SAUGUS JANUARY 10, 2009:
There are 66 single family homes sale.
Average List Price $456,980 Days on Market: 115
From 12/13/2008 - 01/10/2009 there were 6 homes sold, the average sale price was $425,833 days on market 204.
The short sale homes sold for $31,147 below the average list price.
There are 25 homes in back up or pending status.
ACTIVE BANK OWNED LISTINGS IN NEWHALL FEBRUARY 3, 2009:
There are 10 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $326,490 Days on Market: 52
From 1/10/2009 - 02/03/2009 there were 4 homes sold, the average sale price was $338,506 days on market 37.
The bank owned homes sold for $12,016 above the average list price.
There are 17 homes in back up or pending status.
ACTIVE SHORT SALE LISTINGS IN NEWHALL FEBRUARY 3, 2009:
There are 36 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $404,631 Days on Market: 145
From 1/10/2009 - 02/03/2009 there were 1 homes sold, the average sale price was $330,000 day on market 204.
The short sale homes sold for $74,631 below the average list price.
There are 12 homes in back up or pending status.
Short sale homes in Newhall are selling for less then bank owned homes.
ACTIVE BANK OWNED LISTINGS IN NEWHALL JANUARY 10, 2009:
There are 14 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $360,189 Days on Market: 55
From 12/13/2008 - 01/10/2009 there were 4 homes sold, the average sale price was $330,700 days on market 34.
The bank owned homes sold for $29,489 below the average list price.
There are 15 homes in back up or pending status.
ACTIVE SHORT SALE LISTINGS IN NEWHALL JANUARY 10, 2009:
There are 33 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $418,599 Days on Market: 156
From 12/13/2008 - 01/10/2009 there were 2 homes sold, the average sale price was $319,000 day on market 278.
The short sale homes sold for $99,599 below the average list price.
There are 13 homes in back up or pending status.
Short sale homes in Newhall are listed for and selling for less then bank owned homes.
ACTIVE BANK OWNED LISTINGS IN CANYON COUNTRY FEBRUARY 3, 2009:
There are 32 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $327,498 Days on Market: 43
From 1/10/2009 - 02/03/2009 there were 26 homes sold, the average sale price was $322,226 days on market 30.
The bank owned homes have sold for $5,272 below the average list price.
There are 58 homes in back up or pending status.
Bank owned homes in Canyon Country are listed for and selling for less the short sale homes.
ACTIVE SHORT SALE LISTINGS IN CANYON COUNTRY FEBRUARY 3, 2009:
There are 117 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $374,665 Days on Market: 119
From 1/10/2009 - 02/03/2009 there were 5 home sold, the average sale price was $438,000 days on market 195.
The short sale homes have sold for $63,335 above the average list price.
There are 40 homes in back up or pending status.
ACTIVE BANK OWNED LISTINGS IN CANYON COUNTRY JANUARY 10, 2009:
There are 39 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $343,562 Days on Market: 35
From 12/13/2008 - 01/10/2009 there were 33 homes sold, the average sale price was $340,813 days on market 27.
The bank owned homes have sold for $2,749 below the average list price.
There are 59 homes in back up or pending status.
Bank owned homes in Canyon Country are listed for and selling for less the short sale homes.
ACTIVE SHORT SALE LISTINGS IN CANYON COUNTRY JANUARY 10, 2009:
There are 117 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $388,882 Days on Market: 121
From 12/13/2008 - 01/10/2009 there were 6 home sold, the average sale price was $463,583 days on market 198.
The short sale homes have sold for $74,701 above the average list price.
There are 40 homes in back up or pending status.
ACTIVE BANK OWNED LISTINGS IN CASTAIC FEBRUARY 3, 2009:
Currently there are 14 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $496,221 Days on Market: 61
From 1/10/2009 - 02/03/2009 there were 6 homes sold, the average sale price was $432,500 days on market 33
Bank owned homes sold for $63,721 below the average list price.
There are 14 properties in back up or pending status.
ACTIVE SHORT SALE LISTINGS IN CASTAIC FEBRUARY 3, 2009:
Currently there are 44 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $392,324 Days on Market: 137
From 1/10/2009 - 02/03/2009 there were 4 homes sold, the average sale price was $407,500 days on market 71
The short sale homes sold for $15,176 above the list price.
19 properties are in back up status or pending.
Short sale homes in Castaic are listed for and selling for less then the bank owned homes.
ACTIVE BANK OWNED LISTINGS IN CASTAIC JANUARY 10, 2009:
Currently there are 15 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $509,136 Days on Market: 36
From 12/13/2008 - 01/10/2009 there were 6 homes sold, the average sale price was $344,416 days on market 47
Bank owned homes sold for $164,720 below the average list price.
There are 11 properties in back up or pending status.
Bank owned homes in Castaic are listed for and selling for less the short sale homes.
ACTIVE SHORT SALE LISTINGS IN CASTAIC JANUARY 10, 2009:
Currently there are 44 single family homes sale.
Average List Price: $380,289 Days on Market: 141
From 12/13/2008 - 01/10/2009 there were 3 homes sold, the average sale price was $384,966 days on market 136
The short sale homes sold for $4677.00 above the list price.
21 properties are in back up status or pending.
With the constantly changing market we are in my goal is to keep you up to date with the most current statistics in the Santa Clarita Area. As potential buyers these numbers help you to understand what the price ranges are for bank owned and short sale properties. There is a big misconception when it comes to bank owned properties. Many are led to believe that these homes are the better deal in today's market. A home goes back to the lender after the foreclosure process is completed. There are many reasons for this. Unfortunately the main reason is most people are paralyzed with fear and don't know who to turn to.
If you look closely at the statistics the areas where the REO's (bank Owned) are listed higher then the short sales they are generally newer developments within Santa Clarita, Stevenson Ranch, Valencia. A short sale listing that was unsuccessfully negotiatied by the listing agent will then go through the foreclosure process. That property then become an REO (bank Owned). The bank is empowered to set a higher market value in an attempt to reduce their losses. The period of time between the first missed payment and the final bank sale is called the pre-foreclosure phase. In this period a buyer has a window of opportunity to negotiate a price which could be up to 20% below Fair Market Value. The above mentioned areas as you see statistically the short sales are the better value to negotiate and purchase. You as a buyer need an agent who truely understands this market and can help you get your desired home whether it be a bank owned or short sale listing. With so much information and misinformation you need an agent that is not an average agent to guide you through these investment opportunities.
My husband and I just obtained our Certified Distressed Property Expert designation CDPE. We are experts in distressed properties. By dealing with an agent who has earned the CDPE designation, homeowners ensure that they are working with a real estate professional that is equipped to handle their specific needs.
This real estate market has caused unbearable stress and heartache. As Certified Distressed Property Experts we will give our clients the expertise necessary to save their credit, relieve the uncertainty, and most of all help their families. We feel that education is key in this market with so much misinformation and foreclosure scams out there, we sought out this education to ensure we could properly help families get on the path to recovery.
Many of you have heard these terms on the news lately or see these type of homes in your communities. Would like to know what these terms mean or understand how the short sale process works? Go to: http://www.santaclaritavalleyhomesonline.com/shortsale.htm.
If you or someone you know are in a difficult situation with your property consider us. Homeowners who are in the pre-foreclosure process need to speak with an educated agent as quickly as possible. For many homeowners foreclosure is not the only option however most do not get the opportunity to explore solutions.We are Santa Clarita's Certified Short Sale Experts and would like opportunity to sit down with you and give you a free, no obligation, consultation on this process.
Do you know of anyone who is thinking about moving to the Santa Clarita Valley? Let me show them this beautiful community among others here in the Southern California area.
If you would like to search specifically for Stevenson Ranch homes for sale, or any other areas of Southern California go to: www.riccosellshomes.com
You can tract the Santa Clarita Short Sales and Bank Owned statistics on a monthly basis. In my archives click on the SANTA CLARITA SHORT SALE AND BANK OWNED PROPERTIES FOR SALE button.
*All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed, information directly from SOCAL MLS
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Serving the LA area focusing on the Santa Clarita Valley. SCV is comprised of Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, Newhall, Saugus, Canyon Country, and Castaic. I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert CDPE.
I am a Keller Williams Realtor. I provide superior personalized service to all those I represent whether your buying, selling, leasing, making a local move or relocating out of state. I have your real estate needs covered.
A bit about me originally from Minnesota, I have lived in Southern California for over 23 years, making the Santa Clarita Valley home for the past 14 plus years. I am an active member of this community, I am a original committee member for our local Boy Scout Troop #499 out of Stevenson Ranch. I am also a member of the Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce and the Women's Council of Realtors. While at RE/MAX of Santa Clarita I earned the Executive Club award. I am recently retired from the Los Angeles Police Department. I have devoted my life to serving others through leadership in my profession and in my community.
I specialize in residential real estate, single family homes, condominiums and investment properties. I am pleased to provide my professional guidance to assist you in evaluating your real estate needs. I listen to my clients and formulate a plan that is tailored to their specifics needs whether your buying or selling. My commitment in real estate is to give you the personal service you deserve from a name you can trust. As this market changes I change with it by continuing education, I am staying on top of latest real estate trends whether the market is up or down.
I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert, CDPE and Pre Foreclosure Specialist Certified, PSC. With many homeowners facing financial hardships I have found it critical to be able to sit down with you the homeowner and educate you on the current market conditions. With this evaluation I am able show you what these transactions entail having a system in place to get you on the path to recovery. Dealing with these transactions requires an agent that has taken the time to understand them from start to finish. Many agents shy away from taking short sale listings as well as showing their buyers homes in distress. I caution you if you are working with an agent that is not confident in these transaction, you need an Expert in your corner and by your side. If your facing a foreclosure you need an Expert not an average real estate agent. The great news is not only have I earned the CDPE and PSC desginations but my husband Gary has also earned the designations. We are Santa Clarita's Pre Foreclosure Specialists/Certified Distress Property Experts. www.SantaClaritaCertifiedDistressedPropertyExperts.com
I am e-PRO certified. This designation is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home as well as stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models.
I am also a Quality Service Certified (QSC) Realtor. This designation means that I am committed to being held to a higher standard and accountable to all my clients. My clients will have to opportunity to fill out an independent survey that will rate my service at the end of every transaction, it is my goal to earn 100% satisfaction. You will receive quality consulting through continous improvement this is my promise to you.
One of my focuses is to help law enforcement and military familes with both my husband and I having worn the badge and my husband also having served in the United States Marine Corp (Semper Fi). While our men and women are serving our local communities or our country I am here to help those families with what could be the largest and most daunting purchase of their lives with honesty and integrity.
Are you headed to a Foreclosure or your just thinking about walking away from your home... now what?!? There are solutions, you would like to help but are unfamiliiar with the short pay/pre forclosure process, let's sit down. As a retired Los Angeles Police Officer I have the skills to deal with the banks loss mitigation/home retention departments. Many agents dont want to take the time or are unfamiliar with the system itself, I have a system and team in place to assess a homeowners situation and give them an honest confidential evaluation to see what can be done for them. The goal is to try to look at the situation without attaching the homeowners emotions. If viewing the situation from a strictly business viewpoint, one can more successfully analyze which option might best suit ones needs and desires and move you towards resolving your financial difficulties. One very important thing to remember: Time is of the essence, so sit and take serious thought of your situation and take quick action in order to allow yourself enough time to complete the chosen process. Before the process chooses you.
People continue to flock to the Santa Clarita Valley in record numbers, and for good reason. As one of the fastest-growing communities in both California and the nation, the Santa Clarita Valley is a destination of choice for people seeking both a family-oriented atmosphere and a business-friendly environment. Many say this valley is the brightest discovery in the Golden State. In fact, USA Today named Santa Clarita one of the nation's 100 best communities in 2007. Spend some time in this thriving community and you'll discover why so many families and businesses call it home.
City of Santa Clarita
Population: 177,418
Elevation 1,200 to 1,400 feet
Santa Clarita is a city that reflects all the best of the Golden State - past, present and future. Located in a picturesque valley south of the Sierra Pelona Mountains and north of the Santa Susanna and San Gabriel mountains, Santa Clarita is big, bold and confident in its growing role as a first-choice community for raising families and building businesses. Within 35 miles of downtown Los Angeles, it is a bustling urban area with a variety of industries, affordable housing, abundant jobs and easy access to the Los Angeles basin.
The majority of the population is concentrated in the City of Santa Clarita, which contains most of the communities of Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus and Valencia. The City of Santa Clarita encompasses 46.7 square miles of the approximately 200-square-mile Santa Clarita Valley, which was named for the Spanish Saint Clare by the early padres and explorers.
A movement to establish greater local control over the valley's destiny began in 1969, when an editorial written in The Signal newspaper urged readers to unite. It took years to convince residents that becoming its own municipality would bring more political clout within Los Angeles County, meaning more tax dollars could be spent on providing much-needed infrastructure improvements in the booming valley. The independence movement took several forms, including a failed attempt at creating a new county. Critics of independence argued they would have to pay more taxes if the community became incorporated, but a citizens' committee successfully demonstrated that the proposed city's area was actually generating more money than Los Angeles County was spending in it and that if the city formed, taxes could be better spent right here at home.
Voters approved the formation of the new city on November 3, 1987. The City of Santa Clarita was officially created on Dec. 15, 1987, becoming the 85th city in Los Angeles County and the largest area incorporated in California's history.
The City of Santa Clarita is the fourth-largest city in Los Angeles County based on the 2000 Census, and it is the 25th largest city in the state. Based on 2001 statistics, Santa Clarita was the fourth fastest-growing city in Los Angeles County and the 14th fastest-growing city in California.
More business leaders are taking a close look at how the city has accomplished so much in so little time. The city has earned numerous accolades. Among them, California Business magazine named Santa Clarita the second best mid-sized city in the state in which to do business, and City & State magazine named Santa Clarita one of the top five "up and coming" cities in the nation. The city has consistently placed in the Top-10 safest U.S. cities with populations over 150,000 and within Los Angeles County, according to FBI statistics. The Ladies Home Journal rated the city as having the best government benefiting women. The special report ranked the largest 200 cities across the country in several categories, including: low crime, health care, child-care, lifestyles, jobs, education, government and overall best cities.
The Santa Clarita Valley is, in fact, Southern California's best-kept secret with its low crime, sunny climate and family-friendly environment. It's a great place to live, work, play and stay. Its unique blend of rural, old west heritage and urban sophistication has contributed to this fast-growing community's enviable balance of high-quality living and growth. That balance is carefully maintained through long-term planning and fiscal responsibility, community involvement, respect for the environment, and strong public and private support for business development. Santa Clarita's successes are evident in its residential neighborhoods and recreational attractions, in its business parks and its cultural, commercial, educational and health-care centers.
Canyon Country
Canyon Country has carved a unique identity apart from its neighbors to the west. It is the largest of the four primary bedroom communities that make up the City of Santa Clarita: Saugus, Newhall, Valencia and Canyon Country. The area started as a collection of rural homes nestled into canyons and smaller communities - Mint Canyon, Tick Canyon, Iron Canyon, Sand Canyon, Whites Canyon, Vasquez Canyon, Soledad Canyon, Honby, Pinetree, Forrest Park, Sulphur Springs and Solemint Junction. The area south and north of the Santa Clara River was renamed Canyon Country in 1968 by a residents' ballot.
Geographically, Friendly Valley and Serena Park are part of Canyon Country, as is prestigious Sand Canyon with its large estate homes, equestrian ranches and the new Robinson Ranch golf course community. Soledad Canyon Road, which runs through Canyon Country, is a primary retail boulevard surrounded by a diversity of residential neighborhoods, a Metrolink train depot and shopping centers. Some of the newer attractions along Soledad include an Regal-Edwards 10-screen multiplex and entertainment center, as well as the new Jo Anne Darcy Canyon Country Library, named after the councilwoman who retired from public office in 2002 after having served the city since its creation in 1987. College of the Canyons maintains an educational center in the library complex, bringing much-needed classrooms and a computer center into the valley's most populous community.
Pioneer Col. Thomas F. Mitchell started the first school in the valley in Sulphur Springs in 1872, while John Lang used the springs for his health resort and hotel. He has the distinction of shooting the largest grizzly bear on record, weighing in at a decidedly hefty 2,340 pounds.
Newhall
After several years of planning, Old Town Newhall is emerging as a thriving venue of unique shops, live theaters and unique restaurants. The most visible early redevelopment of the area occurred in the late 1990s when Railroad Avenue was renovated with period light fixtures and landscaping, followed closely by nearly a block of retail renovation to the structure that now holds the Repertory East Playhouse and El Trocadero Steakhouse. That same block south of Market is also the new home of the Canyon Theatre Guild, whose playhouse hosts some of the finest community theater found anywhere. Across Railroad Avenue is the third Metrolink station to open in Santa Clarita, the Jan Heidt Metrolink Station, named after one of the city's first council members.
The oldest and most historic community in Santa Clarita also features the Walk of Western Stars, a Hollywood Boulevard-style sidewalk that honors western stars and other noteworthy individuals; the Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival at the nearby historic Melody Ranch, a working movie ranch once owned by western legend and California Angels owner Gene Autry; William S. Hart Park, a county-run facility that also includes the home-turned-museum of silent western star William S. Hart, a petting zoo and expansive grounds; Placerita Nature Center; historic Heritage Junction and the historic Pioneer Oil Refinery.
Newhall was founded in 1876. Railroad tycoon Henry Mayo Newhall had a major influence on this valley's destiny, recognizing the impact railroads would have on the area. He bought the old del Valle rancho and sold the railroad right-of-way to the Southern Pacific railroad for $1 and a town site for another dollar. Southern Pacific named the little town after him.
Newhall was the setting for filming of the earliest western movies, and this heritage was maintained by silent western star William S. Hart, who bequeathed his famous home and property to the county. His home is maintained as he left it, and it is open to the public for tours. Originally an oil, mining and farming community, Newhall now holds a generous portion of the still-visible history of this valley.
Saugus
Until the late 1940s, when people moved west after World War II, Saugus was a sleepy little town surrounded by several large ranches. Today, the community caters to family living, with much of its development built along Bouquet Canyon Road, which extends through the picturesque hills all the way to the Antelope Valley, Seco Canyon Road and Copper Hill Drive. A recent residents' survey revealed that 70 percent of the homeowners want to maintain Saugus as a bedroom community and not a business-oriented area. The community is the home of the Saugus Speedway and Swap Meet, one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in Southern California; Castaic Lake Water Agency's new filtration plant and education center, and a large Metrolink Station adjacent to the speedway.
One of the newest additions to the community is the 40-acre Central Park, which includes many amenities such as lighted sports fields and some 500 trees. Phase 2 of the park opened in January 2003, boasting four additional sports fields, a new restroom facility, walkways and shade trees.
Parks have been a priority since the city was created. The city opened another park in 2001, in the Circle J Ranch area of Saugus. The 5-acre Circle J Ranch Park at 22651 Via Princessa includes a picnic area, walkways, trails and children's play area. Another neighborhood park, the 5-acre Pamplico Park, opened next to James Foster Elementary School.
Saugus also is home to the Mountasia Family Fun Center, a year-round entertainment complex that celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2005. The center is home to the only laser-tag arena in the valley. It also features video and redemption games, a rock-climbing wall, bumper boats, roller-skating and blading, go-kart racing and miniature golf. The complex also features a Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant, which offers a full menu as well as a variety of ice cream desserts. Mountasia also is a popular spot for birthday parties and corporate events.
The Santa Clarita Sports Complex, renamed the George A. Caravalho Sports Complex after the longtime city manager who recently left, features basketball, volleyball and raquetball courts, as well as a specially designed outdoor skate park. The complex recently underwent an expansion that introduced a teen center, arcade, arts and crafts room, dance room, computer room and various community and multipurpose rooms. The newest addition to the complex is an aquatics center, boasting three pools, including a 50-meter competition pool with a professional timing system, a 25-meter dive pool, and an activity pool complete with water play equipment and a 160-foot water slide. The recently completed $9 million facility also provides concession facilities and locker/changing rooms on its landscaped, lighted grounds. With plenty of parking and ample deck space for lounging, the Aquatic Center is sure to be a popular summer destination.
Saugus also has a connection to the man after which Newhall was named. In 1887 the Southern Pacific railroad established a second train stop at Saugus, which was named for Henry Mayo Newhall's Massachusetts birthplace. The term Saugus is Narragansut Indian, meaning "sandy spit of land."
The Newhall-Saugus area became Hollywood's back lot for filming westerns. Actors William S. Hart, Tom Mix and Gene Autry took advantage of the rugged and varied topography to create the visual traditions that would define the classic western. In fact, Saugus was the scene for one of the West's last train robberies - and it was not a fictional movie tale. In 1929 "Buffalo" Tom Vernon derailed Engine No. 59 and separated passengers from their valuables. The famous Saugus Cafe opened in 1887 inside the Saugus Train Station, and in 1905 it moved across the railroad tracks to where it stands today. Among the celebrities who have dined in the cafe were President Theodore Roosevelt, President Benjamin Harrison, the King of Spain, Clark Gable, John Wayne and California Governor Gage.
Valencia
Abiding by its slogan "Built as Promised," Valencia has been carefully planned, designed and built over the last 40 years and has become one of the most popular areas in Southern California for people to raise their families. Valencia is regarded as one of the nation's leading master-planned communities and was named one of the 50 best places in the U.S. to live in the publication "Fifty Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family."
Newhall Land has developed Valencia in accordance with a master plan created by legendary planner Victor Gruen in 1965. Rather than focusing solely on residential development, the community's master plan includes every aspect of modern life - diverse residential neighborhoods that are balanced by thriving work centers, top-quality schools, abundant recreation, dynamic shopping, dining and entertainment, and public services such as medical care, government centers, a library and more.
Partly located in the heart of the City of Santa Clarita, the community occupies a portion of the original 48,000-acre Newhall Ranch. It encompasses more than 15,000 homes, tens of thousands of jobs, and distinguished institutions such as College of the Canyons and the Disney-endowed California Institute of the Arts. These two institutions will soon be joined by the future campus of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Film and Television Preservation Center on 60 acres at McBean Parkway and Rockwell Canyon Road, between CalArts and College of the Canyons.
Also unique to the community is its extensive paseo system, a series of scenic walkways and bike paths that connect homes to shops, parks and schools. There are currently about 30 miles of these innovative paseos, which are featured within each residential neighborhood Newhall Land plans. The company has partnered with the City of Santa Clarita to build miles of trails along the Santa Clara River and its tributaries.
Valencia is renowned for its open space and abundant recreation. There are currently 11 parks, all built by Newhall Land, within the community, dozens of private neighborhood recreation centers and acres of natural areas and oak woodlands that the company has set aside as permanent open space.
Valencia is home to government, health care, dining and entertainment, as well. The Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, Santa Clarita City Hall, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, the county's civic center, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor, Westfield Valencia Town Center, Valencia Marketplace, Valencia Country Club and TPC at Valencia, California's first and only Tournament Players Club course, are all located here
Westfield Valencia Town Center, an enclosed regional shopping center, and Town Center Drive, a half-mile pedestrian-oriented retail destination, create the hub of shopping, dining and entertainment for the valley. In addition to three major department stores, Town Center is home to a mix of quaint boutiques, leading national retailers, great restaurants, the Hyatt Valencia and Santa Clarita Conference Center, a Spectrum Health Club, and major employers including Princess Cruises and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. The mall recently unveiled plans to undergo a major expansion, which would include a larger Macy's department store.
Newhall Land has also developed Valencia Gateway, a series of planned business and technology centers that currently provide more than 55,000 jobs. As the major employment center for the Santa Clarita Valley, Valencia Gateway is home to numerous light industrial and manufacturing businesses, and is an established center for entertainment, production, and biotechnology-related industries.
Also in Valencia are numerous state and nationally distinguished elementary, junior and senior high schools, private child-care centers and Legacy Academy, a private elementary school.
Stevenson Ranch
Stevenson Ranch, set in the foothills of the Santa Susanna Mountains in the Santa Clarita Valley, offers wide-open spaces, breathtaking views, and a variety of home choices to suit a wide variety of family needs. An ideal community bringing families together to grow and experience the small-town spirit shared among neighbors, Stevenson Ranch fosters close-knit neighborhoods and family-oriented community-wide activities such as festivals and holiday celebrations. The 4,000-acre community of more than 8,000 homes features an estimated 1,000 acres of designated open spaces and parklands, and is close to various work centers and recreation.
Stevenson Ranch Elementary School, has been honored as one of the select few "California Distinguished Schools." One of community's newest schools is Pico Canyon Elementary School, which opened in 2003 at 25255 Pico Canyon Road. Education is a major concern of the community, and Stevenson Ranch provides unequaled education opportunities to its residents. Projected at the build-out of the community, a full spectrum of new educational facilities will be operational, including a middle school and a high school. Additionally, the new Dr. Richard H. Rioux Memorial County Park includes soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball, two children's play areas and an outdoor amphitheater.
Information courtesy of the Santa Clarita Resource Guide 2007-2008
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