Real Estate Buzz

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19495969760319892372010-04-30T20:16:02.743-07:00Real Estate BuzzNoni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-44836384328386221332010-04-30T20:13:00.000-07:002010-04-30T20:15:49.021-07:00Moved To FeedBurner

New RSS feed http://feeds.feedburner.com/npmhomes/LDpf

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-66600872907344969152010-04-15T16:28:00.000-07:002010-04-15T16:30:59.039-07:00First-Time Homebuyer Credit: Members of the Military and Certain Other Federal Employees

Members of the military and certain other federal employees serving outside the U.S. have an extra year to buy a principal residence in the U.S. and qualify for the First Time Homebuyer Credit. An eligible taxpayer must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2011. If a binding contract is entered into by that date, the taxpayer has until June 30

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-82717764368404648992010-04-08T15:28:00.000-07:002010-04-08T15:30:52.840-07:00California Passes Large Tax Credit for Home Buyers

California has initiated its own home buyer tax credit. The credit is for 5% of the purchase price, with a maximum credit of $10,000. That's a dollar-for-dollar reduction against income tax payments that would otherwise be due. Home buyers must claim the tax credit in equal installments over three consecutive years, beginning with the year of purchase. Purchasers are required to live in the home

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-14380804791192094172010-04-02T09:55:00.000-07:002010-04-02T09:56:44.593-07:00More Water News

On Wednesday, March 31st Daniel Lopez of the Monterey County Herald wrote on the water situation here on the Monterey Peninsula. It is a well written article and there is more to the article than our rates doubling. I encourage you to read it.On Tuesday, April 6th, the Board of Supervisors will consider approving the Regional Water Project Agreement, which will set the stage for a new,

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-16480539781924383262010-03-23T11:41:00.000-07:002010-03-23T11:45:51.929-07:00First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Just a reminder that the First Time Home Buyer tax credit is still available. The criteria to qualify is you have to have a fully accepted purchase contract agreement in place by April 30, 2010, and you have till June 30, 2010 to close the transaction. This is a wonderful federal credit opportunity to take advantage of.

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-32161426299793673602010-03-02T10:39:00.001-08:002010-03-02T10:47:26.974-08:00Carmel Chimneys

The other day, my husband and I took a walk through Carmel. I brought my new Nikon camera with me, just in case I saw something I wanted to take a picture of. Before I knew it, we were snapping pictures of all the unusual chimneys in Carmel. Here are a few of my favorite.

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-68942560818042876972010-02-09T16:30:00.000-08:002010-02-09T16:31:35.910-08:00District NOT Moving Into Stage 3 Rationing

The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) voted unanimously NOT to enact Stage 3 rationing as a response to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Cease and Desist Order (CDO). The decision was based on the assumption that Cal-Am users would begin greater water conservation with the newly approved and now implemented water rate structure. The legal challenges continue as

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-91317296272259038482010-01-31T08:42:00.000-08:002010-01-31T08:45:09.694-08:00Get help—before you fall behind on your FHA mortgage

On Friday, the Federal Housing Administration announced that it will assist borrowers before they become delinquent.Read the full story at CNN Money

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-75716365312299977582010-01-27T12:58:00.000-08:002010-01-27T13:01:12.429-08:00Environmental Protection Agency declares January "National Radon Awareness Month"

Important Radon Facts:1.Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. 2.The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cuase of lung cancer in the United States today and recommends that all homes below the third floor be tested for radon. 3.The Centers for Disease Control, the American Lung Association, and the American Medical Association

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-44803066439189204902010-01-26T14:02:00.000-08:002010-01-26T14:09:38.439-08:00201 Central Avenue - Pacific Grove

Several days ago I visited the property at 201 Central Avenue in Pacific Grove. If one is looking for a property that has it all, without a doubt you need not look any further. The home is a renovated 1917 Craftsman. It is both comfortable and elegant. The views of the Monterey Bay are stunning and one is just steps away from the ocean. The gardens, on a 9,000 sf lot are lush and the 2,520 sf

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-83694564606424918262010-01-19T11:51:00.000-08:002010-01-19T11:59:33.595-08:00FHA Challenges

As FHA Commission, David Stevens is evaluating the next steps the agency needs to take in an effort to protect the agency's finances. According to today's article in the Wall Street Journal, “Souring Mortgages, Weak Market Force FHA to Walk a Tightrope” by Nick Timiraos, Mr. Stevens is expected to announce revisions to the FHA loan process as early as this week. Possible revisions could be,

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-11923662358953200182010-01-19T11:03:00.000-08:002010-01-19T11:04:58.323-08:00Water Update

A change of venue has been granted on the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Cease and Desist Order (CDO) court case. The decision was made yesterday afternoon to move the proceedings to Santa Clara County.The originally scheduled January 27th court date to consider action on the stay of the CDO is now totally up in the air.The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) will

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-72871147141258811722009-12-23T10:18:00.000-08:002009-12-23T10:23:52.464-08:00Obama’s Standardized Short-Sale Plan

Obama’s standardized short-sale plan could help troubled homeowners. The U.S. Dept. of the Treasury recently announced the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA,which provides instructions for lenders and servicers participating in the Making Home Affordable Program and Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP. The purpose of HAFA is to create an alternative to foreclosures for

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-73019319073543361322009-12-17T09:19:00.000-08:002009-12-17T09:21:23.435-08:00Monterey Peninsula Water Update

As a reminder, we currently have a temporary restraining order on the Cease and Desist Order, which was adopted on October 20, 2009. There is a request for a change of venue to determine whether this “stay” will be lifted. There seems to be some concern on the part of the State of California that there will be some prejudice if the determination is made here in the Superior Court of Monterey

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-23684091781224006342009-12-06T10:56:00.000-08:002009-12-06T11:02:20.439-08:00FHA to toughen rules for borrowers

FHA to toughen rules for borrowers - The Washington PostThe Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is proposing raising minimum credit scores for borrowers who receive FHA-backed mortgages, increasing down payment equirements, and limiting the amount of money sellers can provide toward closing costs. The proposed changes are part of an effort to shore up the agency’s finances, which have been hit

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-62676491372029551082009-12-03T11:58:00.000-08:002009-12-03T12:00:42.481-08:00Candle Safety

This morning I was thinking about the number of candles in unsafe locations I have seen lite at parties already this holiday season. As I am one that loves candles both for their scents and for the ambiance they give a room, I thought it might be a good idea to remind us all of the importance of fire safety, particularly when using candles. A website I enjoy going to, periodically, is the U.S.

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-79069120457512978062009-11-25T15:33:00.000-08:002009-11-25T15:42:23.261-08:00MPWMD Rebate Program

The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) recently updated its rebate program. In an effort to see an increase in water conservation on the Monterey Peninsula, the California Public Utilities Commission approved funding for a 3 year conservation program designed to save 400-800 acre feet annually. The updated Rebate Program (Ordinance 140) is a result of that initiative.Below is a

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-7960807052578418512009-11-24T15:55:00.000-08:002009-11-24T15:59:05.564-08:00City of Seaside Inspection Process

At MCAR (Monterey County Association of REALTORS®), there is a committee called Local Government Relations(LGR). Because so many REALTORS® voiced their concerns over the City of Seaside inspection process, the LGR committee worked with the City of Seaside to make some changes in the reporting process. Homeowners, buyers and REALTORS® should be very pleased to know that a change has been made to

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-87523164446064467942009-11-23T17:38:00.000-08:002009-11-23T17:40:02.301-08:00An Extended and Expanded Federal Home buyer Tax Credit

Since I had clients ask me today about the Federal Home buyer Tax Credit, I thought it might be a good idea to put some basic information on my blog about this new law. As many already know, Congress did pass and President Obama signed the legislation that has both extended and expanded the home buyer tax credit. First Time Home Buyers: For those who are purchasing their first home, the tax

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-4441350525823033982009-02-17T19:17:00.000-08:002009-02-17T19:24:24.380-08:00Stimulus Package

There is no doubt that the Economic Stimulus Plan is huge. While it will certainly have an impact on a number of industries, it will also be significant on Real Estate. Below is just a highlight of some of the major provisions that may impact you now and in the future.Tax Credit for HomebuyersFirst-time homebuyers who purchase homes from the start of the year until the end of November 2009 may be

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-90450089742464596932009-02-11T09:38:00.001-08:002009-02-11T12:12:05.769-08:00Caribbean Waterfront Estate

Can you believe one can purchase, today, a Villa in Belize for $725,000? Feast your eyes on this property. This is a four bedroom, four plus bathrooms, 6,364 square foot Villa in Corozal, Belize. You say you don’t know where that is?Corozal is in the English-speaking Central American country of Belize, just south of Mexico and east of Guatemala. It is easily accessed from major American cities

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-66205002450820977112009-02-03T16:50:00.000-08:002009-02-03T16:51:37.110-08:00Downsizing

According to an article in USA TODAY, by Wendy Koch “the American dream is shrinking”. In addition to her report, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the average size home third quarter 2008 was 2,438 square feet down from 2,629 and the median size home was 2,090 down from 2,291. So is bigger better? Apparently not!Gopal Ahluwalia, director of research for the National Association of Home

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-88546407583835346322009-01-21T14:31:00.000-08:002009-01-21T14:34:25.327-08:00Biggest Trends for 2009

On Monday, the Women’s Council of Realtors had their California State Chapter meeting in Monterey at the Portola Hotel & Spa. Carol Rodini was the guest speaker and as usual she was fabulous. The title of her presentation was “What’s Ahead for this Market?” Below is Carol’s list of Biggest Trends for 2009, which I thought everyone would find interesting.Foreclosures will continue to rise

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-9104772836374173602009-01-21T09:45:00.000-08:002009-01-21T09:55:07.847-08:00November 2008 Home Sales Monterey County

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1949596976031989237.post-40447043729356937342008-12-30T10:39:00.000-08:002008-12-30T10:42:15.072-08:00Coast Drive to Big Sur

This past weekend my husband wanted to take a drive to Big Sur and enjoy a meal at the Big Sur River Inn and Restaurant. As it turned out, it was a perfect day for both the drive and the meal. Driving down the Coast reminded me of how fortunate I am to live in such a lovely place. Once again, I realized I don’t enjoy the place I live as much as I should. One tends to get caught up in the

Noni McVeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02866012518848046896noreply@blogger.com0