Martin Garces

If you just bought a home in Placentia, Brea, Yorba Linda, Fullerton or any other community in California and are looking for any savings that will help you keep your monthly expenses down, start by filing for your homestead exemption with your Tax Assessor's office.

The homestead exemption is a reduction of $7,000 in your tax base as long as the home is your primary residence. This exemption is not an automatic exemption you must file for it and will only take effect on the year of the next tax assesment.

Usually the exemption will not result in anything dramatic but any possible savings that you can get your hands on will help balance your family's budget in times like the ones we are living in.

If you have any questions contact me or visit your tax assessor's website.

How would you like $18,000 for buying a home in Placentia, Yorba Linda, Brea, Fullerton or any city in Calfornia?

Is this really possible? Is there a catch? Who is pulling your leg you say?

These are all valid questions and yes we are living in on of the best times in history to buy a home in California.

This is the way the $18,000 find your way to your wallet.

1. First time buyers get $8,000 refundable credit from the Federal Government when they file their income tax. You can file for this credit with your 2008 return or 2009. Presently this credit is only valid for the year 2009.

2. If you buy a brand new home the state of California will give you $10000. This money will be available in 2009 and only until the funds budgeted for this program are available. Once they ran out the money is gone.

So if you are a first time buyer in Placentia, Brea, Yorba Linda, Fullerton or any other city in California and the property is brand new you will get a total of $18000.

With interest rates in the mid to 4s there has never been a cheaper way to borrow mortgage money in the history of our country.

Call me now so that I can help your dream of buying a home come true. If you want to sell your home I can help you get the most exposure therefore helping you get the best sales price.

Martin Garces

Prudential California Realty

714-476-2629

www.martingarceshomes.com

Fed Chair says that recession will end in 2009. What is your opinion? I am optimistic and yes I believe that the economy is showing signs of life. There is a very tiny ray of light at the end of the tunnel and we need to build on it.

Real Estate is one of the most important forces for growth in the economy. It is certain that we are starting to see a rebound in the communities I serve. Properties that are priced right sell very quickly and a high percentage of them have multiple offers. There is a general feeling that we have bottom out and we are starting a level off period in my market.

With the government demanding more accountability from banks and demanding that they open credit markets for credit worthy borrowers and small businesses, this is the first step in the recovery of our economy.

Please let me know your thoughts on this important issue.

Do you wait until something happens to you? or do you make things happen? That is the difference between successful agents and the ones that eventually leave the industry.

Do you watch the news and get down on yourself? Yes it happens to all of us. Bad news sell, good news doesn't. If you constantly watch the news you are going to have a very difficult time motivating yourself. Read an inspirational or motivational book instead. It is fine to be informed but not until you get pessimistic.

Plan your day around activities that are conductive to reaching your goal. Have a clear goal in mind. Determine which activities you are good at and perfect them. Work even harder on those that you need to improve on.

This is a great market! And there are great opportunities for buyers, your sellers and mainly for you.

Martin Garces

Prudential California Realty

2009 will be a great year for everyone. Our North Orange County market (Brea, Placentia, Yorba Linda, Fullerton) will continue to be one of strongest markets in Southern California. The REO market will grow allowing for more first time buyers to be able to afford their new home. Interest rates will remain low and FHA financing will be the best option for first time buyers with a small down payment.

Happy 2009,

Martin Garces