Home Buying Tips for Murrieta and Temecula CA Real Estate ?

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Buying a Temecula or Murrieta home in a buyer?s market can actually be very challenging for all the exact reasons you might think it will be easy. Remember the goal is to get the best home that meets your goals and represents the best investment for your family. What are some of these buyer market benefits?

- Ultra high supply of home listings - Good ability to negotiate price and terms - High competition between sellers

No matter how you slice it those bullet points are a great thing for buyers, right? Believe it or not this can cause a lot of hesitation and consternation for buyers. How so you ask? Let?s say you find the ideal Temecula home in a wonderful neighborhood on a perfect cul-de-sac street and filled with lots of upgrades. You love the layout but the owners are stuck on price and just two streets away is the exact same floor plan, not as nice of a home in terms of lot and upgrades, and the street isn?t a cul-de-sac but the price is 30k less. And then just another street away is another model match with no upgrades, stained carpet, and priced 15k less.

Now you think how nice it would be to get the first home for less but the seller?s won?t budge and honestly it is priced fair when considering all variables. In fact, since it is a down market, it is lower priced then it has been in years. But were are in a buyer?s market and it is galling to pay 45k more! And witth just an additional 10-15k, you feel like you could rehab the cheapest model match and still have a nice home. So, after a lot of soul searching you make an offer on the lowest model match and figure you will fix it up. By paying 45k less and putting in 10k, you save 35k in theory for the same neighborhood and house just a few streets away.

This sounds like a great idea but the problem is that once you move in, you have a hard cost to you to make repairs versus a simple increased payment. So you get a equity loan or tap your savings and put 10k into the property and get all new carpet, paint, and some tile in the bathrooms. That?s it and you have burned all that cash. You also live there for the average of 3-5 years and have ?elbow grease? projects every weekend. While fun at first, this gets old fast and you are tired of cars buzzing through the street and constantly wish you were on the cul-de-sac. You also feel uncomfortable inviting people over until you get it all ?fixed? and thus are not enjoying the house as much as you planned.

This may sound worst case scenario but I have seen this several times this year alone. The real sad part is 35k (45K ? 10K) more would have cost an average of $210 more a month. Over 5 years that will finally equal the 10k you put into the bargain property and you have had to work every weekend, haven?t enjoyed the house, never invited people over, or even had a weekend BBQ!

Also, no matter what you put into the home, you can never equal the home with the better lot, upgrades, and incredible cul-de-sac street. That could be your kids playing neighborhood basketball safely or your family enjoying a safe block party. After 3 years you have grown tired of worrying each time your kids go out to play due to drive through traffic and decide to sell the house. Guess what? The market is still a tough and people are very picky, looking for that perfect, upgraded, cul-de-sac home you passed on!

This article is an example of a buyer seeing high inventory and pricing deals but losing common sense and thereby making a bad decision. How many times have you seen people get caught up in major sales and buy something they don?t even want because it was such a good deal? This is happening a lot right now and it gets worse if a person waits three years and finds they can?t afford to sell the house at that time. Then they continue to be stuck in a home that they do not like when the could of really enjoyed and been proud of a home they purchased in the first place.

Looking for a diamond in the rough is savvy. But don?t forget your goals amid all the Temecula and Murrieta home listings and price drops. Don?t be disappointed if someone won?t come down in price. Just make sure your Murrieta or Temecula real estate broker does the necessary property research and enables you to discern a fair or even aggressive price for that perfect home.

Regulatory guidance on commercial real estate risk: mind the gap for great guidance on good lending

Monday, October 8, 2007

This article describes the key elements of an interagency guidance issued in December 2006 regarding concentrations in commercial real estate lending and sound risk management practices. The guidance can be used to identify possible gaps in an institution's commercial real estate risk management policies and procedures, as well as practices and processes. The article concludes with some options and reference resources for plugging those gaps.

The German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Hegel advised that order is the first requisite of liberty, and here in the land of liberty, we bankers enjoy considerable order. For the continuing good of the order, on December 12, 2006, the FDIC, OCC, and Federal Reserve published their final guidance on concentrations in commercial real estate. Absent the OTC (1), these agencies have observed that commercial real estate (CRE) concentrations (2) have been rising over the past several years and, in their collective opinion, "have reached levels that could create safety and soundness concerns in the event of a significant downturn." (3)

Small to mid-size institutions have been especially attracted to the profit potential of CRE lending, yet past history has shown the CRE markets rapidly reverse their fortunes during economic downturns. A bank's ability to survive CRE recessions depends on the adequacy of its risk management practices and capital levels (4), but the agencies are concerned that the typical bank with a high CRE concentration may not have the policies and procedures to manage the risk. Consequently, the agencies have issued this latest guidance for helping banks manage their CRE risk. (5)

Concentration Growth and the Final Guidance: Up, Up, and Away

The agencies' concern about CRE concentration stems from exponential growth in CRE relative to risk-based capital among smaller banks in just under three years:

Bank size ($millions) December 31, 2003 September 30, 2006

100-1,000 156% 318%
1,000-10,000 127% 300%

At the same time, surveys of banker practices as well as examination results indicate that high-concentration institutions have relaxed their underwriting standards in response to stiff competition, and many banks lack appropriate policies and procedures to manage the related CRE risk. (6)

CRE concentration criteria. The agencies will employ two ratios and a growth measure "as a screen for identifying institutions with potential CRE concentration risk ... that, if breached by a bank, may invite greater regulatory scrutiny to ensure the bank has in place heightened risk management practices and capital levels." (7)

* Total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land add up to 100% or more of total risk-based capital.

* Total commercial real estate loans meet or exceed 300% of capital.

* Outstanding CRE loans have grown 50% or more over the past three years.

The guidance is aimed at CRE loans for which the cash flow from the real estate is the primary source of repayment, not at loans for which real estate collateral is taken as a secondary source of repayment or through an abundance of caution. Their risk profiles are sensitive to the condition of the market and its drivers--capitalization rates, vacancy rates, rental rates, and so on. They derive 50% or more of their repayment source from third-party, nonaffiliated rental income or from the proceeds of the sale, refinancing, or permanent financing of the property. Therefore, the following loans fall within the parameters of the guidance:

* Land development and construction loans, including one- to four-family residential and commercial construction loans and other land loans.

* Loans secured by multifamily property and nonfarm, nonresidential property where the primary source of repayment is derived from rental income associated with the property.

* Also subject to the guidance are loans to real estate investment trusts (REITs) and unsecured loans to developers if repayment depends on the performance of the CRE market.

Excluded from the guidance are loans secured by nonfarm, nonresidential properties where the primary source of repayment is the cash flow from the ongoing operations and activities conducted by the party, or affiliate of the party, who owns the property. So, the guidance is aimed at 1) borrowing real estate developers and investors (REDI borrowers) and 2) co-REDI borrowers (e.g., the doctor who decides to build, own, and operate a shopping center)--but not at owner-occupied borrowers. (8)

While these new measures have generated considerable debate between bankers and regulators, the guidance is now in place, so bankers must learn to live with it. In fact, the guidance actually provides an opportunity for financial institutions to compare their individual CRE risk management practices with the final guidance, identify any gaps, and then try to plug them.

Hudson crossing party to be held Nov. 1

Comedian Artie Lange is celebrating with The Dermot Company and The Building Investment Trust of the AFL-CIO at the construction site of the developer's new luxury residential building, Hudson Crossing, 400 West 37th St. Lange is famous for his radio, television, comedy club and movie credits, including Dirty Work, The Bachelor, Lost & Found, Mystery Men and TV's The Norm Show and MAD TV.

"The Halfway Party with Artie Lange" will transform the building's basement into a temporary standup comedy club, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 1. Every vendor, worker and supplier who has worked on the project is invited. Select others, including investors, are also invited.

Hudson Grossing is located in the heart of the fabulous food shopping corridor of Ninth Avenue. A famous local restaurant; Manganaro's Heros will provide refreshments and lunch, prepared in their kitchen directly across the street.

The $75 million Hudson Crossing is to be a 259-unit rental apartment building whose rental office will open in January of 2003, and whose first occupants will move in starting in April of 2003. In addition to residential apartments and amenities, the building will house 5,300 square feet of ground floor retail space and a 164-space public parking garage at grade and basement levels. Construction began in January 2002.

30th Birthday - 7 Party Themes That Create Lasting Memories

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Being 30 is a milestone by itself. There are certain aspects that need cautious deliberation before you get to say yes. For instance, think if this will be an all-adult party. If kids are going to be joining in, then you have to think of wholesome 30th birthday party themes.

Here is a list of suggested 30th birthday party themes that would surely create lasting memories:

1. When you are 30, then you spent some of your childhood years during the 80's. Why not go retro and try the 80's Era birthday party theme? You could decorate the halls with 45's and you could dress up as Madonna or Tiffany!

2. 30th Birthday Costume Party theme

Costume parties are always a big hit so why not try it on your 30th year? You could dress up as workers and professionals (fireman, doctor, nurse, teacher, etcetera).

3. 30th Birthday Luau Party theme

Where there's luau, there's something Hawaiian. Grass skirts and floral shorts are musts. Plus you could utilize a pool and celebrate the day away with your guests.

4. 30th Birthday Mardi Gras Party theme

As the theme suggests, everything that's related to Mardi Gras is present. Beads, beads, and more beads! Plus lots of colorful streamers.

5. Casino Party theme

As a 30-year old, you have every right to gamble! And yes, you could even use this as your 30th birthday party theme. You could hold baccarat, roulette, poker, and other casino games right at your party!

6. International Themes for your 30th Birthday Party

You could use the cultural themes that are unique in each country. Sample themes are Great Britain theme (where you could dress as nobles and royalties), France theme, Australian theme, and many more. How about Chinese?

7. Colorful 30th Birthday Party theme

Whatever you decide to do on your 30th birthday party, this theme focuses on the color that you need to put in. remember to put bright and vibrant colors.

First Birthday - 9 Party Themes That Would Be Well-Remembered

When your baby came into this world and you became his proud parent, you felt that you would readily give up anything for this child and would do everything for him. And when his first birthday is fast approaching, it is but proper to prepare and give him the best of what a first birthday party should be.

Choosing a first birthday party theme is an essential step (in fact, it is the very first step) that you should take to be able to create a memorable party for your child. The most famous first birthday party themes include:

1. Winnie the Pooh first birthday party theme - all supplies come with Winnie the Pooh and friends graphics.

2. Care Bear Girl/Boy 1st - the Care Bears are vintage characters when it comes to birthday parties. They are highly colorful and they come together with all the party stuff that is provided by the party supplier.

3. Cars and Trucks 1st birthday party theme - of course, most baby boys prefer to play with toy cars and trucks. What better to inspire them that these very toys that they prefer to play with! They would be able to see the 1st birthday cake and party supplies decorated with their favorite toy cars!

4. Cupcake 1st Birthday Party theme - cupcakes galore, with the invitations, decor and giveaways printed with cupcakes.

5. First Wish Birthday Party theme - this is a very basic but fun theme that is very famous with moms and dads!

6. Western Party Theme - see your baby in cowboy hat and boots! And see his guests dress up in the same manner.

7. Sesame 1st Birthday Party theme - watch the Sesame Street characters come alive during your baby's birthday party!

8. Baby Einstein 1st Birthday Party theme - this theme was developed when the DVD sold lots of copies. The colorful animals will invade the party (in a good way, that is!).

9. Barney 1st Birthday Party theme - with this theme, everything turns purple, from the cake to the decors to the giveaways!

Teenage Parties - Hosting One? Some Help

Now you’ve heard it all before, haven’t you? Are you mad?! Don’t you read the papers?! Remember – that girl who had a party and £25,000 of damage was caused to her family home?!

Ok, but let’s face facts – for whatever reason, you’re hosting one. At home, at a venue – the risks are basically the same. So we’ll do our level best to help you avoid the worst pitfalls, and who knows, maybe even enjoy the party (a bit) yourself!

But first, let’s have a bit of positive thinking here. What are the benefits (yes, we really do believe there are some) of hosting a teen party?

# If you do manage not to fall out, your teen will be pretty appreciative. No, not for ever, but hey, we’re talking teens here – anything is better than nothing, isn’t it?
# Keep it together on the night, and you might even enjoy a new status amongst his or her friends – that ever elusive status of the ‘cool parent’. Oh yes, even the squarest of us still long to attain this dizzy height!
# Providing you set out the rules early on in the negotiations, you’ll probably be able to get away with this being the only teen party you’ll host (unless you’re foolish enough to have more than one child, that is).
# Ok, there’s not many benefits that spring instantly to mind, but this is quite a goodie – your parents will think you are mad! What better opportunity to regain a moment of adolescent glory one last time?! Their likely disgust at your behaviour will be surely too good to miss!
# Last, but certainly not least, if you agree to host the party, there’s a significantly reduced chance that they’ll have one without your knowledge when you decide to leave them at home on your long awaited for weekend away!

So, let’s move onto some solid advice. The first, and most important, is that you’re probably worrying ad infinitum about the other parents. Or, more to the point, what their kids might get up to in your care.

And yes, we do mean the obligatory twins of adolescent life – sex and booze. Hosting at home does bring added problems. Yes, like many others, you probably have beds in your house. And more than one room, unless you’re living in an open plan creation of Grand Designs ilk, there’s bound to be rooms, cubby holes, dark areas of the garden, garages, cellars, attics….the list goes one…where naughty teen lovers can attempt to hide away.

There’s a couple of preventative measures you can try and take here – whether you’re planning to be in the house or venue at the dreaded party time or not! Firstly, why not install CCTV. Ok, ok, ok. You could try out of bounds areas, locking doors, or even planting elderly relatives in the most appealing looking rooms to scare them off. But, once combined with a touch of alcohol, teenage lust does have a tendency to find a venue in which to occur.

The best bet is to ensure as many of the parents of your teen’s mates as possible know that you won’t be there. Even if you will be there. Their children’s behaviour is down to them – it really isn’t your responsibility.

So, hopefully, they’ll all be so busy trying to scurry off in twosomes that they’ll forget about the drink. But hey, let’s face it, we were all young once, and inevitably the booze comes first…and the rest later. If you’re planning to offer some alcohol at your event, then the same rule applies – tell the parents. If they don’t want their child to drink, then that’s up to them. Their child doesn’t have to come, after all!

And even if you’re not planning to offer booze up front, do be prepared for almost every attendee bringing their own. From dad’s half drunk whisky to a 3 litre bottle of cider from the local shop, they’ll find a way. The best plan is to have a lot of food on offer to soak it up. And get the food out early on too – any lining of the stomach you can do just might help. Soft drinks should be in plentiful supply too. But face facts too – that expensive rug should be out of the way, and sick buckets in every corner really wouldn’t go amiss!

If it’s your belongings you’re worrying about, or the fixtures and fittings of the venue that have you enduring sleepless nights, a bit of forward planning and clear expectations can help. Plastic cups, paper plates, locked away valuables, paintings removed from the walls - these are all sensible preparations to make! Don’t underestimate the destructive capabilities of teens en masse – think the worst, and just prepare for it! Then at least there’s a chance you might be pleasantly surprised! Oh, and if you have pets, a fish pond or tank, whatever you do, make sure they sleep over at someone else’s for the night. They’ll thank you for it!

Finally, if it all goes horribly wrong, try and remember the following: not everything is your child’s fault – so don’t act like it is!

Not only that, we’ve got a host of birthday present ideas for your teen at http://ww.cocooncollection.co.uk – whether you’ve told them the party is their only gift or not, we’ve got something to suit every budget!

Plus, even teens will be pleasantly surprised with a parting party bag – no, no, not those plastic bags with clowns adorning the front – http://www.cocoonparty.co.uk has gorgeous, inspirational party bags to suit any party – and every party goer too!

So sit back and relax – surely it’s not going to be as bad as all that – and revisit the list at the beginning of this article too – there’s some benefits coming your way!

Time to Celebrate - How to Plan the Perfect Graduation Party for Your Child

Today, most families plan a graduation party to celebrate the graduate’s accomplishment as well as to welcome a bright future for him. Surveys show that a graduation party is one item on the parent’s list of graduation expenses that will cost a lot. Survey shows however, that families of graduates feel the need of a celebration because this comes only once in their child’s life – graduation is an accomplishment worth the cost of celebrating.

If you did not save for or was not able to set aside funds for a graduation party, this is not a problem – a payday loan can definitely help you out with this. No credit or bad credit history? Not a problem either. Payday loans are short term loans that you can obtain easily, quickly and without a credit check (see here EZOnline Cash Advance) You can borrow as much as $1,500 from your payday loan provider today and pay that amount plus a fixed interest of $8-$10 per $100 soon as you get your next salary.

There are many payday loan providers in the internet which you can obtain a loan online. Do your research; shop around first and compare to find the one that best suits your needs.

Now that you know where to get the funds for your child’s graduation party, first, you need to discuss with your graduating child what she or he would want for her graduation day. Keep in mind, the graduation party is primarily to honor the graduate, so your child’s input is very important.

Budget

This is the most important step in planning a graduation party. Know how much you can afford to spend on your child’s graduation and everything else can be planned based on that budget. Some parents opt to host a graduation party with other parents to help lessen the costs.

The Date

Your child’s graduation party does not have to be right after the graduation ceremony. You can have it a week before or a day after the graduation ceremony. The thing to keep in mind here is that many parents will be hosting a graduation party the week before and the week after the graduation ceremony. So before selecting a date, ask other parents first so that you will not be competing with them.

Choose the location

The theme of your graduation party will point where you need to place the graduation party. Keep in mind though, if you plan on having the graduation party out doors, provide shelter or tents for your guests should rain comes pouring in. Remember too, if you need to rent tents book at least 2 weeks ahead to make sure that you have enough for your graduation party.

Invitations

Mail them early, at least a month before and make sure your invitations are in accordance with your graduation party theme.

Select a theme

Select a graduation party theme that best reflects the graduate’s likes and personality. He’s a sport fan? A ball game graduation theme party would be fun…..guys can come in their jerseys, girls can come in their cheer leader attire, the place surrounded by nachos, hotdog and popcorn stalls. Search the internet for theme party ideas and suggestions. Cater

Some say that it is expensive to cater…true, but if you can afford it, its all worth your money. Caterers set everything up for you including the tent, tables and chairs, table centerpieces, buffet table, provide the plates and glasses, etc. and take down everything down as well as package all the leftovers. If you do your research well you can find a caterer that can suit your budget.

Keep in mind, for that perfect graduation party, the key is to plan carefully ahead so that you know how much you are going to borrow from your payday loan provider.

Paul Selibio is a SEO Specialist from Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Paul has worked with several websites doing Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing strategies. Very flexible and talented, Paul is equipped with a myriad of skills and ideas on Organic Search Marketing. As of date, Paul Selibio’s skill set includes Content Writing, Link Building, User Created Content Marketing, Social Communities Promotions, RSS Syndication, PPC and PPA campaigns, among others.