Victoria Riverside Real Estate Trends - Sept. 2011   Active Listings: 19 Pending Listings: 12 Closed Sales: 5 What's selling in Victoria?   As summer wanes the real estate activity in Victoria, Riverside has slowed. However interesting trends are becoming apparent. During the month of August 5 homes closed.  Two are REO's (bank-owned) properties and 3 Standard Sales. Two of the purchases were cash transactions. Often cash transactions maybe sold at a slight discount because they may close faster and do not require an appraisal which may induce the seller to offer concessions. The prices for closed sales ranged from $250,000 - $330,000 with the average price at $263,000 and a average price per square foot - $139. The lower price ranges continue to sell as buyers searching in the Victoria... 09/06/2011

Orangecrest Riverside Real Estate Updates - Sept. 2011 Active Listings: 44 Pending Listings: 37 Closed Listings: 24 Orangecrest Riverside is a masterplanned community consisting of approximately 5000 homes. New home builders exploded into the area during the early 2000's attracting families with the highly rated school district. The newer homes and subdivisions attract families searching for larger homes with larger yards and a community feeling. Average price of homes: $283,000  Average price per sq.ft.: $113  Average days on the market: 104 What does this mean to you? During the month of August the 24 Orangecrest Riverside closed homes consisted of - 6 Short Sales, 6 REO's (bank-owned) and 12 Standard Sales. The successful closing of 12 Standard sales is a positive movement as distres... 09/02/2011

Lake Hills Riverside Real Estate Update - Sept. 2011 Active Listings: 15 Pending Sales: 6 Closed Sales: 2 Average price: $418,000    Average price per square foot: $120     Average Days on the Market: 108 What does this mean to you? The number of Lake Hills Standard Sales on the market has increased over last year when REO's (bank owned) properties dominated the market. The 15 active listings consist of: 9 Standard Sales 4 Short Sales 2 REO Sale The Lake Hills Standard sales also include 5 new construction homes by Richmond American Homes. Typically the price of new construction homes is higher than resale homes. The average price of resale homes in the city of Riverside is $200,000 while new construction homes average $259,000. However in the upsacale Lake Hills Reserve community the h... 09/02/2011

Tom & Sally B. of Riverside, Calif., struggled for more than a year when their adjustable-rate mortgage payment shot through the roof. The bank wouldn’t help them with a loan modification, and they were nearing the end of their savings. That’s when they turned to us for help. Less than 60 days later, they had a relocation incentive check in their hands. “Our plan was to sell our home when we retired, take the equity and downsize into a smaller home to enjoy our retirement. “Due to the recession, like so many people, we were now about $175,000 upside-down. We were basically renting our own home, and with large ‘rental’ payments at that. We knew we needed to do something. After three years of trying to modify our loan, and getting nowhere, a friend suggested we call Brian & Tim at Dream B... 09/01/2011

post Harris-Gottschalks Dept. Store Still Remembered in Riverside………..Good-Bye My Old Friend           In 1905, The Harris’ Company opened in downtown San Bernardino, CA.         In 1957, Harris opened its second store in Riverside, at the Riverside Plaza. This was a new concept to have a shopping area out of the downtown section. This chain built a reputation for offering high quality merchandise and became the Marshall Field’s of the Inland Empire.  Harris had retail competitors like Broadway and Robinson’s but continued to hold its own and consumers flocked to the stores. Harris opened 9 stores total. This is the back side of the mall as you can see Harris behind the center. But I loved this picture with the cars and the original sign. Photo was taken in 1958.         This is the Har... 08/29/2011

Kindergarten Memories at Madison Elementary School, Riverside, California Sept 1958-1959. My father was a Pilot/Navigator at March Air Force Base, CA so we lived in Riverside where I was born.         I remember attending Madison Elementary School. My mother would drive me to school in the morning and come back at noon and pick me up. We had a big blue and white Pontiac and I loved to stand outside and watch for our car to pull in the parking lot. Sometimes my dad would be on TDY so he would come to pick me up in his Nash Rambler. I loved to see my dad and was partial to him. Aren’t all little girls!  Here is my mom and I just after she  picked me up from school.           Best Memories: v  I remember my teacher, Miss Brooks. I thought she was so pretty and nice. I loved her full skirts... 08/26/2011

The Most Common Questions FHA's Reverse Mortgage Program, the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (aka HECM’s) really are a safe, secure loan. In the course of my business I often run across some common misconceptions.  I’d like to take this opportunity to educate the reader about some of the most common questions and myths about this loan. How much can I borrow?  Loan amounts are determined by three factors: Age of the youngest borrower (the older you are the more you can borrow) Home value (the higher the home value, the more you can borrow with a cap on calculations at $625,500) Current interest rates. Will the bank own my home?   No. You remain the owner of your home and can stay as long as you wish, as long as you pay property taxes, keep the home insured and maintain the home.  When ... 08/23/2011

City of Riverside, California..Home of Parent Washington Navel Tree 137 Years Old.     The Navel Orange is solely responsible for the existence of Riverside. This one tree, 137 years old, the parent navel orange, which started it all, is still healthy and bearing fruit. This tree is located at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Arlington Ave.         The tree’s history can be traced from Bahia state, Brazil. The first introduction of the navel orange bud-wood to the United States probably occurred during the end of the 19th century. Trees from Bahia to Washington, D.C., by ship. William Saunders, Dept. of Agriculture, who was friends with Eliza Lovell (1825-1898), then Eliza Summons, then Eliza Neal and finally Eliza Tibbetts. The 2 trees traveled from Washington D.C by rail, stage coach... 08/23/2011

    Victoria OPEN HOUSE- BOTHM (Back on the market) Join us when: Saturday 8/20 and Sunday 8/21 time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm Well loved, well-maintained 4 bedroom Victoria Home     Upgraded Milgard double paned windows, new 50 gallon water heater, attic fan and newer roof - all energy efficient features found in the home. Walking distance to Andulka Park 08/19/2011

  Orangecrest  Riverside 92508 Market Trends Active Listings: 29 Pending Listings: 15 Sold Listings: 24 What does this mean to  you? Of the 29 active listings in Orangecrest,  Riverside 92508 5 REO's - 9 Short Sales - 15 Standard Sales (interestingly 3 of the standard sales are investor flips. Investors have purchased the homes, within recent months, improved the home and relisted home on the market for a profit. Concerns to be aware of when dealing with investor flips: Many Lenders will only finance a purchase price which includes a 20% return on investors original purchase price. Ex: Investor purchased property for $200,000 X 20% = $240,000 new sales price. Have your Realtor investigate this issue prior to submitting an offer. Many (flips) although sold as standard sales are sold "AS-... 08/17/2011

Bob & Sally have been married for over 70 years!  88 & 94, and incredibly young for their age.They had their home paid off, but a few years ago they took out a loan on the house in order to go into business with one of their grown children.  Bob, in his 80’s, still wasn’t ready to retire!  Enter the recession.  Boo, hiss!  The hopes and dreams for the new business crashed and Bob & Sally found that maintaining their new mortgage payments put quite a strain on their finances, depleting their savings, stressing their lives and   affecting their health. They went through the mortgage modification process to reduce their monthly home payments and during that process one of the professionals they ran across asked them if they had ever heard of reverse mortgages.  They had not.  To make a lon... 08/16/2011

Riverside's Best Little Donut Shop & The Best Croissants Riverside's Woodcrest Donuts has the best Ham'n'Cheese croissants in Riverside. The prices are pretty reasonable for a taste of this wonderful treat. The flaky pastry surrounds the ham and cheese which when heated melts in your mouth. The croissant, which has a slightly sweet taste (reminds me of vanilla) contrasted with the slight saltiness of the ham and the warm buttery pastry, is delicious. Of course Tiffany's smiling face is always a welcome sight. I have visited this shop for more than 10 years and love it. Stop by and visit: Riverside's Best Little Donut Shop & Best Croissant Woodcrest Donuts 19510 Van Buren Riverside, CA 951-653-5054 08/16/2011

I have been taking a survey of what people look for in a real estate agent for over 3 years. Here is what I found. 1. Most of all, people want someone who stays in touch with them. 2. People want a real estate agent who is knowledgeable on real estate and on the inventory. 3. People want a real estate agent who answers the phone, email, and text 4. People want a real estate agent who sells alot of homes 5. Skills count 6. Communication is key - they want you to care of them It all seems very simple. How frustrating that some real estate agents just don't get it. 08/16/2011

Riverside New Home Community - Cielo at Lake Hills Reseve Soaring mountain views, panoramic city views and the azure blue waters of Lake Mathews, are natural features found in the Riverside new home community Cielo by Richmond American Homes. The community is nestled amidst rolling hills providing easy access to the 91and 15 freeways; portals to Orange county and Los Angeles. The city of Riverside presents an interesting dichotomy - the peacefulness of rural living combined with the sophistication of city offerings. Visitors will also notice the juxtaposition of the historic architecture with the contemporary architecture of new home subdivisions. The convenient location of this mountain-top community allows homeowners to enjoy the fine dining, cultural events and shopping found within... 08/15/2011

Amelia Earhart School Calendar California Distinguished School 20202 Aptos Riverside, Ca 92508 951-697-5700 DATES TO CALENDAR Aug. 25 - Spirit Day                                                                      Sept. 14 - 16 -Color Guard Clinic/Tryouts Aug. 26 - 7th grade only 1st day (7:30 - 11:30 am)                         Sept. 15 - Mandatory Parent Meeting Color Aug. 29 - 7th and 8th attend 7:30 - 1:55 pm                                  Sept 23 - PTSA School Dance 6 -8:00 pm Aug. 29 - Prime Time Begins                                                         Oct. 12 - Picture Make-up Aug. 31 - Mandatory Spirit Squad Parent Meeting @ 6:30 pm or         Oct. 21 - 23 Leadership Retreat Sept. 1 - Mandatory Spirit Squad Parent Meeting @ 2:30 pm              Nov.11 - Veteran's Day (... 08/14/2011

"Teen star bullied out of school" is a recent headline. As parents began the preparations for the first day of school the issue of bullying, and its consequences, has become a large concern. The headline references Rebecca Black, who gained fame on YouTube with her video Friday. Due to threats and harassment the decision was made for Rebecca to withdraw from her school. Bullying defined by Wikipedia maybe" physical, verbal or emotional and is usually repeated over a period of time." Rebecca Black may represent an extreme case of fame attracting attention however many students have reported bullying in the schools. Riverside School Board of Education adopted a policy regarding bullying and cyberbullying on December 1, 2008. Code 106 Harassment and bullying of students and employees are a... 08/13/2011

Buyers taking a Second Look at New Home Communities In an attempt to find the home of their dreams buyers are beginning to give new home communities a second and even third look.  New Home communities are beginning to look much more attractive as competition for REO's continues unabated and current inventory is becoming stale. In response to the declining availability of prime properties Builders are attracting buyers by offering enticing incentives. Today New Homes are competing with the REO's and Short Sales. Frequently REO properties in desirable communities are newer homes, built from in 2004 and forward; possessing upgrades such as granite counters and stainless steel appliances (if they remain in the home.) The expensive hardscaping has been installed, although the lawn maybe a br... 08/12/2011

Victoria Riverside August Market Snapshot Active Listings: 12 Pending Sales: 6 Closed Sales: 6 Expired Sales: 1 So what does this mean to you? Active Listings -The active listings range in price from $299,900 - $399,900. Two are short sales which are traditionally priced 3-5% lower than fair market value. The DOM (days on the market) ranges from 15 - 162 days. Typically homes on the market over 90 days should reflect price reductions to once again generate interest and traffic. Pending Sales: - The number of home in escrow have increased during the last month. Summers end maybe inducing buyers to get off the fence and move before school begins. Closed Sales -  Are exciting as we can now see values in the neighborhood. **5580 Cornwall "fixer home" sold for $222,000. A low price which imp... 08/11/2011

Riverside School Board - Facing A New Financial Reality In light of the budget restrictions facing the school districts parents maybe interested in attending the Riverside Unified School District Board of Education Meetings or by downloading the taped video at www.rusdvideo.org. As Tom Torlakson, Superintendent of Public Instruction, stated we are in the midst of a "financial emergency for California Public Schools." In view of the $44 million cut from the General Fund by RUSD circumstances are critical. The meetings occur on the first and third Monday of every month. Board Room 6735 Magnolia (Riverside Adult School)   The board meetings are open to parents, staff, students and community members concerned about the educational system  in Riverside. The five member board is a governing c... 08/10/2011

Riverside Local Flavor - A Sunday Morning at the Market Visiting one of the Riverside Certified Farmers Market was my goal this past Sunday. If you are looking for something new to experience then join the vendors and customers at the Tyler Galleria Certified Farmers Market every Sunday from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. I found it great fun to be outside, before it gets too hot, mingling with others interested in local produce and the wares of talented artisans. I highly recommend a visit, as you stroll around the various tents you'll find yourself enjoying the day and meeting some great people. The market showcases organic produce from local farmers "by buying here you are working to maintain a healthy environment, a vibrant community and a strong and sustainable local economy."  The list of wa... 07/21/2011