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Displaying blog entries 21-30 of 34

One of The Best Places To Get Moving Supplies?

Thursday, April 24, 2008
by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

One of the biggest deals about buying or selling a home is the Packing. If there is anything that would keep most people from moving its the pain packing up all our stuff and then unpacking at the new home or apartment. The Box connection makes the job so much easier for the job of packing. Best of all you can order online and they will deliver all your supplies the next day. Sometimes even the same day. We have recommended this company for years and they have never let us down or clients. Click Here to get to the website. They will deliver anywhere in Orange and San Diego counties.

 

 

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Placentia's Movies In The Park

Thursday, April 24, 2008
by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

Back by popular demand Movies in the Park, FREE! Every Friday between July 11 - August 22, 2008, bring the whole family, come by yourself, young and old  will have a good time. The movies begin at dusk at the Champions Sports Complex, 505 N Jefferson, Placentia. All movies are PG rated. Bring your fold up chairs and blankets for a inexpensive night out under the stars.
Best seats in the house fill up early. July 11 Over the Hedge, July 18 Surf’s Up, July 25 Happy Feet, August 1 Bee Movie, August 8 Flushed Away, August 15 Shrek the 3rd, August 22 Water Horse, Legend of the Deep.

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City of Brea Home Foreclosure Workshop

Thursday, April 24, 2008
by Carol or Jim Chamberlain
For those facing difficulty keeping up with house payments, or perhaps already in receipt of a notice from their lender, a free workshop will be held on Saturday, May 3, at 10:00 a.m. in the Brea Community Center. Experts from Consumer Credit Counseling Services will conduct a Home Foreclosure Workshop to explore practical options. For the rest of the information click here.
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10 Ways to Make Your House More Salable

Thursday, April 24, 2008
by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage.

2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.

3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows.

5. Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially in dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

6. Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems, such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet, may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.

7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.

8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Clean your gutters.

10. Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.

 

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Retirement Expo 2008--Back by Popular Demand

Monday, April 14, 2008
by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

Baby Boomers are putting their mark on yet another one of life's milestones—their retirement years. Increasingly, retirees are looking for part-time work, interesting experiences and learning opportunities. Boomers can network with employers and non-profit organizations offering such prospects at Brea's Retirement Expo 2008 set for 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on April 19 at Pioneer Hall. For more information click here

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5 Things to Do Before You Sell

Monday, April 14, 2008
by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

1. Get estimates from a reliable repairperson on items that need to be replaced soon, such as a roof or worn carpeting, for example. In this way, buyers will have a better sense of how much these needed repairs will affect their costs.

2. Have a termite inspection to prove to buyers that the property is not infested.

3. Get a pre-sale home inspection so you’ll be able to make repairs before buyers become concerned and cancel a contract.

4. Gather together warranties and guarantees on the furnace, appliances, and other items that will remain with the house.

5. Fill out a disclosure forms provided by your sales associate. Take the time to be sure that you don’t forget problems, however minor, that might create liability for you after the sale.

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How Big a Mortgage Can I Afford?

Monday, April 14, 2008
by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

Not only does owning a home give you a haven for yourself and your family, it makes great financial sense, too.

This calculation assumes a 28 percent income tax bracket. If your bracket is higher, your savings will be, too.

Rent: _________________________

Multiplier: X 1.32

Mortgage payment: __________________

Because of tax deductions, you can make a mortgage payment—including taxes and insurance—

that is approximately one-third larger than your current rent payment and end up with the sameamount of income.

For more help, use Fannie Mae’s

online mortgage calculators
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Do I have to re-register for the Do Not Call List?

Wednesday, April 9, 2008
by Carol or Jim Chamberlain
No. Your number will stay on the Do Not Call list unless you direct the Federal Trade Commission to remove it. The FTC no longer requires people to sign up every 5 years. (It is not necessary to register cellphone numbers, since telemarketing to them is illegal.) Sign up at the FTC website, www.donotcall.gov or call 1-800-382-1222. Check, too, to see if your state has a no-call list. Despite the lists, it's impossible to stop all telemarketing call. The best thing to do is hang up and report the offender's number to the FTC. To file a complaint go to www.donotcall.gov and click on the "File A Complaint" button and follow the instructions. 
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Do You Qualify For A Property Tax Reduction

Wednesday, April 9, 2008
by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

Due to recent housing market conditions within the County of Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino the Assessor ‘s offices has begun to review the value of properties purchased within the last year in an effort to determine if value reductions are warranted under Proposition 8 (Prop. 8).
 
If you believe the assessed value of your home is greater than its current market value, you may request a review by filling out and returning a Decline-in-Value Reassessment Application (Prop. 8) form. The Assessors staff will review your request and provide written notification regarding their findings.

For Information and forms for your county click on the appropriate link below.

Orange County
Los Angeles   
Riverside 
San Bernardino

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The Pros and Cons of Condos

Monday, April 7, 2008
by Carol or Jim Chamberlain

Condominiums and townhouses offer an affordable option to single-family homes in most areas. But consider these facts before you buy.

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Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to store belongings.Outdoor space. Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. However, if you hate yard work, this may be the perfect option for you.Amenities. Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.Maintenance. Many condos have onsite maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you’re not home.Security. Many condos have keyed entries and or even door attendants. Plus, you’ll be closer to other people in case of an emergency.Reserve funds and association fees. Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees agreed to by the condo board, whether or not you’re interested in the amenity or not.Resale. The ease of selling your unit is more dependent on what else is for sale in your building, since units are usually fairly similar. Single-family homes usually are more individual.Freedom. Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. For example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses. Others prohibit pets. Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.Proximity. You’re much closer to your neighbors in a condo or townhome. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors before making a decision.
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Displaying blog entries 21-30 of 34

Contact Information

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Carol and Jim
Preferred Home Brokers
3230 E Imperial Hwy, Ste 125
Brea CA 92821
714-726-3144
714-726-3144
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Carol & Jim Chamberlain 714-726-3166 or 714-726-3144                  "Yes, We Can Be In Two Places At Once!"                                              BRE Lic Numbers: 00912962, 01015143