Simi Valley's business community is growing continuously with over 7,500 enterprises ranging from accounting firms to manufacturers. The community of Simi Valley produces an inclusive, business-friendly atmosphere that recognizes the importance of a prosperous local economy to the communityís quality of life. A highly educated work-force, combined with convenient location and highly competitive development costs, is a major attraction for many corporations to the Simi Valley business community.The city supports economic development, focusing on retaining current businesses and enticing new industry to relocate here.In Ventura County, wage and salary employment continues to rise, with the largest job growth in the previous year in the services industry. Manufacturing, Real Estate, Insu... 09/26/2007

  About the CityEconomic Development PerspectiveAt a time when the cost of doing business in California is driving some people away, Simi Valley offers ample opportunity for growth and prosperity at a surprisingly affordable rate. The more you learn about Simi Valley, the more you will appreciate the balance of a business friendly atmosphere and an enviable lifestyle. Clean air and rolling hills create a magnificent backdrop to a community committed to providing an attractive environment - while maintaining the delicate balance of business activity and residential lifestyle. The City of Simi Valley understands the needs of business and desires to work with businesses to ensure their long term success.  Businesses from all over have discovered the benefits of locating in a community whic... 09/26/2007

I thought this article I came across, would answer a lot of questions you may have. Before we start, let us give you one reason to not buy a new home right now.How long do you intend to live there?A rule of thumb is that it rarely makes sense to buy if you expect to move within two years. That's because when you do sell, there are costs associated with selling. We're not just talking about sales commissions to the buying and selling real estate brokers. Most owners rely on home appreciation to pay those costs and to provide the down payment and closing costs when they buy their next home. So buying a home when you expect to move before too long is a risk, especially in an uncertain market.However, most buyers live in their new home an average of seven years or more. If that fits you, it... 09/26/2007

Another great article I came across I wanted to share! Finding Your Realtor by "Accident":When someone decides it is time to sell their home, they interview several Realtors from different companies to determine which one is best for them. They want someone who will represent them and someone they feel will do an effective job at marketing their home. However, when someone decides to buy a home, they usually end up with their Realtor through sheer accident. Why don't homebuyers search for a Realtor the same way that homesellers do?Instead, homebuyers usually end up with a Realtor as a result of answering an advertisement. The advertisement will give a brief summary of a home available for sale along with the price, but it says nothing at all about the Realtor. The ad also does not say w... 09/26/2007

 I ran across this article and thought it was great. I wanted to share it with all of you. At first it may seem like a no brainer, low-hanging fruit and child's play, but purchasing in a down market is not as easy as it may seem. The problem is not a shortage of homes or a lack of sellers willing to bargain, rather it's that buying in such a market can be risky. Why? Because values may continue to fall. Markets are always in flux so there's no way to determine when absolute bottom has been hit. This means that buyers looking to make a purchase in today's marketplace need to act with special care. It's not enough just to get a lower price, buyers must also look for long-term value. How can you do this? Here are 10 steps to protect your interests as a buyer in a down market. 1. Look at th... 09/26/2007

Good article I came across!  The truth is that only about ten percent of owners successfully sell their home on their own. That varies by region and the number goes up a tad for professional real estate investors because they are more familiar with real estate than your average homeowner.Those that do sell their home successfully usually accept not only a lower price, but they net less than if they had sold it with a professional qualified real estate agent helping them - especially in an uncertain market with high inventory.Like today.It would currently take almost nine months to sell all the homes currently on the market at the current sales pace, even if no new homes came on the market. That is with all the advantages of a real estate agent and the Multiple Listing System (MLS) at yo... 09/26/2007

 I ran across this report that I wanted to share. Existing Home Sales - September ReportLast Updated: 9/7/2007 Home Sales Pace Summary Sales of existing homes were down very slightly in the most recent data released by the National Association of Realtors. The decline was 0.17% to an annual pace of 5.75 million homes. Last month's figure was 5.76 million homes.This reflects the activity of July closed sales. August sales data will be released near the end of September.Most problems in the housing industry right now, as we've been saying for months, has little to do with the sales pace, but the fact that there are just too many homes on the market. We'll discuss that more below.Sales Pace by Region - Month to MonthFor month to month comparisons, the West region showed a gain of 1.82% and... 09/26/2007

We should say that "working with us" is the first way! When you let us help you find the loan that's right for you, you truly are taking advantage of some of the area's best technology and expertise to get you a loan decision and funding on your loan quickly. But here are five "other" ways you can speed up the process of getting a mortgage loan:1. Have everything ready and in one place. Elsewhere on our website, you'll find a list of things you might need in support of your mortgage application. If you get them all together and keep them in a safe, portable place like a special pouch or folder, you can cut down on time spent rooting around for things we may need. Also, you'll help cut down on your own anxiety and confusion. 2. Be honest and complete when you fill out your application. "... 09/26/2007

Selling a home in today's market takes a planned marketing program.  Yes, the home definitley needs to be priced properly, (there is nothing wrong with obtaining a top sales dollar, without trying to go beyond the fair market value)....that just won't work in today's market, nor will it appraise....so no need to go down that road!  In conjunction, the home needs to be exposed by means of "updated" marketing.  What do today's potential buyer's do?  (they look on the internet, verses visiting Open Houses....allowing them to "preview" homes that are properly marketed within the internet).  If you haven't already visited Simivalleyhomesaccess.com. please do so now.  We at American Homes Real Estate offer potential home buyers the opportuntiy to preview homes and photos and loan options that... 09/25/2007

Simi Valley is also a 'convenient' place to live!  Situated in the Ventura county, it's only minutes from the Los Angeles county, allowing commuters use of the freeway system to travel to their jobs outside the community.  Simi Valley offers a wide price range of homes, which has always been attractive to first time buyers, as well as seasoned buyers.  Simi offers excellent schools and a multitude of beautiful parks offering recreational programs for both adults and children.  As a bonus, Simi Valley has also been named one of the safest cities in the  U.S.!!  Search homes (free and easy) at:  www.simivalleyhomeaccess.com   You may also call us at: (805) 306-1444American Homes Real Estate offers Sellers a 1% Full Service listing fee...as well as offering home buyers a full 1% REBATE on ... 09/24/2007

Monday's bond market has opened relatively flat with no relevant news scheduled for release today. The stock markets are posting moderate gains with the Dow up 30 points and the Nasdaq up 17 points. The bond market is currently up 2/32, which will likely keep this morning's mortgage rates at Friday's levels.The first important data of the week is tomorrow's Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for September. This Conference Board index will be posted at 10:00 AM and gives us a measurement of consumer willingness to spend. It is expected to show a decline from last month's reading, indicating that consumers are less likely to make large purchases in the near future. This is good news for the bond market and mortgage rates. Analysts are calling for a reading of approximately 104.5, down from A... 09/24/2007

1734 Blazewood St, Simi Valley 1%REBATE Type: Condo Location: Simi Valley Homes 1% BUYERS REBATE (805) 551-9489Price: $564,000  1% BUYERS REBATE MLS #: 70009993 www.mrandmrsbigsky.com 1% BUYERS REBATE:(805) 551-9489  Simi Valley Homes (805) 551-9489 1% Fee:Simi Valley Homes (805) 551-9489 1% Fee     Front Waterfall backyard     Kitchen Family Room     Master Bedroom Gated entrance     Master Bathroom Mountain View    Description: Fabulous home in quiet location of Briarwood Gated Community! Light & Bright Open Floorplan! Community pool & mountain views! Beautiful landscape and a gorgeous waterfall leading into a koi pond! Living room features fireplace and opens to dining area & gourmet kitchen which includes large center island & reverse osmosis. Upstairs bath & powder room have marble... 09/20/2007

   Leveraging yourself by means of putting little or nothing down on your mortgage is not a new concept, but over the past couple of years it's morphed itself away from those who don't have any down payment money or for those qualified for a VA loan -- to those who have down payment money but don't want to use it. They want to invest it instead in things such as stocks or mutual funds or something similar. Books touting this new idea seem to sprouting up like mushrooms, with perhaps the first relevant book on the topic was one written by Doug Andrew called, "Missed Fortune 101" (Business Plus 2005), and tells people how they shouldn't put anything down and provides a path to wealth. Doug says you can do this by taking the money you would have otherwise used as down payment and invest th... 09/20/2007

   AMERICAN HOMES LISTS HOMES 1% FULL SERVICE   Get the Straight Facts About What Can Make or Break the Sale of Your Home. Choose Top Real Estate Agents.   Selling your home is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. How much is it REALLY worth? How long will it take to sell? How do you handle buyers making undesirable offers? As top Simi Valley, Moorpark and Thousand Oaks area real estate agents with years of experience and a proven track record, it is our job to guide you through this complicated process, from beginning to end. We want you to get the maximum value for your home, within YOUR time frame. Here are just some of the things that we will do to market and sell your home: - Buyers want to buy your home for as little as possible! Through detailed compari... 09/19/2007

Are you tired of paying out high commissions? Then I have a real estate agent for you. She will list your home for 1% and give you FULL SERVICE. She will also rebate 1% of the sales price to buyers that purchase a home through her a close of escrow. So stop losing money and call Melissa Lefton now at (805) 551-9489. 09/19/2007

STOP LOSING MONEYBelieve it or NOT!  I am a full service real estate agent that services Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. I List Homes for 1% and I also refund my clients 1% of the sales price when they purchase  a home through me at close of escrow.Serving, Savings and Results.....that's what American Homes proudly represents.  Traditional Real Estate is quickly changing and American Homes recognized that situation many years ago, thus becoming what they consider the Office-of-the-Future.  Call today to see how well your Real Estate needs may be served!  Hire a TEAM, not just an individual!Call (805) 551-9489TODAY! 09/19/2007

Newer home in sought after Big Sky Community and close to new Big Sky Park!! Light and bright floor-plan over 2900 sq ft with View from upstairs!! Features include: Large eat-in kitchen with center island, walk-in pantry, opens into family room with fireplace. Recessed lighting throughout! One bedroom and bathroom downstairs, and optional den/5th bedroom. Master Suite boasts huge walk-in closet, vanity and upgraded Jacuzzi tub!! French doors lead out to spacious pool-sized yard. Lowest priced home in the community!!! 09/19/2007

Active 08/27/07Listing # 70014140130 Crest Ct Simi Valley, CA 93065-7387Listing Price: $779,000County: VenturaMap: 497, G7 Prop TypeResidentialProp Subtype(s)DetachedAreaWood RanchTract CodeCross Creek II (Long Cyn)-419Beds4Approx Square Feet2474 Title Co.Baths3Price/Sq Ft314.87Year Built1999Lot Sq Ft (approx)6496APN5960250295Lot Acres (approx)0.149DOM23 Marketing Remark  VIEW, VIEW, VIEW! This absolutely stunning home with breath-taking mountain views is located on a cul-de-sac in the prestigious guard gated community of Long Canyon in Wood Ranch. The European style courtyard entrance makes way to this light and bright open floorplan that includes one bed & full bath downstairs and beautiful natural wood and tile flooring. The kitchen boasts granite counters with huge walk-in pantry an... 09/19/2007

Active 09/13/07Listing # 700155121072 Corto St Simi Valley, CA 93065-5295Listing Price: $639,000County: VenturaMap: 498, C3 Prop TypeResidentialProp Subtype(s)DetachedAreaCentral SimiTract CodeGreenbriar-367Beds4Approx Square Feet1744 Title Co.Baths2.50Price/Sq Ft366.40Year Built1995Lot Sq Ft (approx)17289APN6340202075Lot Acres (approx)0.397OccupantOwner CraigPhone to Show805-795-1736DOM 6 Marketing Remark  Absolutely Stunning Home Located in the Highly Desired Greenbriar Community. This home has been upgraded from the floor up using nothing but the finest materials! Seeing this home is the only way to experience it! The dramatic entry makes way to the breath-taking open floorplan with cathedral ceilings and travertine floors. Designer kitchen boasts granite counters w/island, travertin... 09/19/2007

Active 05/25/07Listing # 700067434166 Laredo Ln #B Simi Valley, CA 93063-1681Listing Price: $554,999County: VenturaMap: 478, F7 Prop TypeResidentialProp Subtype(s)AttachedAreaCentral SimiTract CodePaseo Del Sol - 479Beds3Approx Square Feet1640 Title Co.Baths3Price/Sq Ft338.41Year Built2005APN6160190595Lot Acres (approx)DOM117 Marketing Remark  This 3 bedroom + loft home is absolutely stunning & located in the highly desired gated community of Paseo Del Sol. Too many upgrades to list! This gorgeous home features 1 bedrm + full bath downstairs & has a very light & bright open floor plan. Kitchen boasts granite counter tops w/custom stone backsplash, upgraded cabinetry, breakfast bar & large walk-in pantry! Tile flooring, recessed lighting & designer paint throughout. Beautiful master suit... 09/19/2007