We want to bring to your attention the fact that the Los Angeles Assessor’s office takes applications for 2011 decline-in-value property value) from June 1, 2011 through November 30, 2011.

Some homes qualify automatically, however it is a good idea to check and see if your property is on that list. Go to www.assessor.lacounty.gov and look for “Will my property be reviewed for a 2011 Decline in Value”. Once you click on that, it takes you to a page which says “Property Value Down”….then follow the directions. By entering your street address or assessor identification Number, you can check to see if your property automatically qualifies.

If you did not qualify automatically, and you think the assessed value is too high, you can click Decline-In-Value Review Application and fill out the application on line or print it out.

NOTE: You will need 2 comparable sales that sold as close to January 1, 2011 as possible, but no later than March 31, 2011.

For example of estimated savings: If your property value dropped $40,000, you could save as much as $500 for the first year.

For help with the 2 comparables you need, contact your favorite Realtor. If your one of my current, future or past clients, I would be happy to supply you with these 2 comparables. Just call, text, email or pony express your request.

Good luck!

Gears working together in synergy...

Just 10 days before on July 18th, 2011, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal published its list of Top Residential Real Estate Firms ranked by dollar volume of sales. The location of offices ranged from Beverly Hills to Simi Valley to Glendale to La Canada. RE/MAX of Valencia placed number #5. This means that only 4 real estate companies closed more dollars in sales than RE/MAX of Valencia. This is for the time period between July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. This business journal also determined that once again RE/MAX of Valencia placed higher than any other real estate company that is located in Santa Clarita.

This is amazing to be voted “best” by the readers of the Newhall Signal Newspaper for 2011 in addition to placing #1 in sales for the same years according the Business Journal. Congratulations to RE/MAX of Valencia. I’m glad to be a part of the winning team. Hoorah!

RE/MAX Balloon just keeps on rising...

1. Agent/Salespersons
2. Marketing
3. Office
4. Other

Details from the study indicate that on a scale of 1000, homebuyer respondents ranked RE/MAX with a score of 805 and home sellers put RE/MAX on top at 791. The 2011 study includes more than 4200 evaluations of respondents who bought or sold a home between March 2010 and April 2011.

In two other 2011 industry surveys of the countries top real estate brokerages, RE/MAX agents averaged more transaction sides than agents at the other national franchises. The RIS Media Power Broker Survey and the REAL Trends 500 both showed that RE/MAX agents averaged 14 transaction sides, more than double the average of many competitors.

I’m not surprised at how well our company has done. Being with the top rated real estate company has certainly contributed to my success! Thanks to Dave Linegar, our Chairman and founder and a huge shout out to John and Alice O’Hare, the CEO’s of RE/MAX in Santa Clarita. Just this week, I celebrated my 20th year with RE/MAX. What a thrilling 20 years it has been. Thank You RE/MAX and thank you to our many delighted clients!

This is sustainable living at its best. Although this home is mobile, it boasts 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It has rich, dark wide plank flooring which looks like mahogany but is actually laminate. This home is within a short walk to the grocery store and other markets and restaurants. This neighborhood sits just 5 minutes from the famous walk trail that straddles the historical river wash. This home has a long covered car port and has both a small backyard and side yard for your flowers or garden. This home is priced at $50,000 with land parcel rent of just $550 per month. The following is the multiple listing verbiage that we are using to market this home.

MLS Verbiage:
Immaculate! **Outstanding 2001 Champion Double Wide! **Flooring Installed in 2010**Luxurious High-end Dark Laminate Floors! **FRESH Paint! **Crown Moldings! **Vaulted Ceilings! **Formal Dining Room! **Breakfast Bar! **Light Cabinetry & Plenty of it! **Brass & Ceramic Pulls! **Kitchen has Double Stainless Steel Sinks! **Skylight in Livingroon **Walk-in Closets in Master & 2nd Bedroom! **Wood Blinds in Master, Living room & 2nd Bedroom! **Laundry Room! **Covered Patio & Covered Porches! **Enclosed Yard! **Grassy Area! **Shade Tree! **Community Pool! **Convenient to Excellent Shopping, Parks & Support Facilities! **E-Z Freeway Access! **Senior Park! **Includes Washer n Dryer!**Wide Oval Tub Featured in Master Bath**

Looking for a place to run outdoors?

Well, there you are. This is my top 5 list for outdoor runs in Santa Clarita. Hope to see you out there hitting the pavement. Happy Running!

In the early 1900’s, its “original city”, Newhall was the home of more than one famous silent screen movie star. William S. Hart, one of the first well known cowboy actors kept ranches here and there is even a famed “Cowboy Walk of Fame” in old town Newhall as well as other western heritage memorabilia. His ranch and museum are a landmark here.

Santa Clarita was awarded one of the top ten of places to live in America, and the 6th safest city with populations over 100,000. You must see the 50 miles of scenic artistically designed paseo walkways that connect most neighborhoods in Valencia. The city of Santa Clarita has more than 100 miles of protected bike paths which roll along the river washes and mountainsides. There are 17 natural parks for recreation. Abundant recreational opportunities abound, when you are less than one hour from some of Southern California’s best known tourist attractions! For instance you can drive 60 minutes north to a cross country ski lodge at the top of Mt. Pinots or take a leisurely drive south to the beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica. Santa Barbara is just 90 minutes north while Disney Land is just 90 minutes southeast. Ventura Harbor is just 60 minutes west.

Santa Clarita and its planned community, Valencia are often the backdrop for many motion pictures and popular T.V. shows. It is home and host to the Santa Clarita Marathon and the Amgen California Bike Tour. There are several prominent golfing tournaments here each year at one or more of our many golf courses. This sparkling city is kept meticulous with regular street cleaning crews that always seem to keep everything pristine. Much of the vegetation in Valencia is indigenous and fire retardant, making Valencia especially safe. In the summer there is variety of free concerts in the park as well as the state of the art “Town Center Mall”. The “Town Center Mall” is architecturly designed to have an exterior shopping space reminiscent of an artistic outdoor promenade. On the west side of town sits the exciting Six Flags Magic Mountain with rollercoaster’s and other family style amusements. The water park sits adjacent to this. Drive 10 minutes north to Castaic and relax next to the large tree lined lake highlighted by many white sand beaches and coves and perfect for boating and fishing.

The mountains around Valencia are popular with racing bicyclists and off road enthusiasts. A dramatic portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, spirals through the mountains, which includes unique points of interest such as the rock formations called Vasquez Rocks. Valencia, Santa Clarita is unique and a high quality place to live. With so much to experience here, there’s no reason to leave!