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Cambria, CA Real Estate News

By Regina P. Brown, M.B.A., Broker, Instructor
(MBA Broker Consultants)
Who needs an estate planning attorney, anyway? You do. Me?  Why? Well, you own property don't you?  And a business? Yes. And you have children, don't you? Yes. And you certainly don't want everything you've work so hard for, to end up with the courts or attorneys do you?  After all, you've worked hard so your children, grandchildren, and favorite charities can have something nice to inherit, right? That's true. So you need an Estate Planning Attorney then.  Not just any attorney.  But one that does estate planning exclusively and can help you create a custom plan for you and your family. So how do I find a great attorney to help me? Once you have selected a prospective attorney, here's some interview questions: How long have you been licensed as an attorney?  Are you in good standing or...
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By Regina P. Brown, M.B.A., Broker, Instructor
(MBA Broker Consultants)
"What You Must Know to Protect Your Family and Your Estate: The Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning for California Families" by Brenda Geiger, Esq. (Geiger Law Office, P.C.) and Myrna Arroyo, Esq., Myrna E. Arroyo, LLC. is a handy little guide that packs some powerful punches. Geiger and Arroyo give case examples of "The 25 Most Common Estate Planning Mistakes" that they have witnessed in their careers.  "Mistake #6: Putting your Children on Title to your House" on page 11 is a very common mistake that I come across in my real estate business.  This is very dangerous because it puts your assets MORE at risk, NOT less.  Geiger says: "When you put your home (or any other asset) in co-ownership with your children, they become co-owners of the property with you.  This causes several problems....
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By Regina P. Brown, M.B.A., Broker, Instructor
(MBA Broker Consultants)
Real estate closed escrow sales for January 2009 were at 5, which is lower than the all-time record of 9 in 2007.   Thanks to First American Title in San Luis Obispo for supplying this chart.  If you'd like to know more about real estate buying or selling on the California Central Coast, I'm a top expert and would be happy to answer your questions! Join my new AR group and post your blog at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice Regina P. BrownBroker, Realtor®, e-ProAuthor of eBook "Stop Foreclosure Fast: Solutions to Save your House" Text copyright © 2009 R.P. Brown, All Rights Reserved 
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By Regina P. Brown, M.B.A., Broker, Instructor
(MBA Broker Consultants)
A webinar on "How to do Webinars" -- Last week I participated in this awesome webinar hosted by Frances Flynn-Thorsen, the guru of webinar hosting and promotion at Socialebb Strategies and Solutions.  She gave some great tips, and also discussed the in's and out's of various hosting platforms.  Here's her blog with the replay: http://activerain.com/blogsview/933980/Create-Online-Meetings-and-an-Explosive-Spotlight-Ad-for-Trulia We all know about GoToMeeting, which is probably the top webinar platform that I see.  It has some super-cool features.  The participants can listen by phone or computer.  You can record the seminar for later use.  And the best feature is that when participants receiving confirmation of their registration, they can click on a link in the email to ADD IT TO THEIR ...
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By Sherry Peckhoon Sim, Broker/Owner, Covering the Beautiful Central Coast
(Sims & Company)
    JANUARY-DECEMBER 2008 VERSUS JANUARY-DECEMBER 2007 CAMBRIA             SALES AVG.DOM HIGH LOW MEDIAN 2007 97 157 $4,250,000.00 $375,000.00 $700,000.00 2008 80 157 $2,350,000.00 $315,000.00 $632,500.00 2008/2007 -17 0 ($1,900,000.00) ($60,000.00) ($67,500.00) % DIFF. -18% 0%     -10% Among the coastal towns/cities in San Luis Obispo county, Cambria suffered the highest decline of 10% in the median home price in 2008 when compared to the same 12 months a year ago.  The median home price for 2008 was $632,500.  This is a drop of $67,500 from $700,000 in 2007. Sales of stick-built single family residences in Cambria suffered a big decline of 18% @ 80 sales versus 97 sales in 2007.  A review of the data from the Central Coast Multiple Listing System shows that the bulk comprising about 7...
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By Regina P. Brown, M.B.A., Broker, Instructor
(MBA Broker Consultants)
From a Twitter tip I went to www.WidgetBox.com and created a Blidget!  What is that?  I didn't even know before I made it.  It's a WIDGET for BLOG. Here's how it came out:   It automatically feeds from my AR blog.  Cool, huh!!!  I chose to allow the graphics as part of the blidget also. Oh yeah, did I mention that it's FREE!  (although they try to get you to upgrade to their paid version) Now if I can only figure out how to get this Blidget on my web site!  Guess that'll be tomorrow's post... Join my new AR group and post your blog at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice Regina P. BrownBroker, Realtor®, e-ProAuthor of eBook "Stop Foreclosure Fast: Solutions to Save your House" Text copyright © 2009 R.P. Brown, All Rights Reserved
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By Regina P. Brown, M.B.A., Broker, Instructor
(MBA Broker Consultants)
Two of the most confused words in the American culture...  If you've mis-used either of these words, you're not alone!  I winced when I saw the word "Principle" recently printed on an escrow statement... and YIKES I've even seen it misspelled on legally-binding loan docs! As a real estate professional, do you have Principles?  Sure you do, but as a borrower you also have Principal (along with your interest)! What's the Difference? PrinciPAL = (1) elementary school director; or (2) a capital sum of money. PrinciPLE = (1) a set of ethics or morals, (such as, "it's the principle of the matter"). How can you Remember? I was taught this trick quite a while back:  Remember you want your elementary school principal to be your friend, so he's your "PAL".  And money can also be your "PAL" too. D...
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By Sherry Peckhoon Sim, Broker/Owner, Covering the Beautiful Central Coast
(Sims & Company)
  REVIEW OF HOME SALES & MEDIAN HOME PRICES ON STICK-BUILT SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES IN NORTH COAST-SLO COUNTY       (UNDER $1M)       JANUARY-JUNE 2008 VS. JANUARY-JUNE 2007   CAMBRIA             SALES AVG.DOM HIGH LOW MEDIAN 2007 50 155 $395,000.00 $915,000.00 $633,000.00 2008 35 164 $315,000.00 $940,000.00 $610,000.00 2008/2007 -15 9     ($23,000.00) % DIFFERENCE -30% 6%     -4%   Like other areas in San Luis Obispo County, Cambria suffered a big drop (-30%) on home sales during the first six months of this year.  Compared to the same period last year, only 35 stick-built single-family residences sold versus 55 homes a year ago.  To compound matters, the time needed to sell increased by 9 days from 155 in first half 2007 to 164 in 2008.  The price range did not alter very much.  Homes in t...
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By Sherry Peckhoon Sim, Broker/Owner, Covering the Beautiful Central Coast
(Sims & Company)
REVIEW OF THE PAST 5-YEAR  PRICE / SALE TRENDS     CAMBRIA   YEAR  Sales   Median   Avg. CDOM   High Low Avg. SP/LP                     2003 196   $526,500   92   $3,500,000 $250,000 97% 2004 177 -10% $642,000 22% 90 -2% $2,195,000 $308,000 97% 2005 181 2% $699,000 9% 102 13% $3,150,000 $399,000 97% 2006 132 -27% $708,500 1% 112 10% $5,000,000 $370,000 96% 2007 105 -20% $700,000 -1% 155 38% $4,250,000 $375,000 95%   Along the North Coast in San Luis Obispo County, Cambria probably saw the least decline in the median home prices of single-family residences.  Homeowners of these properties could be said to have been mildly affected by the 1% drop in the median home prices last year, when compared to the same period a year ago.  Like the neighboring towns, real estate sales in Cambria wer...
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By Bob Blandy
(Cambria Virtual Tours by Medallion)
 CAMBRIA VIRTUAL TOURS by Medallion has recently partnered with Real Tour VisionTM (RTV), the world's largest and fastest growing virtual tour software provider. As a Real Tour Vision full service CAMBRIA VIRTUAL TOURS by Medallion Services will be able to offer state-of-the-art virtual tours and innovative online marketing solutions to local real estate agents, motels, hotels, B&B's, vacation rentals, retail shops and businesses. CAMBRIA VIRTUAL TOURS by Medallion Services has completed proprietary training as a certified RTV full service dealer and will also be offering their clients and customers expert advice on internet marketing. Jason LaVanture, Vice President of Real Tour VisionTM said: "We are proud to welcome CAMBRIA VIRTUAL TOURS by Medallion Services as our newest Real Tour ...
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By Barnes & Associates Sothebynulls International Realty
(Barnes & Associates Sotheby's International Realty)
Winter is a glorious time along our scenic coast, and the annual Cambria Art & Wine Festival is the ideal time to come and celebrate the New Year.  Featuring extensive wine tasting, a silent art auction, and demonstrations by local working artists, it's a great opportunity to experience the best in California coastal living, and is being held the weekend of January 25-27th, 2008.  Along with enjoying the festivities, why not take the opportunity to become acquainted with the local real estate market?  It's a great time to be a Buyer in our unique market where you'll find good value and the "Cambria Life-style" that has called people from across the country to call this beautiful place home.  Feel free to stop by our office in the picturesque West Village - we'll be pleased to provide yo...
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By Barnes & Associates Sothebynulls International Realty
(Barnes & Associates Sotheby's International Realty)
December in Cambria is an amazing time - - dramatic crashing surf, crisp cool air, and the realization that this is truly one of the most beautiful places to live in California.  Located half-way between Los Angeles & San Francisco, the stunning scenic coast offers a relatively easy commute from metropolitan areas, and a quality of life that is hard to find.  Bundle up for a brisk walk along the boardwalk at Moonstone Beach, and end your adventure with a warm beverage and window-shopping along Main Street where you'll find everything from otter souvenirs  to beautiful one-of-a-kind works of arts.  If a second-home is in your New-Year's plans, the current inventory of homes for sale offers many options, priced from the $300's - - it's an opportune time to start the search for your own pl...
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By Abraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate
(Sand Shell Realty)
Sometimes the best way to capture style and class is in simplicity. And when showcasing a luxury estate property on a web site this is what you should be displaying. When we remove the clutter and noise around and just center the attention on what is important it creates a feeling of clarity and contentment. As bloggers, we tend to do be long winded and draw out our ideas for a more interesting read. However, when a topic is handled in the simplest way that gets right to the point there is nothing like it.This post isn't about blogging though or the art of writing, this is about displaying a luxury estate on a property website. My example is a web site that show cases one of most spectacular high end properties on the Central Coast of California - cambriaestate.com  Typically I like my ...
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By Abraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate
(Sand Shell Realty)
Cambria water is still the most valuable resource is Cambria California as this season’s rain fall is lower than any previously recorded since 1973. Surcharges are planned on being implemented to penalize hefty Cambria water users. Water and sewer bills for all Cambria Community Services District customers are expected to rise soon, as the board begins a series of hikes over the next five years.  20 units of water used in two months will cost $235.26, up from $156.84 61 units will cost $1,932.98, up from $351.45  These dramatic increases are reflecting the Cambria district’s well levels are as low as they’ve been since 1988-1990 which was the final years of Cambria’s six-year drought. Cambria real estate is currently in a building moratorium causing the value of most lots to drop in val...
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By Abraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate
(Sand Shell Realty)
Cambria California has an eerie, haunting small town feel to it at times. There are a lot of older buildings built in or around the turn of the last century and the community is that slow paced, small town feel you might hear about in many of the books written by Steven King. There aren't ramshackle homes all over town, zombies walking the streets nor does it have strange goings on - in fact the community is very friendly, active and Cambria real estate is flourishing and luxury homes in Cambria are some of the most incredible in all of the Central Coast of CA. This small town Cambria has been the setting of many films. It's picturescue charm and beauty in the pine trees and it's close proximity to Los Angeles and Hollywood California has made it a hot spot for motion pictures, books, a...
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By Abraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate
(Sand Shell Realty)
Real Estate in Cambria has seen its shares of ups and downs but for the most part has been one of the more stable real estate markets in San Luis Obispo County. Cambria homes are generally the first to go up in price and the last to come down.Cambria’s home buyers are generally retirees looking to get away from the big city or second home buyers looking for a place to vacation part time. Generally this is not a first time home buyers market as the cost of living is high, home prices are high, and the economy does not support first time home buyers.Cambria Real Estate Statistics for Single Family Residential Homes from 2004 until today:Homes Sold:2004: 1782005: 1822006: 132*2007: 46Median Listing Price:2004: $659,0002005: $715,500 2006: $712,000 *2007: $680,000Median Selling Price:2004: ...
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By Abraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate
(Sand Shell Realty)
These links are great sources of information about Cambria California. Cambria is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the West Coast. This sea side community is known as "Pines by the Sea" for the Monterey Pines on the rolling hills around the town. Its year round mild climate draws people to this area from all over the world. Hearst Castle, a world famous castle built by William Randolph Hearst and the Elephant Seals in San Simeon are also two major attractions to the area. Cambria Chamber of Commerce The local chamber of commerce is a great resource for information on shopping, restaurants, lodging, hotels, motels, events and entertainment. There is also a nice printable map of the town located on the website. Contact the local chamber for magazines, newspapers, a...
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By Abraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate
(Sand Shell Realty)
Cambria is an incredible destination for bike enthusiasts - Its beautiful Highway One coastline winding its way up through Big Sur to Carmel and on to Monterey and Monterey Bay is one of the most scenic bike rides in California.On this trip you can make a pit stop at one of the most recognized names in biking and bicycle outfitting; Cambria Bicycle Outfitter (CBO, Inc.). Now a worldwide internet presence this shop started right here in Cambria California in 1986 and has become the world's largest selection of bicycle accessories.Cambria Bicycle Outfitter is located on Center Street next door to their old store shown to the right, in the old Ian's restaurant.  Not only bicycle riders love this stretch of coast but also motorcycle riders and motorcycle clubs. Check out some of the awesome...
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By Abraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate
(Sand Shell Realty)
Cambria Real Estate Area Market Survey Listings as of 05/16/07 at 7:33pm Property Type Residential Property Subtype SFR Stick Built City Cambria Statuses Active, Sold (11/17/2006 or after) Cambria/San Simeon Active Listing Price Range Quantity Average DOM $350,000 thru $399,999 1 48 $400,000 thru $449,999 2 26 $450,000 thru $499,999 4 73 $500,000 thru $549,999 5 94 $550,000 thru $599,999 5 251 $600,000 thru $649,999 4 158 $650,000 thru $699,999 3 30 $700,000 thru $749,999 5 165 $750,000 thru $799,999 9 160 $800,000 thru $849,999 2 66 $850,000 thru $899,999 5 60 $900,000 thru $949,999 7 85 $950,000 thru $999,999 1 224 $1,000,000 thru $1,249,999 9 160 $1,250,000 thru $1,499,999 10 76 $1,500,000 thru $1,749,999 9 128 $1,750,000 thru $1,999,999 3 33 $2,250,000 thru $2,499,999 3 103 $2,750,...
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By Abraham Chaffin, Cambria Real Estate
(Sand Shell Realty)
Top of the World Special Project Area #2 (SPA 2 - Top of the World) is a special area in Cambria California designated by San Luis Obispo County. This area of Cambria real estate is planned to not receive water hookups after September 2007 and will not have water meters or water positions transferred to it. Only water positions or water meters that are currently on land parcels in this area are able to be used to build new homes in the future. Construction of new homes in this area will not be permitted if water is not already on the property past 9/24/2007 There are two Special Project Areas of Lodge Hill in Cambria with special resource protection. SPA 1 in Fern Canyon and SPA 2 with issues related to the area’s visibility from Highway One, because of the area’s prominent location and...
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