Summing up 2012 and Wishing You a Happy 2013!

We are at the end of the 2012!  This year has been a surprising and exciting real estate adventure for nearly everyone involved, myself included. 

For sellers, this year was a time to finally break even on the homes that they bought a few years ago.  Home prices increased quite a bit, which allowed more sellers to save their credit (and sanity) by selling their homes as standard sales, rather than as short sales.

Although buyers had record low interest rates on their side, buying a home proved to be quite difficult in 2012.  Surprisingly, the culprit wasn't the increased home values.  Instead, it was the extreme lack of inventory that caused the vexation of most buyers.  Battling it out with dozens of other buyers in multiple offer situations proved to be the biggest hurdle for most buyers.  In these multiple offer situations, the buyers that stood the best chance of getting accepted by sellers, were the cash buyers.  2012 was the year of the cash buyer.  These no-nonsense cash buyers were buying up all the best deals in the Inland Empire area.

Buyers with loans were able to snag up a few homes, but patience and knowledge of the changing market were key.  Buyers who were able to recognize the changing market trends and adapt to them by lowering their expectations and increasing their down payments were able to get accepted on a few homes.  However, as with any year's market, there are buyers who are still hesitant to acknowledge the current market.  Hopefully next year's situation will be more accommodating for these buyers.

If you have any home questions, please feel free to email me at tinajan@gmail.com or call/text me at 909-446-2666!  I serve the Southern California, Inland Empire area, in cities like, Beaumont, Banning, Cherry Valley, San Jacinto, Hemet, Redlands, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Moreno Valley, Riverside, San Bernardino, Colton, Loma Linda, Grand Terrace, Highland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, and surrounding areas.

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~Tina Jan~
DRE# 01505855
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Cell: 909-446-2666
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Having a Hard Time Buying a House? Try a New Construction!

Edgewood at the Cove - KB Home

$200,990.  3-5 bedroom, 2-3 bath, 2233 sqft.

With the housing inventory reaching record lows, many buyers are left out in the cold.  We are seeing multiple offers on nearly every home for sale, in less than a week's time.

How can the typical buyer get their offer to stand out from the crowd?  While some sellers are looking for the highest offers, most sellers are looking for the safest transactions.  Safe and strong buyers are typically cash buyers or conventional loan buyers who have put more than 20% as a down payment.

Where does this leave the buyers who have FHA loans or VA loans?  The best bet for these buyers is new construction.  The benefits of buying a new construction are less competition, brand new home with no repairs to do prior to move in, and often, more energy efficient amenities.  The disadvantages of buying a new construction are higher cost per square foot of home, possible higher taxes, limited neighborhood choices.

According to the Wall Street Journal, buyers are definitely looking at new construction as a possibility.  Nationally, new construction for single family residences were up 43% from last year.  Click here to read the article. 

If you are thinking that a new construction might be the perfect home for you, call me today to tour some local model homes!

- 
~Tina Jan~
DRE# 01505855
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Cell: 909-446-2666
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Housing Shortage - We Need More Sellers!

For those of you who have been trying to buy a home this summer, you may have noticed that homes are not as easy to buy as they were last year.  In the Inland Empire of Southern California, homes inventory has dropped from 6 months of inventory to 1 month of inventory.

According to this chart from USA Today, The change in the number of homes for sale from May 2011 to May 2012 has decreased sharply in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego.  Los Angeles decreased its inventory by 33% on average, Riverside decreased by 32%, and San Diego decreased by 28%.

The situation many buyers are seeing right now are bidding wars, multiple offers, lower inventory, higher prices.  For a "buyer's market" with an attractive and affordable interest rate lower than 4%, it certainly is very hard to get an offer accepted by the sellers!  USA Today reported on a few buyers who have experienced similar scenarios.

Many buyers are now trying more aggressive tactics to secure their dream homes.  These tactics include a larger initial deposit amount, a larger down payment, higher offer prices.  And despite the increased price values, Trulia - the real estate website, has stated that monthly rental rates are still higher than monthly mortgages in 98 of the 100 top U.S. metropolitan areas.

With all this in mind, any sellers who are on the fence about selling their properties should be able to sell their home quickly and easily.



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~Tina Jan~
DRE# 01505855
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Cell: 909-446-2666
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Lavender Festival June 23-24, June 30-July 1, 2012

It's that time of the year again!  Lavender Festival 2012 - I love love love this festival!

The Lavender Festival is a mixture of delicate scents, delicious foods, live music, and lots of interesting booths.  Even though I've been to this event year after year, I haven't gotten tired of going!  The location is easy to get to, but once you are in the middle of the resort, it feels like you're so removed from the noise and stress of the world.  If I were to sum up the Lavender Festival in two words, it would probably be "pastoral tranquility."

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~Tina Jan~
DRE# 01505855
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Cell: 909-446-2666
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

May 2012 - Inland Empire Calendar of Events

May 11-12, Miss Saigon
A classic love story is brought up-to-date in one of the most stunning theatrical specials of all time.  Brought to you by the creators of Les Miserables, this moving testament to the human spirit reflects on the turmoil of the Vietnam War when an American soldier and Vietnamese girl fall in love, only to be separated during the fall of Saigon.
Time: Friday 8:00pm / Saturday 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Location: Fox Performing Arts Center.  3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA.
For more information visit www.foxriversidelive.com

May 12, Creed
Creed is a Grammy Award winning American rock band, formed in 1995 in Tallahassee, Florida.  Becoming popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the band has released three consecutive multi-platinum albums, one of which has been certified diamond, and has sold over 28 million records in the United States.
Time: 8:00pm
Location: Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.  84200 Indio Springs Dr., Indio, CA.
For more information visit www.fantasyspringsresort.com

May 12, Red Bull X-Fighters
Red Bull X-Fighters - the world's premier freestyle motocross (FMX) series returns to the United States at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino.  Created back in 2001, the Red Bull X-Fighters concept has grown to become the biggest and most respected freestyle motocross tour on the planet, featuring the world's best riders throwing down mad tricks in stunning locations across the globe.
Time: 2:00pm
Location: Glen Helen Raceway.  18585 Verdemont Ranch Rd., San Bernardino, CA
For more information visit www.redbull.com

May 12 and 13, The Young Americans Golden Anniversary Celebration and Show
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is bringing America's original Glee Club - The Young Americans - back to Palm Springs - with an all-new song and dance extravaganza designed to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the group's founding in 1962.  The shows feature a wide range of music, from traditional choral music to the latest Broadway hits, and every type of dance you can imagine - from classical ballet to modern hip hop. It is fun-filled entertainment the whole family will love.
Time: Saturday 7:00pm/ Sunday 2:00pm
Location: Palm Springs High School Auditorium.  2401 East Baristo Rd., Palm Springs, CA
For more information call 888-718-4253 or visit www.camelottickets.com

May 15, Family Game Night
Enjoy Family Game Night every 3rd Tuesday in the Children's Room for an evening of board games and fun!
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm, every 3rd Tuesday
Location: Norman F. Feldheym Central Library.  555 W. Sixth St., San Bernardino, CA
For more information call 909-381-8235

May 18, All that Glitters: Rockin Women in Burlesque
Free Burlesque and Music, Breast Cancer Fundraiser Event.  Including raffles and performances by Ruby Champagne, Betsey Bosen, Little Miss Vicious, Mia Vixen, Kira Von Sutra, Audrey Deluxe, Madeline Sinclaire, Hula-La, Charlotte La Belle, Pepper La Rue, Miso Pretty, Angie Cakes, Jessabelle Thunder, and Mather Louth.
Time: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: CSUSB Student Union Event Center, San Bernardino, CA
For more information visit http://studentunion.csusb.edu/events/wrc/

May 20, Primavera in the Gardens.
An annual fundraising event, the 14th Annual Primavera in the Gardens is coming!  An annual food, wine, music event in an idyllic garden setting.  Tantalizing appetizers are provided by wonderful restaurants and caterers from all over Riverside.  Wines are offered by regional vineyards and wineries.
Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: UCR Botanic Gardens
For more information call 951-784-6962

May 24-28, The National Orange Show Festival
For almost 100 years, the National Orange Show Fairgrounds has hosted an annual festival that celebrated the region's citrus heritage.  Today's "new" festival includes much of that original charm, plus a multicultural overlay to reflect today's demographics.  Five days of music, food, world-class carnival and midway, indoor and outdoor shopping, petting zoo, hypnotists, clowns, juried art show.  "Fiesta Days" on Saturday and Sunday, Memorial Day rememberance on Monday.
Time: Thursday and Friday, gates open at 2:00pm.  Saturday gates open at 12:00pm.
Location: National Orange Show Events Center.  689 S. E St., San Bernardino, CA
For more information visit http://nosfestival.com/

May 27, Firefighters 16th Annual Car Show
The Redlands Professional Firefighters are holding their 16th annual car show.  All makes and years are invited.  Drawings, prizes, food, modern and antique equipment showcase in Downtown Redlands on State Street.
Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Location: State Street, between Orange St. and 9th St., downtown Redlands
For more information, email rfd.carshow@gmail.com

May 28, Memorial Day Flower Drop - Palm Springs Air Museum
This is a very special day at Palm Springs Air Museum.  Our brief Memorial service is dedicated to all of our fallen comrades, who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  In their honor, we highlight the serice with a fly-by and flower drop of over 3,000 red and white carnations from a B-25 Mitchell.  This most impressive ceremony is our way of saluting our fallen comrades.  Visitors are velcome to pick up a flower to take home.  Flight exhibition scheduled.
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Location: Palm Springs Air Museum.  745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA
For more information visit www.PalmSpringsAirMuseum.org

-
~Tina Jan~
DRE# 01505855
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Cell: 909-446-2666
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

HGTV Green Home 2012

While we are on the subject of HGTV Home Sweepstakes... don't forget that there is still the Green Home 2012 and the upcoming Urban Oasis Sweepstakes too.

The HGTV Green Home 2012 can be entered until June 1st, 2012 at 5pm EST.  You can enter once a day on HGTVRemodels.com and also HGTV.com!  Wishing everyone the best of luck!

-
~Tina Jan~
DRE# 01505855
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Cell: 909-446-2666
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

HGTV Dream Home 2013 - Clue!

I'm excited and inspired by the winner of the HGTV Dream Home 2012!  She mentioned entering the sweepstakes every day, twice for an entire year!  Alright, that's it!

The picture above is the first clue from HGTV as to the possible location of the 2013 Dream Home.  It's looking pretty beachy and I'm very excited.  Let's make an effort to enter the sweepstakes everyday this year!


-
~Tina Jan~
DRE# 01505855
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Cell: 909-446-2666
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

What's the Malware Pop-Up from Blogger All About?

I'm not 100% why, but Blogger keeps popping up this menacing looking window that talks about malware from one of the blogs I follow.  I can't fathom that they send out malware, so I just proceeded to my site and theirs too!  Hopefully my computer doesn't crash now...

Has anyone been seeing this with other Blogger/Blogspot blogs they visit?

ETA: I think one of the blogs that I follow in my Fav Blogs list was "known to distribute malware" - so I just unfollowed it.  Hopefully that fixes the problem!

-
~Tina Jan~
DRE# 01505855
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Cell: 909-446-2666
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Thank you!

Just wanted to start the year off with a big heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who has worked with me in the past. Thank you to my wonderful clients. Every transaction has been fun, interesting, and at times, nerve-wracking, but all the work is worth it because it is so rewarding to see you with your dream home! Thank you to the lenders, escrow officers, title reps, home inspectors, termite inspectors, contractors, and cooperating agents. Let's make 2012 even better than 2011!

Inland Empire Calendar of Events

Through January 8, Winterfest Ice Skating in Temecula -
   Ice skating daily in Temecula Town Square.  $10 per person per session, plus $2.50 skate rental.
   Time: 10am - 10pm
   Location: Town Square, Old Town Temecula, 41000 Main St., Temecula
   For more info visit www.temeculaevents.org

January 5-16, Palm Springs International Film Festival -
   The 23rd Annual Palm Springs International Film festival plays host to a fabulous array of movies and movie stars.  The festival will feature a stellar line-up of more than 200 films from more than 60 countries, special events and gala receptions.
   Time: Varies - refer to website for festival guide
   Location: Various venues - refer to website
   For more info visit www.psfilmfest.org

January 6, Monster Gives Back -
   A benefit night full of discounted indoor kart racing, Monster Energy celebs and athletes, catered dinner and unbelievable raffle opportunities.  This event is open to the public and a $20 donation will be collected at the door.
   Time: 6:30pm - 10:30pm
   Location: Pole Position Raceway, 1594 Bentley Dr., Corona
   For more info visit www.monsterenergy.com

January 6-8, AMA EXPO 2012 -
   The premier exposition for model aviation, and hosted by the Academy of Model Aeronautics, will offer the tens of thousands of aeromodeling enthusiasts in Southern California an opportunity to see and purchase the latest in model aircraft technology, mingle with aeromodeling experts in many disciplines, listen to presentations by aviation celebrities, and enjoy a full weekend of learning and camaraderie.
   Time: 10am - 4pm
   Location: Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario
   For more info visit amaexpo.com

January 7, Citrus Heritage Run 5K & 10K -
   Third annual Citrus Heritage Run is being brought to Riverside by Riverside Road Runners Club.  There will be a trophy for the overall male and female winners of the 5K and 10K races, and all participants receive free t-shirts.
   Time: 8am
   Location: Arlington Heights Sports Park, Van Buren & Victoria Ave., Riverside
   For more info visit www.riversideroadrunners.com

January 7-8, College of the Desert Street Fair -
   A great way to start your day!  340 vendors offering new merchandise, food court, arts and crafts and a farmers market.  Free parking, admission and entertainment.
   Time: 7am
   Location: College of the Desert, 43500 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert
   For more info call 760-636-7957 or visit www.codstreetfair.com

January 7-8, Dickens Festival -
   This festival has been called the Riverside area's best outdoor gathering.  Over 150 costumed performers, musical acts, a marketplace with vendors to meet your every need, a military parade, traditional food and drinks, free admission and much more!
   Time: Refer to website for full schedule
   Location: The Riverside Convention Center and Plaza, 3443 Orange St., Riverside
   For more info visit www.dickensfest.com

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~Tina Jan~
DRE# 01505855
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
1655 E. Sixth St.
Beaumont, CA 92223
Cell: 909-446-2666
Work: 951-845-5520 Ext. 105
Fax: 951-845-4916
tina.jan@coldwellbanker.com
www.tinajan.com

Selling LA HGTV show! Starts January 5th!

One of my best friends really enjoys the Selling NY show, probably because she lives in New York. Unfortunately, I was never able to catch a show or get really excited enough to record the series. But now that they have a Selling LA show, I've taken the initiative to record the new shows on my DVR! Maybe it will be as exciting as the Outdoor Rooms show with Jamie Durie. Although I have a feeling nothing will top that crazy Aussie. You can watch prior episodes Selling LA online by going to the HGTV site, http://www.hgtv.com/selling-la/show/index.html

Happy New Year

I hope that everyone has a wonderful and Happy New Year. Make 2012 the best year yet!

I was never a big resolution type of person, but every year I try my best to be a good person and do the best I can!

But if there was one thing I would like to do to start off this new year, it would be to spend more time with this blog! So I will try to set aside some time to post some interesting things on here!