Did you know that roots from a tree or bush several hundred yards and several houses away can damage your home's plumbing system if they break into your pipes? This is called root intrusion and can create a major blockage in your sewer line. Trees and shrubs seek out water to grow, and pipes provide the perfect environment. Roots are even drawn to unbroken pipes because of condensation and will grow alongside and around the pipe to feed on the moisture. There is a misconception that roots are the problem, but it is actually the pipe because the roots cannot get in the pipe unless there is a crack or bad joint. The older the pipe, the more susceptible it is to cracks, breaks and deformations. A possible sign of root intrusion is a sudden back up or flooding of the lowest plumbing fixture... 01/12/2010

Have you noticed more and more sales calls on your cell phone recently? Last week, cell phone numbers were released to marketing companies. From your cell phone, dial 888 382-1222 to easily remove your number. It took me less than 20 seconds. In 31 days, you should stop getting unsolicated calls. If you don't, you can report the company to this same number or to www.DoNotCall.gov Nancy Moeller, CPA, Real Estate Broker Seven Gables Real Estate License #01727426 www.TheOCExperts.com www.OCMarketUpdate.com (blog) Direct: 714 276-7006 Fax: 714 917-2293   01/08/2010

Last month I wrote to you about joining together to make a difference for needy families at Christmas.  Wow, did we ever succeed!  My private goal was to get as close to 1,000 pounds of food as we could.  I thought that was a reasonable number for our first food drive. We were greeted with enthusiasm and generosity even before the drive officially started.  Several of you dropped food off at the office or at my home.  By the time the first of our three-day food drive came around, it took my truck and Bonnie's Expedition to deliver the food.  When we showed up at the Second Harvest Food Bank, they directed us to a loading ramp on the south side of the building. The Second Harvest Food Bank is now located on the old Marine base!  It's a huge warehouse that was alarmingly empty.  We backed... 01/05/2010

01/03/2010

We saw the house late on December 23rd.  It was very late and both my client and I had our families in the cars.  We agreed to meet at his workplace the next morning. I didn't give it much thought until I parked in the Superior Court parking lot.  I hesitated a little as I got out of my truck and walked toward the courthouse.  I wondered where we were going to meet.  It occurred to me that we should have worked that out the night before. I walked into the courtroom.  My client, the bailiff, did not see me at first so I sat down in the crowded courtroom.  There was almost no one in the front row, so I chose the aisle seat there; so he could see me. No sooner did I sit down than he waved at me.  I started to wave back and realized he was waving me forward.  My law enforcement career made ... 12/30/2009

The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, December 11, 2009.   Single Family Residences Total Homes on the market, detached and attached is 102 All other statistics for Single Family Residences are for detached homes only   Median List Price: 92807- $682,000 with the average price being $1,260,383 92808- $794,450 with the average price being $1,185,921 Total Houses Available for both zip codes: 84   Least Expensive: $439,900 for a single-story home of approximately 1,319sq.ft. off of La Palma and Emogene.  This 3BR, 2BA was built in 1977 and has a lot size of 6,240sq.ft.  This home has newer roof, all new vinyl windows and well maintained.  This home has been on the market for 32 listing days.   Most Expensive: $4,995,000 for an extraordin... 12/11/2009

I was showing homes to some friends of mine last week.  They're looking for a 4 bedroom pool home in South Orange County. One of the homes they asked to see that day was only a 3 bedroom home.  I asked what caught their eye and made them consider a 3 bedroom home on a tiny lot.  They said there were two things they found compelling; the view and the computer niche. As we drove to the property we discussed what kind of computer niche we would find.  We talked about an attic space that had been opened up off one of the bedrooms or an inside laundry room that had been converted with a stackable unit.  We decided we were probably going to find a loft space at the top of the stairs outside the bedrooms. The home was very nice as we walked inside, but we all came to a sudden stop in the kitc... 12/06/2009

A friend of mine owns Anaheim Hills Bike Shop. In these tough economic times I know advertising is crucial but very expensive. Being a member of The Chamber of Commerce I try  to network with my friends and sphere of influence. If you are looking for a new bike for the holidays, this looks like a great opportunity save some money!  On Sale are all the Best Mountain and Road Bikes!  Happy Holidays!   For More Info: http://anaheimhillsbike.com /  714-779-7521 Conviently Located at 5548 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim Hills Ca 92807  Across from the Movie Theater.   12/05/2009

"No way!" is the answer I hear from 90% of the people I ask. The other 10% wisely answer that it depends on their interest rate. Here's a simple example.   $500,000 mortgage with a 5.5% fixed rate for 30 years = $2,839 monthly payment   Let's say prices drop 10%, BUT interest rates go up just 1% ...    $450,000 mortgage with a 6.5% fixed rate for 30 years = $2,844 monthly payment   In other words, the mortgage payment is essentially the same with a 10% price decline coupled with a 1% interest rate increase.   So if you are still sitting on the fence, hoping to perfectly time the market, you may want to consider that NOW is the PERFECT time because the moment the general public agrees with you ... 1.Interest rates will go UP 2.Prices will go back UP 3.Selection will do DOWN   I don't kno... 12/05/2009

I don't go door-to-door looking for new business, I don't call people without their permission and I don't have my picture on shopping carts.  I don't send out calendars with my picture on them.  I don't even plant plastic American flags in your front yard at midnight on July 3rd.  That's because I work By Referral Only.  I work for my friends, my family and the people that they care about.  That's it. Two things happened this past month that made me realize the importance of our relationship.  The first was finding out a former student of mine is doing a copycat mailing to some of my Clients for Life.  The second was when I tried to volunteer my time with several different charities this holiday season.  None of them needed me!  It turns out that so many people volunteer at this time o... 11/30/2009

The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, November 27, 2009.   Single Family Residences Total Homes on the market, detached and attached is 107 All other statistics for Single Family Residences are for detached homes only   Median List Price: 92807- $675,000 with the average price being $1,263,640 92808- $799,000 with the average price being $1,269,727 Total Houses Available for both zip codes: 86   Least Expensive: $439,900 for a single-story home of approximately 1,319sq.ft. off of La Palma and Emogene.  This 3BR, 2BA was built in 1977 and has a lot size of 6,240sq.ft.  This home has newer roof, all new vinyl windows and well maintained.  This home has been on the market for 18 listing days.   Most Expensive: $5,950,000 for an extraordin... 11/27/2009

The good news is that  4,706 short sales were closed YTD in Orange County.   These homeowner avoided foreclosure, lenders were able to minimize their loses and buyers were able to enter the market.   The distressing news is that 5,759 short sales were canceled, expired and withdrawn in the same period. In other words. That means that over 50% of all short sales attempted this year - failed.   The why is easy ... the process is ridiculous. It usually goes something like this:   First, agents typically under price the property to attract buyers who would otherwise stay away from short sales. Then,  dozens of buyers place offers on this and many other properties at the same time. Next, the lenders take months and months to even consider the offers. In the meantime, most of the buyers have ... 11/17/2009

The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, November 13, 2009.   Single Family Residences Total Homes on the market, detached and attached is 99 All other statistics for Single Family Residences are for detached homes only   Median List Price: 92807- $689,000 with the average price being $1,357,452 92808- $834,950 with the average price being $1,264,352 Total Houses Available for both zip codes: 83   Least Expensive: $429,000 for a single-story home of approximately 1,516sq.ft. off of Santa Ana Canyon Rd and Pinney.  This 4BR, 2BA was built in 1965 and has a lot size of 7,632sq.ft.  Close to parks, schools, shopping centers and the 91fwy.  This short sale has been on the market for 26 listing days.   Most Expensive: $5,950,000 for an extraor... 11/13/2009

The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, November 6, 2009.   Single Family Residences Total Homes on the market, detached and attached is 93 All other statistics for Single Family Residences are for detached homes only   Median List Price: 92807- $694,000 with the average price being $1,314,586 92808- $925,000 with the average price being $1,357,781 Total Houses Available for both zip codes: 79   Least Expensive: $429,000 for a single-story home of approximately 1,516sq.ft. off of Santa Ana Canyon Rd and Pinney.  This 4BR, 2BA was built in 1965 and has a lot size of 7,632sq.ft.  Close to parks, schools, shopping centers and the 91fwy.  This short sale has been on the market for 19 listing days.   Most Expensive: $5,000,000 for an 8BR, 7BA... 11/06/2009

Good news for buyers and the housing market. These changes are effective when the President signs the bill. The credit offers several new features, including a $6500 credit for people who are not "first time" homeowners and a binding contract rule which will take away some of the pressure in April, 2010 when the credits are scheduled to expire. See the chart below for a summary: 11/06/2009

October is birthday month around our house.  Bonnie, Kenneth (14) and Gina (11).  We make a sincere effort to make sure everyone feels special on their birthday, but I never pass up a chance at having some fun.  As a result, the preparation for Gina's birthday party gave me a great chance for a practical joke. Earlier this summer, Gina and Kenneth spent the day at the Swap Meet with Nana and Grandad.  They came home with PVC blow guns designed to shoot small marshmallows.  I thought they were kind of silly, but they were a huge hit with the kids and their friends.  They're just ½" PVC pipe, assembled as a blow gun.  They are spray painted different colors to make them fun.  Everything is painted except the mouthpiece which is personal to each player. For her birthday party; Gina told us... 11/04/2009

Anaheim Hills, California Real Estate Market Report- November 1st, 2009Anaheim Hills Active Listings= 161Lowest priced listing in Anaheim Hills = $79,900.00Highest priced listing in Anaheim Hills = $5,000,000.00Active Listings Property Type: 127 Single Family Residences 33 Condos/Townhouses   1 Manufactured home                               Active Listings Sale Type: 103 Standard Listings 1 REO* Listings 57 Short Pay** Listings                               Active Listings Price Range: 107 priced at or above $500,000.00 54 priced below $500,000.00                               Anaheim Hills properties in Pending & Back Up Status= 149Pending & Back Up Status Listing Type: 62 Standard Listings 14 REO* Listings 73 Short Pay** Listings                               Anaheim Hills Properties... 11/04/2009

The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday October 30, 2009.   Single Family Residences, detached, 92807 & 92808 - October 2009 Summary   Closed Transactions 10/1/09-10/30/09: 17 Average Closed Price: $707,911 Average Sq.ft.: 2,666 Average DOM: 56 Average $/sq.ft.: $265.53   Properties into Escrow 10/1/09-10/30/09: 27 Average Listed Price: $787,992 Average Sq.ft.: 2,882 Average DOM: 73 Average $/sq.ft.: $273.42   Condominiums, attached, 92807 & 92808 - October 2009 Summary   Closed Transactions 10/1/09-10/30/09: 13 Average Closed Price: $362,230 Average Sq.ft.: 1,366 Average DOM: 39 Average $/sq.ft.: $265.18   Properties into Escrow 10/1/09-10/30/09: 13 Average Listed Price: $338,590 Average Sq.ft.: 1,270 Average DOM: 50 Average $/sq.ft.: $2... 10/30/2009

The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday October 23, 2009.   Single Family Residences Total Homes on the market, detached and attached is 105 All other statistics for Single Family Residences are for detached homes only   Median List Price: 92807- $742,000 with the average price being $1,325,423 92808- $820,000 with the average price being $1,227,614 Total Houses Available for both zip codes: 91   Least Expensive: $438,000 for a one-level home of approximately 1,923sq.ft. off of Riverdale and Tustin.  This 5BR, 2BA was built in 1967 and sits on a lot of 6,720sq.ft.  Two-car attached garage with direct access and driveway.  This home has new front hardscape w/patio, newer roof, new paint, upgraded bath and more.  This short sale has been on... 10/23/2009

RE/MAX Homes & Estates Pre-Foreclosure Division  (714) 588 -7676 ∙  www.orangecountyshortsalerealtor.com   If you are in a situation where: • You lost your job • Your Medical Expenses are too high • Just went through/going through a divorce • You are behind on your payments • You have no equity • You can't afford the cost of selling your home • Your income has been reduced • You are in foreclosure   WE CAN HELP YOU! It's easy and doesn't cost you any MONEY! Our services are Free!!!  WHEN THE DEBT EXCEEDS YOUR HOME'S VALUE... we can help is with a SHORT SALE.   Benefits of a Short Sale: • Avoid Foreclosure • Avoid Bankruptcy • Reduced damage to your credit • Postpone your foreclosure sale date • A short sale will stay on your credit approx 3 years • BE FREE of financial and emotional bur... 10/20/2009