"HOORAY!!!  Finally, some good press for Simi Valley Properties and Simi Valley Real Estate...USA Today on March 25 said that "Sales of Homes End Long Descent."  The article went on to say that because prices dipped, our market was helped.  PLUS, sales of existing homes rose 2.9% from January..."Good news is hard to come by in the media, so we are thrilled.  My Buyers are being educated with this type of information, so let's get into escrow!"Check out the prices on these Simi Valley Homes for Sale ... 03/28/2008

Market Stats Simi Valley - Moorpark Market Statistics Year to Date 3-27-08 SIMI VALLEY: TYPE SINGLE FAMILY DETTACHED ATTACHED (Condos, townhomes, etc. Active Listings 583 128 Pending Sales 119 16 Closed Sales (Year to Date) 132 More than 50% were 4 bedroom homes. More than 50% were under $500,000. 15 Were Short Sale, NOD or Lender Approved. 16 Were REO. 30 Majority were 2 bedroom models. Half were under $300,000. 6 Were Short Sale, NOD or Lender Approved. 3 Were REO. Cancelled Listings 133 44 Expired Listings 191 32 Unsold Inventory Index 13.25 months 12.8 months Notes:  Of the total existing homes in Simi Valley roughly only .5% (half of 1%) are in trouble.  As a percentage of the existing inventory 6.5% are REOs and 26.0% are Short Sales, NODs or need Lender Approval. MOORPARK: TYPE ... 03/27/2008

Well, it is spring in Simi Valley.  The trees are in full bloom (here come the allergies), skies are blue, it's the ideal tempurature and daylight savings time means kids outside playing longer, evening bike rides and dog walks.Along with spring comes the time to spruce up your house.  After a California winter, (I know, not much change in weather), it is nice to do a little update.  Maybe a few rooms need to be updated, or a few extra throw pillows in the family room.  Even a new bedspread and curtains.  Don't forget to de-clutter and clear out all those months of unread magazines and coupons you've been saving.It doesn't hurt to inspect the filter on the heater and air conditioner, maybe get a tune up before it gets really hot. And don't forget your yard  Check the sprinklers, plant b... 03/26/2008

"Not wanting to cause a panic among anyone, but are there less signs for sale in the Simi Valley real estate area and/or Simi Valley in general"?  Seems a bit so to us in the industry.  Buyers may want to jump off the fence and Sellers in the Wood Ranch real estate market may want to be the first in their neighborhoods to get their homes sold!"Check out the new MLS listings in Simi Valley 03/25/2008

FHA and the buy down   If you know that you are only going to be in the house for a few years, or you know that in a few years your income is going to go up FHA has a loan for you.   In a nut shell the first year you will have a low rate, the second year the rate will go up one point, and the third year the rate will go up again and stay that rate for the rest of your loan.  Now for the example:   Your loan is for $300,000 The first year your rate would be 5% with a payment of $1610.46.  This is only your payment before taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance.   The Second year your rate would be 6% with a payment of $1798.65.  Once again this is only your payment before taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance.   The Third you’re your rate would be 7% with a payment of $1995.91.  This ... 03/25/2008

FHA and the new loan limits hit Ventura County, but with the good intentions of our government, there are some hick-ups.  The powers that be deemed it that we should have a loan limit of $729,000; they did not give any other directions.  So the first few weeks of this new FHA limits there were some issues.  Now time has gone by and lenders are learning how to work with these new numbers.    The million dollar question is will this help the California real estate market?  Well my answer is “it can’t hurt”.  FHA offers low down payments that can be a gift from Mom and Dad, the rates are not bad in reality they are pretty good.  Today, if you were to buy a home with a 600 fico and full doc and 3% down you can get a 6% rate on a 30 year fix.  Not bad….   This new product will open the door... 03/24/2008

home Inspection I promise not to completely trash the home inspection industry, but I think it is very important that everyone understand that there is NO REGULATION on this industry.  If I want to be a home inspector: I can have business cards printed up and some letterhead, Buy a few basic tools, a clipboard and I am good to go. If I have a few bucks to fund this experiment, then I can buy all the inspection forms online and look a little more professional.   If I decide to really make this a business, then I can sign up for classes and work to get CREA and ASHI certified.  CREA - The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) is a voluntary, nonprofit public-benefit organization of real estate inspectors. ASHI -  The American Society of Home Inspectors Looking at the cons... 03/23/2008

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!"- Theodor Seuss Geisel   "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."- Martin Luther King Jr 03/22/2008

Planing on selling your home?  This table was create so you could get an idea of who the buyers for your property are and what they can afford.    The taxes and insurance are based on homes in the Ventura County - Simi Valley Area.  Insurance rates may vary due to different conditions i.e. flooding.Table 1Purchase Price20% Down PaymentInterest RateMonthly PaymentMonthly Taxes & Ins.Yearly income needed to qualify      $300,000$60,0006.25%$1,477.72$400.00$91,200$400,000$80,0006.25%$1,970.30$500.00$106,000$500,000$100,0006.25%$2,462.87$600.00$122,000$600,000$120,0006.25%$2,955.44$700.00$138,000$700,000$140,0006.25%$3,448.02$825.00$154,000$800,000$160,0006.25%$3,940.59$930.00$171,000$900,000$180,0006.25%$4,433.16$1,040.00$189,000$1,000,000$200,0006.25%$4,925.74$1,155.00$204,000Table 2Purch... 03/22/2008

I love this market.  I love Real Estate!.  My great grandfather moved to Los Angeles in 1882 from Ireland. His first job was to drag a log down the streets behind a horse to keep the streets flat.  He later was part of the fire department and the police department and his job was cut short by his wife after he caught a woman jumping from the second floor of a burning building and broke both his arms.  At that point he got into Real Estate, into the rental business.  The rest is history.  Each generation of Mackels have made their mark on the real estate market in southern California since.  My rich family history has proven this fact - Real Estate goes up and it goes down but it goes up more than it goes down over the course of time.Are You a Contrarian?  If you are, then you should be ... 03/18/2008

After 4 years with the coveted "Gold Jacket" I have moved my shingle to Keller Williams Realty in Simi Valley.  It was a tough decision, but one that will benefit my clients as I believe that this company is probably the only Franchisor in the business positioned to move with the major paradigm shift that the Real Estate business is going through currently.The old brokerage models run on razor thin margins and do not foster the kind of comradery which is going to be very important in the coming years.  A Keller Williams press release from last year is very telling:AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 11, 2007) - Keller Williams Realty Inc., announced today that both the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Yale School of Management have added a Keller Williams Realty Case Study to their core MBA... 03/17/2008

"The flurry of activity with Simi Valley Real Estate has greatly increased...we even have multiple offers being written on the $700,000 price range, and that's with Wood Ranch Real Estate.  And the lower-priced condos are going quickly too if they are really nice...one of them went in 3 days and was given a good appraisal with pluses for the location and view.  Buyers -- take note!"Search these properties from right here...Simi Valley Homes (between 500K and 1M)Search the MLS for active Simi Valley homes between $500,000 and $1M. Looking for a Townhome or Condo in Wood Ranch?Wood Ranch Condos / Townhomes  03/17/2008

The Simi Valley Senior Center went out as a giant community bonfire.  The planned burn took place last Sunday and attracted many spectators.  The police department had been using the obsolete building all week as practice for the SWAT team and bomb squad.  After the police department had their way with the building it was turned over to the fire department for the grand finale.  This spectacular show will make way for a new building to better serve our community. 03/16/2008

Montinoring your credit is good.  It is necessary today on a semi annual basis to make sure you do not fall victim to identity theft.  If you are in the middle of credit rehab, then a daily monitoring service with the ability to pull a fresh consumer report every 24 hours is a must.The reason why free reports are bad is because when you need to file a dispute with Transunion, Equifax or Experian, they now have 45 days to do their research rather than 30 days.  If you are playing the loophole game in credit rehab, this is very important.  If you have a problem you want clear up, it is reasonable to get it cleared up a quickly as possible.There are two types of credit report pulls.  One is known as a "Hard Pull" and one a "Soft Pull".Hard Pull - This is when you apply for credit.  This pu... 03/15/2008

Credit Secrets?Credit and Credit scores are very mysterious. Mysterious to the point that many people do not pay much attention to their Credit status until it is time to make a purchase. The little (and I stress little) step you take today can pay huge dividends later when you go to purchase that next home, car or appliance, etc.If you have not looked at your credit recently there are two ways you can do this. Well there are more than two, but the following two are the best. You need to see your reports in a raw form. The best way to do this is to order a hard copy of each report from each Credit Reporting Agency (aka - CRA). Each report will cost approximately $10.00. If you believe you might have a few challenges then this first option is the best. Let me stress............NEVER USE ... 03/13/2008

Boy, are we seeing a flurry of activity in real estate recently, especially from the Buyers.  Not only are we seeing them out there making offers but we are seeing multiple offers on many Simi Valley homes.  Simi Valley real estate has some "fixers" that are soooo bad that a Buyer could not possibly compete on those with contractors...but the real estate market has certainly shifted all around Simi Valley including Wood Ranch Real Estate and the hills around! Talk soon! 03/05/2008

Search All Simi Valley Homes on the market and surrounding areas. Free MLS properties updated daily. 03/05/2008

Mike Lefton | Troop Real Estate | 805-426-0597 2513 N Alden St, Simi Valley, CA Spectacular 2 Story home located in a Simi Valley..Possible RV Access. 4 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $529,900 Year Built 1965 Sq Footage 1,828 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 6,500 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Spectacular 4 Bedroom home in a great family neighborhood. Beautiful stamped concrete driveway with possible RV access. Many upgrades including smooth ceilings, double paned windows,newer AC,tile flooring and updated kitchen. The master bedroom ha a large remodeled bathroom with dual vanities,separate tub & shower with a walk in closet. Great outdoor entertaining with a large oversized wooden deck and fruit tress. Run don't walk. see add... 03/05/2008

New Page 1 Mike Lefton | Troop Real Estate | 805-426-0597 1690 Willowbrook Ln, Simi Valley, CA Location,Location,Location,Cul-De-Sac Open & airy family room, Large backyard with Pool & Spa. 4 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $499,900 Year Built 1977 Sq Footage 1,574 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 8,205 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Spectacular Pool home located in a cul-de-sac next to park. 4 Bedrooms 2 baths almost 1600 square feet and 8200 lot. RV access and NO HOA. Newer appliances and open and airy large family room. Large Master bedroom with walk-in closet.Great location and family home. You won't be dissappointed. Show and Sell! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Walk-in clos... 03/05/2008

Simi Valley Estate Home 5007 Corral, Simi Valley, CA 93063 View Map Price Reduced! NOT A SHORT SALE! Entertainer's Dream Home! 4 + 3 home situated on a must have corner lot at the Crest. Kitchen features granite countertops & island with additional room for non-formal dining. Master suite features a sitting area, fireplace, his & hers walk-in closets, Jacuzzi tub & More! Plantation shutters throughout, wired for surround sound, pebble tec saltwater pool & spa, upstairs laundry, 3 fireplaces, formal dining, upgraded tile flooring & berber carpet, large loft and corner computer center, reverse osmosis & water softener, Possible bedroom downstairs being used as an office... too much to mention! Must See!!   Details Asking Price: $849,000 MLS: 70011640 Sq. Feet: 3577 Lot Size: 8620 Bedroom... 03/05/2008