TinaJan.com Vacation Mode

Hi everyone!  I just wanted to let everyone know that Tina Jan is going to be taking a little mini-break from work.  You can still call me with any questions and I will still be checking my emails.  It's like nothing has changed.  :)  Soon I will be back and we'll get back to blogging and chatting about real estate and other matters.  Until then, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season! 

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Etsy - Handmade Goods for your Home!

I am a big fan of the website Etsy.com.  Nearly all of the items are handmade and of excellent quality.  The remainder of the items are usually supplies so that you can make your own handmade goods!  There are people who sell furniture, housewares, jewelry, apparel, and anything else you can think of that can be made by hand.

For those who are tired of buying the same stuff as everyone else, this is a good place to find something unique and truly one of a kind, while helping your local craftsperson and maybe even the domestic market!

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Knit Discovery

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/96145585@N00/3069520096/" title="1129081523.jpg by Tina-rina, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/3069520096_1d492bb990.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="1129081523.jpg" /></a>

Look at this gorgeous holiday yarn ball wreath from Starbucks! 

I've discovered that I really dislike seaming up knitted clothing.  I'm converting to wonderful, magical, oh-so effortless "circular needles."  Although there are things that I don't like about circs.  They need to be slippery and sometimes they catch my yarn.  Sometimes the wire holds its curl a bit too much.  My favorites are Addi Turbos, but they're quite expensive.

Straight needles are still awesome. 

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New! First Dog Park in Beaumont, California

The new dog park, dubbed Canine Country Club, is at Noble Creek Park in Beaumont.   The dog park is divided into two play areas, one for large dogs, the other for small dogs. Both areas are landscaped with grass, trees and pathways and include dog waste bag-dispensers.

CANINE COUNTRY CLUB

The first dog park in the San Gorgonio Pass area opened Saturday.

Where: Noble Creek Park on West Oak Valley Parkway in Beaumont

Hours: Dawn to dusk, daily

More information: 951-845-9555

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Jack in the Box in Beaumont

We have a new Jack in the Box at the corner of Beaumont Ave and First St!

Jack in the Box
89 S. Beaumont Ave
Beaumont, CA 92223
(951) 769-2888

They have those new Teriyaki Bowls meals.  I might try one of them.

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New Technology - October 2008

Foreclosure Congressional Heat Maps - This map-based search gives you unique information about the relationship between politics and the housing market.  435 congressional districts are mapped out and clearly designated by party affiliation.  Zoom in, you'll see that districts represented by Republicans have red labels, and Democratic districts have blue labels.

iphone.coldwellbanker.com - Coldwell Banker has redesigned their website with navigational tools that are customized for display on iPhones.  The website "automatically recognizes that it is being accessed by an iPhone, and will serve up the special iPhone interface," the company announced.

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Late Night BPO's

I'm not gonna lie, I'm a total night-owl.  It's almost 4am, and I'm still working on the three BPO assignments that are due tomorrow.  Just give me some caffeine and I will be up all evening till the sun comes up in the wee morning hours.  1 down, 2 more to go.  :(

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Back to Work

Oh boy, my vacation is over and now it's back to work.

I had gone up to Northern California for a couple weeks. I went to the typical fun tourist destinations like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Cruz Boardwalk, De Young Museum, Exploratorium, and San Francisco Zoo. Many silly pictures were taken and large delicious meals were consumed. I revisited one of my favorite restaurants in SF, Ramblas Tapas. They have a delicious gazpacho. I had a wonderful time and it was nice to forget about work for a little bit. I did have to do some work on my laptop and make phone calls on the last few days of my vacation, which was a bummer. It did help me get back into the swing of things though.

Oddly enough, I was still craving gazpacho when I got back to the Inland Empire. I am now an official addict of Simple Simon's gazpacho. Simple Simon's is a delicious sandwich restaurant located in downtown Riverside. They have amazing desserts too! I also learned about a tapas restaurant in Claremont called Viva Madrid. I haven't had a chance to visit, but I have heard good things about their food.

In addition to the bustling real estate work, my tutoring is picking up speed as students get ready for next month and the first SAT test in October. Which reminds me, I need to set aside time to study for my own educational pursuits too. House hunting is still on my mind. If you haven't been keeping up with the tightening lending regulations, then you might be surprised to learn that the down payment assistance programs will drying up by next month. With the home prices lowering like they are, we're getting more activity from first-time home buyers who have been waiting for their chance to own the home of their dreams at a bargain price. However, the strict lending practices are really hindering honest buyers.

I'm going to the REDC Auction in Palm Springs tomorrow. Is anyone else going? :)

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Little Ideas Here and There

Ah, I like this new article from Real Simple - Turn Clutter into Storage and Decorating Solutions.
This article emphasizes reusing and recycling stuff that is already lying around. "Use monochromatic boxes, wooden crates, berry baskets, and empty jars to stash anything from mementos to old files, paper clips to dried spices." I feel like I've already been doing this, but I like the monochromatic concept. The style is very Shabby Chic. Not really my thing, but maybe it'll be yours.

And more Apartment Therapy. I like this website, because it is a visual conglomeration of unique spaced decorated in different styles. Sometimes I get so bored with the model home stylings. They look great, but so traditional. This is a Chicago townhome. One thing I always wonder about is, where does all their stuff go? Everything looks soothing when its empty. I like the colorful sofa, the airy height of the room, low flat lines, and the funky light coming out of the wall. Look at those dramatic dark curtains that run from floor to ceiling! I absolutely love this room design and decor. I wish I was this talented...


And for those of you who love Craigslist, here is my furniture find of the day. For anyone living near Murrieta, here is some discounted Ethan Allen furniture.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

From Apartment Therapy

This is a gorgeous Apartment Therapy photo.  I love the warm colors and gold stenciling on the radiator.  What a wonderful idea.

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ROSS Clothing Store OPENS TOMORROW in Beaumont, California!

ROSS Clothing Store in Beaumont, California finally OPENS on Saturday, July 19th, 2008!

If you go to the GRAND OPENING, say "hi" to the manager for me.  He used to be a coworker of mine.

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How a Real Estate Agent House Hunts - Part 1

Prices have finally come down to the point where I want to buy a house for myself.  For those of you who don't know me very well.  I'm 27 this year, I feel old, but I'm one of the youngest real estate agents in my office.  I graduated from UC Berkeley in 2005.  So I've been out of school for 3 years.  From the first week out of school I began working as a full time real estate agent.  It's amazing how the years have gone by.  I still feel like an enthusiastic new agent even though I've seen several people go in and out of the office.  There is a high turn over rate in the real estate industry it seems.  Many were my friends so I am sad to see them go, but they have more rewarding jobs now I think.  The unstable and unpredictable nature of real estate is not for the weak of heart.

Anyway, about my "dream" house.  I don't need anything enormous (yet), but I would like a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1000+ sqft, with a garage, and some yard.  There should be hundreds of homes for sale that fit this description, so there will be many house hunting opportunities for me.  I know I am just one person, but I want to have a craft room, and a guest room.  I'm a big fan of sewing, crafting, jewelry-making, knitting, so I NEED to have a craft room/office.  I am in the pre-buying stage for sure, everything is still nebulous.  Well, there will be more house hunting thoughts.  One nice thing about being a real estate agent is that you have 24/7 access to all the houses and info.

Well I better get back to doing my BPO's (broker price opinions).  In every type of market there is a way to survive.  I'm doing my part one little piece at a time.  Between the real estate and SAT tutoring, I keep myself pretty busy.  And yet, even in my free time I can't sit idly.  This is why I knit every Tuesday and Friday nights in Riverside and Redlands.  Too much fidget-y energy.  Okay, well BPO-time.  Good night everyone!

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Staples Grand Opening in Beaumont, CA

The giant red balloon marking the Grand Opening of the NEW Staples store can be seen clearly from the 10 FWY. Despite the housing market price drop in the local market, commercial building continues. Among the new stores that have opened alongside Staples this summer are Best Buy, Petco, and Bed Bath and Beyond. Ross is expected to open soon as well. These businesses are creating more jobs in the area, increasing property values, and encouraging people to shop within the city.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Real Estate Auctions

On Monday, I went to the REDC Real Estate Auction in Palm Springs.  It felt like it was 200 degrees outside... it was probably closer to 110 or so.  I had two clients that I was representing so it was alot of fun.  They both were the highest bidders on the properties that they wanted.  I really hope the sellers accept their bids.  The auctions are so much fun.  But you really do have to be aware of the whole process and make sure you're not paying more for a property just because you get caught up in the excitement.

If you are a broker/agent, make sure you register yourself and your clients online.  Print out the confirmations.  Bring copies of your license and your broker's license.  And make sure you accompany your clients to the auction too!

If you're a buyer, you have to bring a cashier's check for $5,000 (or whatever the auction dictates) to be able to participate in the auction.  You should also bring proof of funds.  Don't forget your identification and personal checks.  Make sure you take a look at all the properties you plan on bidding on a week before the auction.  If you win a property at the auction, the auctioneers add a premium/fee of 5-10% of the sales price on top of your winning bid price.  Keep that in mind when you are trying to stay at a certain price range.

Auctions are fun and great opportunities if you don't get carried away.  Sometimes you can get better deals through a normal real estate transaction, so don't let the hype and excitement cloud your math skills!

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Knitting for Charity

I've been looking for a group that I can knit and donate to.  I found this list of charity groups in a 100 mile radius of where I live.  I haven't picked the one I want yet, but I will take the time to look through and see if maybe one of them appeals to me more than the others.  They all have great causes, so it's hard to choose.  I only have time to knit when I'm not working.  And since I'm almost always working, free time is scarce.  :)

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San Diego Wild Animal Park Promo Code

I'm going to the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park on Saturday. I found a promo code that actually works. The promotional code is: 2005-ASU-156 or 2005-LAG-156. Just copy and paste it into the promo code box.

Details:
$4 off adult admissions
$4 off child admissions
Purchase tickets online: Log on to www.sandiegozoo.org, click "buy tickets/book hotels," click on "buy tickets" tab for either San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park. Select the number of tickets needed, and click "add to cart." Enter promotional code 2005-ASU-156 or 2005-LAG-156. Click "proceed to checkout" and follow check-out instructions.

I also found a link to a printable coupon that you present at the ticket window for $8 off the Best Value Ticket.
http://www.visitcalifornia.com/media/pages/funspots/WAP%2008%20CTTC%20coupon%20R.pdf

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Grand Openings in Beaumont, California

Petco is now open! So is Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Add these to the already open Best Buy, and we have quite a few new stores to shop in. Ross and Staples will be opening soon.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Wickes Furniture Store Lease

Are you interested in leasing the brand new Wickes Furniture store in Beaumont, California? There is a giant LEASE sign on the building. Call (702)210-8600.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Do I Only Blog on Rainy Days?

Well it is raining today. I woke up at 6am and I couldn't fall back asleep. The internet keeps going out. Wonderful. My broker is having an open house contest. The winner gets $250 in prepaid gas cards. If anyone needs prepaid gas cards, it's me.

Guess that means I'll be doing alot of open houses this month. Knitting and open houses go really well together. I have a feeling I will be very productive in both areas.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Hand Held Cell Phone Usage Banned While Driving

California:
Hand-Held Devices: Banned (as of 7/2008)
All drivers must use a hands free device**** (except for emergencies, and drivers of emergency response vehicles)
Commercial vehicle drivers exempted from requirement until 2011.
Bus Drivers: Banned (including transit operators)
Novice Restrictions: 18 and Under (as of July 2008)
Enforcement: Primary
An officer in California can stop a person, regardless of age, holding a cellphone and talking on it, but they may not use checkpoints to enforce the all cell ban for drivers younger than 18.
Fines: $20 for a first offense; $50 for subsequent infractions

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Real Estate News for Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

Real Estate Developers Push for Solar Panels in Model Homes. As fuel prices continue to soar, developers are introducing eco-friendly features in their model units, with the hope that new homeowners will want a greener lifestyle. The CenterStone Communities' Harmony in San Bernardino County, have three model units which feature solar panels capable of generating 2.3 kilowatts of power. The other features of the model units include electric meters that move counterclockwise if the solar cells generate more power than the homeowners use, drought-resistant turf roof and irrigation system and water-efficient toilets. Click HERE to read more. Let's all do our part to make this world a greener place to live.

More doom and gloom. Foreclosures are on the rise. Fannie Mae reports losses. Worst housing market since The Depression. The media keeps droning on and on about this. And yes, many unfortunate homeowners have lost their homes. The rental markets are strong. Buyers are getting great deals. This is all cyclical. People are acting like this has never happened before.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Power Outage

The phone lines and internet in the office came to a crashing halt on Sunday and Monday. A crazy driver in a police chase crashed into a power pole and caused an outage in the Sundance community and all along 6th St. and Highland Springs Rd. Homes and retail shops had no power. Traffic lights were flashing red. Yesterday, the phone lines were finally up and running but the internet was still out. Real estate agents came into the office like creatures of habit, but were dumbfounded when they realized how much they relied on the internet to get through their work days. One agent was seen carrying his laptop and printer out the door, cords and cables trailing behind. And as of noon today, the internet is still down.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

DIYKITTEN'S Easy Intarsia Baby Bib Pattern

DIYKITTEN’S Easy Intarsia Baby Bib Pattern (Updated on 7/12/2010 - Sailboat Option: Row 22 and Rows 32-37 fixed.)

By Tina Jan

Baby bibs make the perfect gift for a mother-to-be. This pattern makes adorable bibs that are quick and easy to knit up. Follow the pattern below to create a bib with contrasting sailboat or heart images. (This pattern is my version of the "HowStuffWorks Easy Baby Bibs Knitting Pattern.")

Size 9.5 inches long and 8 inches wide.

What You'll Need:

Yarn: Yarn color A (for the bib) = 50 yards. Yarn color B (for image) = 20 yards. Yarn color A (for intarsia) = 20 yards.

Sailboat bib in the photo was made with Lion Brand Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton yarn. 2 skeins in different colors are just enough to make 2 bibs!

Needles: US size 10 = 6.0mm

Notions: Scissors, yarn needle, stitch holder.

(SPECIAL NOTES)

Intarsia method - Use long lengths of yarn wound up in bobbins for each color or section.

When changing colors, drop the old color and bring the new color up from under the old color, twisting them together to avoid gaps.

For the boat pattern you will need 2 long lengths of yarn A and 1 long length of yarn B.

For the heart you will need 3 long lengths of yarn A and 2 long lengths of yarn B.

Again, these areas are quite small, so you may choose to cut long lengths of yarn instead of winding smaller balls or bobbins.

Make One Forward = Left needle into the front of strand in between stitches. Knit right needle into back of strand on left needle. Yarn around right needle counter-clockwise. Pull through and transfer to right needle.

Make the Bib:
Knit In Stockinette Stitch.
Using yarn A and size 10 needles, cast on 25 stitches.

Row 1 and all odd-number rows (wrong side): Purl all stitches.
Row 2: K1, m1, k23, m1, k1. (The result will be 27 stitches)
Row 4: K1, m1, k25, m1, k1. (29 stitches)
Row 6: K1, m1, k27, m1, k1. (31 stitches)
Row 8: K1, m1, k29, m1, k1. (33 stitches)
Row 10: K1, m1, k31, m1, k1. (35 stitches)
(For larger bib, continue Increase until desired width.)

(OPTIONAL FOR LONGER LENGTH)
Work in stockinette stitch for 7 more rows, ending with row 17.

Row 11: P
Row 12: K
Row 13: P
Row 14: K
Row 15: P
Row 16: K
Row 17: P

*OPTION 1 - Sailboat: Use intarsia method.
(Updated on 7/12/2010 to fix stitch counts on Row 22 and Rows 32-37.)

Row 18: K - 13 in yarn A. 10 in yarn B. 12 in yarn A.
Row 19: P - 12 in yarn A. 11 in yarn B. 12 in yarn A.
Row 20: K - 11 in yarn A. 13 in yarn B. 11 in yarn A.
Row 21: P - 11 in yarn A. 14 in yarn B. 10 in yarn A.
Row 22: K - 9 in yarn A. 16 in yarn B. 10 in yarn A.
Row 23: P - 10 in yarn A. 17 in yarn B. 8 in yarn A.
Row 24: K - 7 in yarn A. 19 in yarn B. 9 in yarn A.
Row 25: P - 9 in yarn A. 20 in yarn B. 6 in yarn A.
Row 26: K - 14 in yarn A. 1 in yarn B. 20 in yarn A.
Row 27: P - 20 in yarn A. 1 in yarn B. 14 in yarn A.
Row 28: K - 14 in yarn A. 9 in yarn B. 12 in yarn A.
Row 29: P - 12 in yarn A. 9 in yarn B. 14 in yarn A.
Row 30: K - 14 in yarn A. 8 in yarn B. 13 in yarn A.
Row 31: P - 13 in yarn A. 8 in yarn B. 14 in yarn A.
Row 32: K - 14 in yarn A. 7 in yarn B. 14 in yarn A.
Row 33: P - 14 in yarn A. 7 in yarn B. 14 in yarn A.
Row 34: K - 14 in yarn A. 6 in yarn B. 15 in yarn A.
Row 35: P - 15 in yarn A. 6 in yarn B. 14 in yarn A.
Row 36: K - 14 in yarn A. 4 in yarn B. 17 in yarn A.
Row 37: P - 17 in yarn A. 4 in yarn B. 14 in yarn A.
Row 38: K - 14 in yarn A. 3 in yarn B. 18 in yarn A.
Row 39: P - 19 in yarn A. 2 in yarn B. 14 in yarn A.
Row 40: K - 14 in yarn A. 1 in yarn B. 20 in yarn A.

*OPTION 2 - Heart: Use intarsia method.

Row 18: K 17 in yarn A. 1 in yarn B. 17 in yarn A.
Row 19: P 16 in yarn A. 3 in yarn B. 16 in yarn A.
Row 20: K 16 in yarn A. 3 in yarn B. 16 in yarn A.
Row 21: P 15 in yarn A. 5 in yarn B. 15 in yarn A.
Row 22: K 15 in yarn A. 5 in yarn B. 15 in yarn A.
Row 23: P 14 in yarn A. 7 in yarn B. 14 in yarn A.
Row 24: K 14 in yarn A. 7 in yarn B. 14 in yarn A.
Row 25: P 13 in yarn A. 9 in yarn B. 13 in yarn A.
Row 26: K 13 in yarn A. 9 in yarn B. 13 in yarn A.
Row 27: P 12 in yarn A. 11 in yarn B. 12 in yarn A.
Row 28: K 12 in yarn A. 11 in yarn B. 12 in yarn A.
Row 29: P 11 in yarn A. 13 in yarn B. 11 in yarn A.
Row 30: K 11 in yarn A. 13 in yarn B. 11 in yarn A.
Row 31: P 10 in yarn A. 15 in yarn B. 10 in yarn A.
Row 32: K 10 in yarn A. 15 in yarn B. 10 in yarn A.
Row 33: P 9 in yarn A. 17 in yarn B. 9 in yarn A.
Row 34: K 9 in yarn A. 17 in yarn B. 9 in yarn A.
Row 35: P 10 in yarn A. 7 in yarn B. 1 in yarn A. 7 in yarn B. 10 in yarn A.
Row 36: K 10 in yarn A. 7 in yarn B. 1 in yarn A. 7 in yarn B. 10 in yarn A.
Row 37: P 9 in yarn A. 5 in yarn B. 3 in yarn A. 5 in yarn B. 9 in yarn A.
Row 38: K 9 in yarn A. 5 in yarn B. 3 in yarn A. 5 in yarn B. 9 in yarn A.
Row 39: P 8 in yarn A. 3 in yarn B. 5 in yarn A. 3 in yarn B. 8 in yarn A.

After finishing charted design, work 10 rows in stockinette stitch with yarn A. (Or to desired length.)

Shape Neckline:
Row 1: K10, Bind off 15, K10. Place 1st 10 stitches on stitch holder.
Row 2, 4, 6, 8, 10: Purl.
Row 3: B2, k8 (9 stitches)
Row 5: B2, K7 (8)
Row 7: B2, K4, K2tog (6)
Row 9: B2, K2, K2tog (4)
Row 11: K2, K2tog (3)
Row 12: Purl.

Ties:
Row 13+: Repeat K3 until desired length for ties.
Finish: S2, K1, Pass 2 slip stitches over. Fasten off.
Rejoin yarn to 10 stitches on holder and knit other side, reversing shaping.

Shaping the Other Tie:
(SSK = S1 as if to knit, S1 as if to purl, pass left needle through both slips, knit together.)
Row 2, 4, 6, 8, 10: Purl.
Row 3: K8, psso, K1 (9 stitches)
Row 5: K7, psso, K1 (8)
Row 7: SSK, K4, psso, K1 (6)
Row 9: SSK, K2, psso, K1 (4)
Row 11: SSK, K2 (3)
Row 12: Purl.

Finishing the Last Tie:
Row 13+: Repeat K3 until desired length for ties.
Finish: S2, K1, Pass 2 slip stitches over. Fasten off.

ENJOY!



~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Best Buy Opens April 26th!

YAY! BEST BUY IS OPENING ON SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH! I've heard that the first 50 people on opening day will get $50 gift cards. Click here to BROWSE the WEEKLY AD.

Best Buy in Beaumont CA (Store 1441)
1650 2nd St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Phone: 951-845-1194
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am-9:00pm
Sun 11:00am-7:00pm

This store has large appliances on display. And GEEK SQUAD! I don't know why but I think Geek Squad is a great idea.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Getting a Home Loan Just Got Harder

As some lenders collapse under the weight of bad mortgages, others are getting pickier. Now you have to have a real down payment -- and actually be able to afford the house. People with loans nearing the end of low-interest introductory periods are asking themselves, "Can I qualify for a refinance I can afford?" The short answer, of course, is that it depends. With a FICO score roughly above 620 and a stable income, you're likely to be a "prime" customer, although factors like other debt you're carrying and how much you want to borrow also enter the equation. In fact, if you are in the prime category, now is a great time to refinance, since 30-year fixed rates are dropping to 6%, says Mike Fratantoni, senior economist with the Mortgage Bankers Association. Click here to read more from MSN.



~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Bank-Owned Properties

35622 Byron TR, BEAUMONT, 92223, CA. Priced at $384,900.


This bank-owned property in Beaumont, CA has gorgeous golf course views!

In this buyer's market, the best real estate bargains are the bank-owned properties. These are foreclosed properties that have reverted back to the lender and have been re-listed for sale with local real estate agencies. If you've been looking for a new home, then you're in luck. We're seeing the strictest loan requirements of the decade, but if you can get a loan now, definitely take the leap. Interest rates are low, and you can make them even lower by buying down points.

Bank-owned properties are NOT the same as short sales. Why buy a short sale when you can just get the home as a bank-owned property after the foreclosure finishes? Save yourself some heartache, be very careful when you purchase a short sale property. Even if the agents are good, the process can be very very time consuming. They may take as long as 6 months to complete. As a buyer and future homeowner, can you really wait that long and still be unsure to the very last day that you'll be able to get that property?

Anyway, this "new" market is breath of fresh air. Like a new moon, it marks the beginning of a recognizable cycle. The market will be back again for sellers. Not this year, not the next, but soon after. Remember the old adage that has proven true time and time again; to make money, buy low and sell high. You can capitalize on the market and make some money. 5 years from now, you'll be happy you did.

Email/call me if you have any questions, I'm always here for you!

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

You Can Be a Homeowner This Year

Sometimes all we read is the gloom and doom about the real estate market. Finally, a great inspiring piece of news that will maybe motivate you to take the plunge and buy that house you've been dreaming of. Here are 5 people that took advantage of this great buyer's market. Click here to read more from Los Angeles Daily News.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Foreclosure News

Today I've been craving more news on foreclosures. And boy howdy, did I find some goodies.

Trashing the House after a Foreclosure. Sometimes homeowners destroy their foreclosed homes before they leave. I've seen this quite a bit actually. Entire kitchens will be removed, not just the appliances, but the kitchen island too. Sometimes all the bedroom doors will be removed. Toilets, medicine cabinets, drawers and the like are all missing. Click here to read more from the Wall Street Journal.

Congress Voices Urgency to Help Homeowners at Risk of Foreclosure. The Senate voted 94-to-1 on Tuesday to move forward with a package of housing legislation. The measures in the package include an expansion of mortgage counseling, money for local governments to buy foreclosed properties, and a contentious provision that would allow bankruptcy judges to modify the terms of loans on primary residences. The aim is to forestall further collapse in the housing and residential mortgage markets and safeguard the broader economy from a worsening downturn. This is great news, but at the same time, I'm sure that they will restrict their assistance to only a section of the homeowners who fit their strict requirements. Click here to read more from The New York Times.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

BeaumontBlogs.com

I get the craziest ideas between the hours of 1am and 3am. Sometimes they are sheer brilliance. Sometimes they are absolutely ridiculous. This latest one might inspire an office to blog united.

A few agents in the office have expressed interest about blogging. And since I've been blogging steadily for about five years, I am a huge blog advocate. So I am more than happy to help promote blog-awareness in my immediate environment. It's such a great and easy way to get your thoughts and concerns out there. I doubt that people are anticipating your every word, but they will skim through and pick out what they want.

Thus it's not surprising that between 1-3am in the morning, I decided to set up a team blog for my coworkers. I bought and registered the domain name BeaumontBlogs.com, I thought it would be appropriate since our office is located here. I forwarded it to WordPress which allows teamblogging without having to get a Gmail account (doh, Blogger, why did you make me stray from you!) I figured it would be easier if I didn't have to get everyone to sign up for both Gmail accounts and Blogger accounts.

I already have 5 people who are definitely interested. Then at the office meeting we'll see who else would like to join.

The thing about blogging (and most successful aspects of your life )that many people don't understand is consistency. You don't have to have the best product or the cheapest product or be perfect, you just have to be CONSISTENT. Being there for your clients day in and day out is consistency. Returning missed calls as quickly as possible is consistency. You can probably see where I'm going with all this. Basically, it takes a dedicated blogger who is willing to open up personally and post about work-relevant topics or at least about personal/interesting topics.

I think the new team blog will be great. The various points of views will keep the conversation lively. The fact that we're all real estate agents will keep the theme going.

Blogged with Flock

Best Places to Live

Yay! Claremont, CA was voted 5th Best Place to Live by CNNMoney. Thirty miles east of Los Angeles, Claremont came into its own in the early 20th century after the founding of Pomona College. Streets were named after prestigious East Coast schools, and residents were encouraged to plant trees. Today, Claremont is called the City of Trees and Ph.D.s. The city has won the National Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA award for 19 straight years, and Pomona is part of a prestigious consortium known as the Claremont Colleges. The downtown is a mix of hip boutiques and old-school businesses. And the historic College Heights Lemon Packing House is now home to the Claremont Art Museum, restaurants, a jazz bar and artists' lofts. And relative to much of California, it's affordable (emphasis on "relative"). Click here to read more.

CNNMoney also made a Top 25 Hottest Places list. Rancho Mirage topped the list at 108.2 degrees F! Bermuda Dunes, La Quinta, and Palm Desert tied at 11th Place. Click here to read more.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Who Needs Time Management...

... when you don't have any time?! Below is very brief, day by day, list of my "typical" week. On any given day I could be doing ALL of the listed events, or just a few of them.

Monday: floortime, return weekend phone calls, groceries & chores, redbox, modeling invoices, tutoring reports, tutoring class
Tuesday: floortime, showing property, tutoring invoices, craft meeting
Wednesday: real estate meetings, property tours, floortime, tutoring class
Thursday: board meetings, floortime, tutoring, free art events
Friday: floortime, promotions, showing property
Saturday: floortime, tutoring, showing property, open house, promotions
Sunday: floortime, tutoring, showing property, open house

Oh and my guilty pleasure is Britney's Blackout album. Despite her trainwreck lifestyle, her songs still get me pumped, especially "Piece of Me." Sometimes, I have days where I'm just not as confident as I'd like. Please tell me that we all have those days and I'm not the only one! ;) Well, I'm a firm believer that music changes our attitudes and energy levels.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Canadians are Buying Up the U.S.

Canadians are Scooping Up U.S. Real Estate. Canadians account for more than half of all new home purchases in California, Texas and Florida. The strong Canadian dollar, (the looney) a declining U.S. dollar and weak housing prices due to the subprime mortgage mess have increased the appetite for Canadians to cross the border and buy real estate. What is adding to their appetite? An explosive local housing market in Canada where Canadians are seeing double-digit appreciation in their own home values. They have cash and they’re spending it! Local real estate brokers in California, Arizona, Florida and other sun belt states are seeing a ton of Canadian buyers. One broker interviewed in Sarasota said in the past six months 20% of his calls are from Canadians. Click here to read more.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Real Estate News for Wednesday, March 12th, 2008

California not in Recession, According to Survey. California economy is slowing but should avoid slipping into a recession, according to a widely followed quarterly economic forecast Tuesday. But if it does, the nation will almost surely follow, according to the economists who publish the Anderson Forecast at the University of California at Los Angeles. That's because the state contributes 13 percent of the country's gross domestic product and has never gone into a recession without the rest of the country doing the same. Click here to read more.

Luxury homes buck the trend. The overall housing market might be in bad shape, but mansions still selling. The top 5% of the market is strong not just because the rich in the U.S. are getting richer. Wealthy foreign buyers are also coming in to take advantage of the weak dollar and relatively bargain prices, said Laurie Moore-Moore, founder of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing in Dallas, which trains agents to work in the high-end international property market. The ubër-wealthy are also less concerned about interest-rate fluctuations and other mortgage issues; about a third of buyers of $1 million-plus homes pay cash, Moore-Moore said. Click here to read more.

New Online Real Estate Wiki Encyclopedia. Looks like there's a new wiki out there and it's about Real Estate! According to RealEstateWiki.com, "the first goal of Real Estate Wiki is to create the most exhaustive compendium of real estate information anywhere. Secondly, to make every attempt to ensure that all real estate information is objective, neutral, balanced and without any prejudice. Our third goal is to make the encyclopedia available to everyone - real estate brokers, real estate agents, real estate service providers, real estate educators, etc. and of course the home owners as well as potential home buyers and home sellers - this at no cost and without the distraction of advertising or bias." Sounds good, hope it has as much success as Wikipedia.

Looking to Buy a House? Some Tips. The Wall Street Journal has some great tips for buyers in this new market. First, buyers need to research their market, focusing on school districts, crime stats and any impending construction. Look for a home that is lower than its 2004 price. Buyers should haggle a little bit. Lending standards are changing, so buyers should get prequalified for a mortgage early on. Click here to read more.

Mastodon for Sale, Harder to Sell than a House? Family puts its 3 million year old fossilized mastodon up for auction on Ebay, but market proves tricky. According to the seller, Nancy Fiddler, "the trouble with selling a mastodon is there's no comps." Click here to read more.

More homeowners are just walking away from their mortgages. SacBee.com has a sad but realistic view of the effects of the current housing market. Owing more on properties than they're worth, some local homeowners are voluntarily walking away from their house notes. "They don't need to be foreclosed on. They're just turning in the keys," said Martha Lucey, president and chief executive officer of Fresno-based nonprofit credit counselors, By Design Financial Solutions. "The problem we're seeing is that (these residents') equity position is compromised. They're upside-down." They are also willing to accept the disadvantages of foreclosure – the damage to their credit, their ability to re-enter the housing market and even their capacity to find a job in the future. Although homeowners often try to renegotiate the terms of their mortgages, lenders are often reluctant or unable to do so. One mortgage may be held by dozens of investors, and not all of those investors will accede to changes. Click here to read more.

YouWalkAway.com Shows How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Foreclosure. Stressed about making hefty mortgage payments? Turned down for refinancing? Your lender won’t agree to a short sale? You are not alone, says You Walk Away LLC. The Carlsbad-based foreclosure counselor, which opened its doors in January, says lenders have foreclosed on 2.9 million homes in the last three years, so given the trend, it offers guidance to homeowners. You Walk Away is not a real estate broker. The counselor only provides services and information to help minimize the long-term financial impact of foreclosure. The consultant says it has assisted 200 financially stressed homeowners. Formed by attorney Chad Ruyle and Jon Maddux, You Walk Away helps homeowners through the entire foreclosure process when there are no other options. Click here to read more.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Unemployment in California, Recession?

New Data about Joblessness is Raising Fears of a Recession in California. In January, California lost more than 20,000 jobs, keeping the unemployment rate at nearly 6 percent, according to data released yesterday by the state Employment Development Department. The data show that Orange County and the Inland Empire have been losing jobs for the past two quarters – fitting a commonly used definition of a regional recession. The culprit continues to be the bursting of the real estate bubble. In January, 13,000 workers throughout the state lost their jobs in the construction, real estate and mortgage industries. But the weakness has spread into other areas as well. Statewide in January, there were 1,500 job losses in leisure and hospitality services; 1,300 at educational and health services; and 25,100 job losses at information companies, mostly related to the recently settled screenwriters' strike in Hollywood. “California is going to have a recession,” said Esmael Adibi, an economist at Chapman University in Orange. “By our definition, Orange County and the Inland Empire – San Bernardino and Riverside counties – entered a recession in the third quarter of last year.” Click here to read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Flock, Flickr, Blogger, TinaJan.com

My new favorite browser is Flock. Normally, I use Mozilla Firefox. But the other day I was using Netscape Navigator (I like to switch it up and keep things interesting) and that browser completely crashed. I uninstalled it and wanted to download a newer version but I found out that as of March 2008, AOL will no longer be supporting the Netscape Navigator browser. They recommended trying Mozilla Firefox (which I already have) and Flock. I always take good advice, so I downloaded Flock and it is awesome! It syncs well with all sorts of popular internet services, like Blogger, YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, and more. I have a Pro account with Flickr, but I never really use it to post my photos, probably because it doesn't work very well. I tried to post a new pic to this blog, but it never went through. I don't know why it does that. I don't think I'll renew my yearly subscription after this year is over.
This weekend was just like every other weekend for me. It was a combination of real estate appointments and tutoring appointments. I'm a busy girl, but I like it that way. My mother raised me to be productive all the time. In fact, I have to confess that I feel somewhat guilty when I take a break. I'm trying to learn how to say no to people and relax and leave some time for myself.
Normally, my property showings are nothing special. As an agent, you tend to see the same things over and over after a while. But last night, I showed a property in Corona that practically had a Playboy Grotto rock pool and spa in the backyard. It was *pretty sweet* (in my best Napolean Dynamite voice). Not surprisingly, because it was a $259,900 bank-owned property, it already had 15 offers, despite only being on the market 5 days. This is proof positive that there are awesome deals out there, and buyers too!
Ah Mondays, my new favorite day of the week. Not to worry, I will post some real estate news very soon.

Blogged with Flock

Elizabeth Taylor's Palm Springs Palace

Liz Taylor's Palm Springs Palace. According to the L.A. Times, this beautiful home is listed at 9.2 million. Her spokesman, Dick Guttman, says that even today Taylor “regards the home with great pleasure.” There are seven bedrooms and 9.5 bathrooms. The 10,226-square-foot Spanish-style compound is on 1.5 acres with the original tiled pool, more than 50 mature palms and an open-air pavilion with a commercial kitchen.



The 1.5 acre compound is in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs.



The 2,000-square-foot master suite has a bathroom with ƒsa chandelier, a private living room and an office.



There are two guest suites in the main house and three guest casitas on the grounds. The estate is listed at $9.2 million.



Click here for the full article from the Los Angeles Times.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Widgets and Knitting

This weekend was incredibly busy. For those of you who don't know me too well, I'm a bit of a workaholic. Yes, I am a full time real estate agent, but I also spend some of my time tutoring. Both real estate and tutoring require me to have a flexible schedule and give up all of my weekends. I don't think I've had a full free weekend to myself for several months now. I don't mind because I've nominated Monday as my new "easy" day. It actually works out pretty well for me.


Knitting
The photo above is the new "Chevron Rib" Stitch Pattern I learned this weekend. The variegated yarn I'm using distracts from the lovely eyelet pattern. This means a trip to Joann's to get a new finer yarn. I'm thinking a ball of Moda-Dea Beadnik yarn would be a perfect for this since it is a delicate solid colored yarn with prestrung beads for a few surprises when all knit up. Are you a knitter? Wanna try it for yourself? Here is the pattern from p. 250 of "Lace & Eyelets" from The Harmony Guides edited by Erika Knight.

Chevron Rib Pattern
Multiple of 7+2.
1st row: k2, *k2tog, yf, k1, yf, sl 1, k1, psso, k2; rep from * to end.
2nd row: purl.
3rd row: k1, *k2tog, yf, k3, yf, sl 1, k1, psso; rep from * to last st, k1.
4th row: purl.
Rep these 4 rows.

Widgets
I wanted to insert a "Books I'm Reading" widget onto my blog here. I didn't find one I liked, but I did find a neat music player widget. If you want widgets for yourself go to www.widgetbox.com. I put this one at the bottom of my sidebar. Enjoy.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Homes are More Affordable, Fewer Real Estate Agents

C.A.R. Reports Entry-Level Housing Affordability at 33%. Finally, homes are becoming more affordable! The percentage of households that could afford to buy an entry-level home in California stood at 33% in the fourth quarter of 2007, compared with 25% for the same period a year ago, according to a report released by the California Association of Realtors® (C.A.R.). The minimum household income needed to purchase an entry-level home at $411,170 in California in the fourth quarter of 2007 was $82,200, based on an adjustable interest rate of 6.21% and assuming a 10% down payment. First-time buyers typically purchase a home equal to 85% of the prevailing median price. The monthly payment including taxes and insurance was $2,740 for the fourth quarter of 2007. Click here to read more.

California sees drop in real estate licensees. Statewide count falls for first time in 5 years. Statistics reveal a dramatic drop in the number of salesperson license examinations in the state since September, while broker examinations have risen. There were 842 broker examinations administered in September and 14,918 salesperson examinations. That compares with 1,148 broker examinations administered in December 2007 and 1,315 salesperson examinations. Click here to read more.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Inland Empire and Southern California Real Estate News

And yet another victim of the mortgage crisis: The Renter. Some renters have found themselves homeless after their cash-strapped landlords stopped making mortgage payments and their houses or apartment buildings were foreclosed upon. For many such people, this can mean even steeper rents because the wave of foreclosures has spurred greater demand for rental housing -- a blessing to landlords who don't have banks breathing down their necks. Click here to read more.

Some builders are offering low price guarantees. The guarantee is a limited time offer depending on the builder of course. Basically, if the base price of a buyer's home is less at closing than they paid, the company will honor the lower price. Click here to read more.

Not in a recession. Or so they keep telling us. An anemic housing market and strike-battered entertainment sector may drag on the Southern California economy, but the region will still remain strong enough to avoid recession through 2009, a leading forecast said today. The economy is still growing but at such a slow pace it feels like a recession. However, because of the ongoing housing slump, the residential real estate sector is considered to be in a recession.Click here to read more.

Inland Empire Regional Economy Analysis and Forecast. I found this great 5 part article about the Inland Empire economy. Unfortunately, I can only access Part 3 and Part 2. They're both great reads, but relatively lengthy for a news articles.

Inland Empire Median Home Values. Southern California's home sales last month fell below 10,000 for the first time in more than 20 years. San Bernardino County sales fell the steepest in the region, plunging 53 percent from January 2007, for a total of 1,111 transactions, which DataQuick Information Systems said was the smallest monthly count since the company began keeping track in 1988. Riverside County posted 1,939 home sales, a more than 37 percent decline in a year and the lowest number recorded in any month since January 1997. Also the median home price in San Bernardino County slipped below $300,000 to $298,000, representing more than a 21 percent drop from an all-time peak of $380,000 reached in November 2006. The median home price in Riverside County fell to $331,500, or more than 23 percent below a $432,000 record high in December 2006. Click here to read more.

Crime time? Economic downturn worries police. The next couple of years could be tough on police throughout the Inland Empire. Facing general economic sluggishness and a slumping housing market, local leaders are worried that an uptick in crime - which typically goes hand-in-hand with a worsening economy - is coming. Compounding local cities' concerns is the specter of a mass release of inmates from the state's overflowing prisons. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has floated the idea of cutting the state's prison budget and paroling more than 20,000 nonviolent inmates. At least two Inland Empire cities - Pomona and San Bernardino - expect to become home to a large share of those parolees. Click here to read more.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

0216082215c.jpg

0216082215c.jpg, originally uploaded by tinacjan.

mochi giving me puppy kisses.

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

First Post From a Blackberry Curve

Hi Everyone, this is my first attempt to post from my new Blackberry. I love the internet capability that this little red gem has. Yes, I picked the red colored Blackberry Curve. It was my Valentine's Day present to myself. So here's my question to all the realtors out there: How have your REO deals been going? Do you find that the asset managers are really dragging their feet? It seems to me that the lenders are taking their sweet time responding to offers. I would love to hear other experiences!

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Snowy St. Valentine's Day

Hi Everyone! This is what I saw today as I drove to my office in Beaumont, a beautiful snowy St. Valentine's day. Big quarter sized flakes fell from the sky and covered the San Gorgonio Pass area with a soft white blanket of snow. Yes, I am guilty of taking pictures while driving.







My office is located next to the Hallmark store. So of course, the parking lot was packed with people coming and going from that store. They were probably buying Valentine cards and gifts for their loved ones. My favorite part of the holidays are the after-holiday sales. I can stock up on half price chocolates! This V-day I got a beautiful vase full of red roses and baby's breath, as well as a nice assortment of chocolates from various affiliates!



Today I spent most of my day preparing the flyers for this month's doorhangers. Then I celebrated with a big V-Day home-cooked dinner with friends! Here we are with our laptops. I think I'm the only one without an Apple computer.



I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

5 Things Buyers Need to Know

In this month's Realtor magazine, Blanche Evans gives us five reasons why buyers should put their money towards a home instead of the stock market.

Here are five reasons why you get more for your money with a house than the stock market:

1. LEVERAGE. With stocks, you put in all your money for a little piece of a company. With a house, you put in a little money to get the entire house.

2. TAX BENEFITS. Uncle Sam knows that owning a home is a pain in the neck; that's why you get tax incentives. These are basically government bribes to get you to buy.

Think about it, with what other investment can you put in 5 percent of the cost of the asset, reap all the appreciation, and pay no capital gains? That's right: live in your home for at least two years, and you don’t have to pay capital gains tax on up to $250,000 in appreciation if you’re single and a combined $500,000 if you’re a married couple.

And that's not all — consider the benefits of fixed-rate mortgages, property tax write-offs, interest rate deductions, and depreciation. Is this a great country or what?

3. CONTROL. When you buy stocks, you're paying some CEO 500 times the average worker's salary for company performance that most other workers would lose their job over. With a home, you have control — what you buy, how much you pay, and where you live. You can improve the value with repairs and updates. Try comparing that to getting heard at the next shareholders' meeting!

4. LIFESTYLE. Do you want to look at a concrete jungle or your children playing in your own back yard? With a home, you're purchasing a vantage point for yourself and your family. The neighborhood you want to be in, and the size and style of a home that fits your needs.

5. VALUE. Unlike some stocks, your house will seldom become worthless. Barring a catastrophe, your home will retain a major portion of its value, even in the worst of times. So don't freak out about slight fluctuations in the value of your home in any given year. You'll make it up. Housing has lost value only one year out of the last 35. It's more normal to beat inflation by 1 percent to 2 percent.

TAKE STOCK IN THIS:
So let's add a little perspective here. You lost a greater percentage on the stock market this past year than if you owned a house. You lost more on your SUV. And you sure lost more on your iPhone.

And keep this in mind: When it rains, which would you rather have over your head — a roof or a stock certificate?

Click here to read the original article.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Blogging Success!

It's good to know that I'm not the only one that loves to blog! A recent article from the L.A. Times is titled, "Realtor blogs help reel in clients, boost sales." There is a new wave growing. Agents that blog. We believe you will eventually only use an agent that blogs. Why? Because if they blog about a community they must know it. You also learn more about them as they blog. And according to Larry Cragan, "agents who are still selling today are agents who blog."

Good to know!

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Inland Empire Real Estate News

Inland commercial builders grow wary. Foreclosures in the Inland Empire are among the highest in the nation. Some experts suggest that means less disposable income and fewer new residents, which could curb the desire to build shopping centers. Banks have reacted to the subprime crisis by tightening loan requirements. That has had an impact on all building, making it harder to obtain money. Experts say the Inland region's warehousing market is strong enough to weather the storm. The fundamental market factors are still strong for the Inland Empire. Click here to read more.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

New Visitor Map

There are so many neat widgets out there that I like. One of my favorites is the visitor map. I've decided to include one at the very bottom of the page, right above the statistical counter. Since it's a new addition to TinaJan.com, it won't have much to show for a while.

On a slightly unrelated note, my counter tells me that I've had 6000 hits. Since I've only been blogging for 2 years, I guess that's not too bad. In comparison, my personal blog has received close to 40,000 hits during a time span of 4 years. 10,000 hits a year versus 3,000 hits is a big difference. But I think the number of hits will blossom as this site grows into its 3rd year of existence.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Rainy Day Reflections

This is the view from my office today. The clouds are everywhere, but I love this weather. Sometimes the grass is greener during the winter, or maybe it just looks cleaner because of the rain. One of my coworkers is a great cook, he made a vegetable beef & barley soup with french bread for the office today. He even has a tip jar in the back so that everyone can show their appreciation for his culinary prowess.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Food, Feds, Foreclosures, and Probates

Canton Bistro is the trendy new restaurant and nightclub in Redlands, CA. Canton Bistro features not only Chinese specialties but also sushi, as well as an inviting bar area with a nightclub set-up that extends eating times well into the wee hours. The Asian fusion restaurant is the latest endeavor of Chinese chef Choung Ly, a Canton (now Guangzhou) native who lives in Yucaipa. His family owns and operates similar bistros in the desert area, and he decided to bring his culinary talents to a location closer to home. In concept, the place resembles the highly successful P.F. Chang chain of Chinese bistros but with the addition of Japanese food and a disco/nightclub. Ly seemingly spared no expense to outfit the new Canton Bistro with the most modern of looks that is nothing short of spectacular: mood-setting lighting effects, striking black and red decor, bamboo floors imported from China and a stacked stone bar matching several similar stone walls. A waterfall and a beneficent Buddha projecting peaceful vibes of good luck and good fortune enhance the front. Click here to read more.

Despite rate cut, many feeling uneasy. The Inland Empire isn't crumbling just yet, but investors on Wall Street frantically pulled their money out of turbulent global financial markets this week. Surprisingly, the Federal Reserve's three-quarter percent interest rate cut didn't do much to allay investors' fears. It's another sign the national economy may be ready to show its ugly side - perhaps a recession. Click here to read more.

In foreclosure - The downturn isn't just in housing. While experts argue over whether a recession is around the corner, San Bernardino and Riverside counties could be poised to become the poster children for economic doom and gloom. You've seen the headlines - skyrocketing foreclosures, homebuilders pulling up stakes, all right here in our own backyard. Even big-name commercial developers are getting the hint it is time to scale back. Their insatiable appetite for industrial building construction has sent vacancy rates to 15percent in the Rialto, San Bernardino, Redlands, Moreno Valley and Riverside areas - a number considered unhealthy. A recent report also indicated the office market throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties has a 13.4percent vacancy rate, up from 10percent in the fourth quarter of 2006. Click here to read more.



Home foreclosures in California surge to more than double the previous record. Leandro Hernandez of Chino Hills is among thousands more who could be next. He tried to sell his house in 2006 to get out of a mortgage he couldn't afford but found no takers. Faced with a house worth less than his loan balance, he's trying to cut a deal with his bank. But if the lender won't budge, Hernandez, 45, says he knows what he will tell them. "Foreclose me," he said defiantly. Hernandez knows that an eviction is a lengthy process. "I'll live in the house for free for 12 months, and I'll save my money and I'll move on."



Many have already been forced out or hit the road, helping to drive foreclosures up to 31,676 statewide in the final three months last year. That's more than double the record set in 1996 near the end of the last real estate downturn. The all-time low was 637 foreclosures statewide in the second quarter of 2005, when home values were still booming. In the Inland Empire, people who stretched to buy their first home often found themselves unable to make payments as their adjustable loans reset to higher rates, and falling home values made it impossible for them to refinance.



In Southern California, Riverside County saw the biggest jump in default notices, up 119% from a year ago. Orange County was a close second, with a 116% increase from the fourth quarter of 2006. San Bernardino saw a 106% increase, San Diego was up 95%, and Ventura 89%. Los Angeles County fared better than other Southern California counties, with an 83% increase in defaults. Click here to read more.

The Probate Murders. This is how it works: A family member, or even a neighbor, may notice that an elderly person is alone and may be increasingly vulnerable. Depending on the morality and authenticity of the concerned party, that person may contact Adult Protective Services, or may attempt to file for guardianship over the elder, in order to either protect or to gain access to that person's funds. The police may become involved, if there are allegations of lack of capacity or of financial or physical abuse. This opens the door for the professional conservator, buttressed by her lawyers, to "move in for the kill." Click here to read more.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Inland Empire and Orange County Real Estate News

Work has been exciting and busy lately. I have been showing property to buyers every day, and it has been wonderful to be working so much. On the downside, I've been a little under the weather. Winds are supposed to be 30-40 MPH in the Inland Empire today and tomorrow. Brrr. I like this weather, but my eyes get irritated very easily. Today we had our weekly office meeting and property tours. My coworker's husband brought in one very adorable Rottweiler/Golden Retriever puppy. It looks like a black wavy haired Lab. It was too cute.


Nicolas Cage sold his Newport Beach house last week for $35 million. It's a new record for Orange County, local OC brokers say. The movie star, who has bought and sold many houses, paid $25 million for the nearly 0.6-acre property in 2005.
The contemporary house on Newport Bay has a view of the harbor's main turning basin. It has a stone loggia with retractable glass doors. Click here to read more.

A really tough year for O.C. housing. Sales fell to their lowest level on record in 2007 and the median price fell for the first time in 12 years, wiping out at least two years of appreciation. 55 percent of the county's active real estate agents from the Pacific West Association of Realtors participated in at least one sale last year – half of them with just one or two sales apiece. The remaining 45 percent had no income in 2007. Click here to read more.

Repo Home Tour, covers streets of broken dreams. In Stockton, a clever agent hosts a Repo Home Tour by filling two 18-seat buses with prospective buyers eager to view foreclosed houses that can be snapped up at -- what he says -- are bargain prices. Some residents criticized it as a tasteless marketing gimmick. But as headlines announce record foreclosures and weeds sprout in the yards of abandoned homes, their tune has changed. Click here to read more.

SoCal median home price plummets. The median home price in a six-county region of Southern California plunged more than 13 percent in December versus a year ago. The steepest came in Riverside County, which saw a 17.8 percent plunge to $355,000. The typical mortgage payment that buyers in the region agreed to pay last month was $1,985, down $64 from November and down $257 from December 2006, according to DataQuick. Click here to read more.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Inland Empire and Orange County Real Estate News

In local real estate news, it looks like the housing meltdown is expected to push several cities into financial balancing acts as they rake in millions less in residential property-tax revenues. The Inland Empire continues to suffer from record foreclosure rates and a sour housing market, which is pushing home values drastically lower.

Fontana city leaders are optimistic in 2008 that their city, which has grown steadily in population and business activity during the past decade, will be insulated from the most severe repercussions of the housing woes that threaten the Inland Empire economy. Fontana has become the second-largest city in San Bernardino County with 181,640 residents. Fontana surpassed both Ontario (172,701) and Rancho Cucamonga (172,331) and now is second only to San Bernardino (205,010), according to the Inland Empire Quarterly Economic Report. Fifty percent of Fontana's jobs are considered white collar, while 35 percent are blue collar and 15 percent are service and farm. This is a dramatic transformation from previous generations.

Troubles in the real estate market are weighing on the economic outlook for Orange County in 2008. Economists are divided on whether the sagging housing market will tip the county's economy into recession. The number of homeowners having difficulties making house payments is expected to climb in 2008, leading to more homes being offered for sale at lower prices.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

TinaJan.com in 2008

Good morning! For those of you who haven't had a chance to get to know me, I'll tell you right now that I'm not really a morning person. However, the second that my alarm went off at 6:30am, I was ready to jump out of bed and get some work done. There is a new energy in the air that is palpable and I love it!

There are going to be some changes to TinaJan.com, not to worry, the changes will be for the better. For once, the date header will visible, that means I can have more informative titles. Also, I will be adding labels to my posts. This is helpful because if something is of interest to you, you can click that label and read other articles about that subject. Blogger has had this feature for a while, but I haven't used it yet.

In the past few months, this modest little real estate blog has been generating more attention and is ranking higher in major search engines than ever before. Needless to say, I'm quite surprised and proud.

Another aspect of web interaction I'd like to try is videoblogging. In this distant and impersonal online dimension, it's so hard to get your personality across! The only problem with filming myself on a webcam is that I'm very camera shy. But I suppose that is something that I will be able to overcome with time though.

If anyone has other interesting ideas, let me know! Keep in mind that I'm not a tech genius, so don't expect miracles.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008

Happy New Year! 2008 is finally here and I'm excited to get back into my work routine.

Not sure if everyone had noticed or not, but there's a new Super Target, Best Buy, and Kohl's in Moreno Valley off the 60 Fwy. Also, the Korean "Market World" Hannam Chain opened at 6753 Carnelian St. near 19th Street in Rancho Cucamonga. I'm certainly excited about a closer larger Asian grocery store. Having spent a large part of my life in Irvine, I'm used to having 99 Ranch Markets everywhere.

Also, while reading up on real estate news, it appears that the Inland Empire is gaining quite a name for itself.



A combination of continuing demand, moderately tight market conditions and new construction charging premium rental rates should be enough to push the average asking rate for available warehouse/distribution space up 5-10 percent in the Inland Empire according to Grubb & Ellis. For the second consecutive year, the logistics business is driving demand for space in Grubb & Ellis' Investment Opportunity Monitor's 2008 rankings. Los Angeles retained its top spot on the list, featuring proximity to the busiest ports in the U.S., negligible vacant space and little developable land. Demand is being diverted to the Inland Empire market 75 miles east, which ranked No. 4 on the list. Click here to read more.



According to the Wall Street Journal, the resilience of the Inland Empire's warehouse market -- still one of the country's healthiest -- is likely to be tested this year as growth of imports into the nearby ports of Los Angeles has flattened. The Inland Empire has been one of the country's fastest-growing areas in recent years. Its population has surged at an above-average pace to 4.1 million, largely due to land that was cheaper and more plentiful than in California's nearby coastal metropolitan areas. Now the area has been caught in the country's residential real-estate collapse, recording high foreclosure rates and a decline in home values. In turn, retail sales growth has slowed and vacant space is climbing. Retail, office and industrial development in Riverside and San Bernardino counties will make only modest gains -- at best -- during 2008, so says the Business Press.

~Tina Jan~
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
Cell: 909-446-2666
Toll-Free: 1-877-TINAJAN
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com