Storm Waters

Here are some useful tips from the City of Carlsbad :

• Call 602-2799 to report a potential storm water violations.
• Provide Who, What, Where, When and Why (if you know it). The more details you can provide (exact address, license plate number, etc.) the better the city can respond.
• Call at the time you see something happening, if possible. It is okay to leave a message. If it is the dumping of hazardous materials, calling the outline after business hours will connect you to Police Dispatch.
• If the discharge is coming from a new construction site, please call 602-2780.

The city will follow up on all calls they receive on the outline, and greatly appreciate those who call to help prevent pollution from getting into our waterways and ocean.

Mortgage Insurance/ aka PMI

Congress approved a bill Saturday, Dec. 9, to make mortgage insurance premiums tax-deductable.

Mortgage insurance premiums will be 100% deductable for housholds whose adjusted gross income is $100,000 or less.

The bill, awaiting a final signature, is effective for the 2007 tax year on loans closed on or after Jan. 1, 2007.

Financing with MI simplifies the mortgage process for your borrowers, increases their buying power, broadens their cash-flow options and allows for tapping into equity and refinancing more easily. Now that it's tax-deductable, you have one more good reason to make MGIC MI an option for them.

Is the Worst Over for the Housing Bust?

According to a Wall Street Journal online article- economists are saying "yes."

"The worst of the housing bust is over, economists said by nearly 2-to-1 in the latest WSJ.com economic forcasting survey," according to the article. "We're nearing the end of the slowdown for most markets," said Ethan S. Harris at Lehman Brothers. Prices still have some ways to fall before they'll stabilize, but there are signs that the most drastic parts of the downturn....are over."

Whether you are looking to buy or sell, the Houston Team can get your goals met. Just give us a call! 760.436.6484.

Non-Traditional Real Estate

Ever wonder what happens in a Short Sale or Forclosure? Do you know how a 1031 Exchange could benefit you? Ever wonder why you would want to use a Realtor for New Construction or Rentals? If you have- check out our website at www.houstonteam.com or give us a call 760-436-6484. No matter what your real estate needs and goals, we are here to help!

What did you walk in with?

There was an article on SignOnSanDiego.com that stated the for all the concern about declining prices, recent San Diego County home sellers and still making hugh profits. I really liked the quote, “if you’re up $2000 in the casino and you walk away with $1500, you’ve lost $500”, “But, wait a second what did you walk in with?” Please see the article from Roger M. Showley, dated Nov 14, 2006 for more information.

You Gotta Have a Plan...

It's tough to be a seller in our current market. Buyers are looking for "a great deal" and they have a great deal of homes to choose from. So how do you stand apart from the competition in your area? Of course you need to choose the right agent to represent you in the sale...But what does that mean?

Greatness Begins With A Great Idea Followed By A Plan: True, professional, Realtors know that different homes appeal to different buyers. So we at the Houston Team treat each property listed as a separate business. Each one needs its own marketing plan. You wouldn't advertise a property in Teen Magazine if you are trying to reach the 55 and up crowd, so why would you market different properties in the same way? We taking the time to sit down to write your plan of attack will keep you consistent with your goals and your marketing model.

For more information on how the Houston Team can help market your home, please call! 760-436-6484.

The Crystal Ball

Hello,

I was asked yesterday from a client of ours "What are you (the experts) forecasting on housing price movement in the segment/locations that we're looking?". I let our client know that unfortunately we or no one else has a crystal ball on the future of where prices will go. The only thing I can do is look back to the past to be able to understand the future. The future market is unpredictable but if the past tells us anything, is that home values will always rise.