Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill and the Greater Antelope Valley April 8, 2011.  Did you know effective July of this year, California homeowners will be required to install carbon monoxide detectors. However, disclosure requirements with respect to the detectors began on January 1st CO detectors are designed to measure CO levels over time and sound an alarm before dangerous levels of CO accumulate in an environment, giving people adequate warning to safely ventilate the area or evacuate. Some system-connected detectors also alert a monitoring service that can dispatch emergency services if necessary. The SB 183 requires that alarm devices (battery or hard-wired) be installed in existing single-family homes that have a fossil-fuel burning appliance, fireplace or an a... 04/08/2011

Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill and the Greater Antelope Valley April 7, 2011. What is going on here?  Mexico, Japan, New Zealand all with earthquakes are we in Southern California next? Are we prepared?  This week end might be a great time to put together an earthquake preparedness kit.  Here is a helpful link listing all the stuff you should have ready to go in your kit. Janet O'Brian is a Certified Short Sales Specialist in California is ready to help you with your Situation… Short Sale  Monthend Numbers Mar Feb Jan '11 Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug July June May April March Listed  690 443 550 555 579 541 642 692 675 659 624 716 732 Pending  504 414 392 402 416 382 530 497 475 579 490 698 677 Sold  389 299 297 422 348 341 486 376 412 469 417 327 512 % CHG Month over Mon... 04/07/2011

Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill and the Greater Antelope Valley April 6, 2011. The Antelope Valley Palmdale and Lancaster areas are gearing up for a wild weather week in early April, we are expecting snow in the foothills and even on the valley floor.  Palmdale will be hosting a reception at the Palmdale Playhouse tomorrow, Thursday, April 7 starting at 6:30 in the Playhouse foyer for a local artist Sal Vasquez to commemorate his new exhibit that is on display. The Palmdale Playhouse is located at 38334 10th St. East in Palmdale. Admission to both the reception and to view the exhibit is free and open to the public. Janet O'Brian is a Certified Short Sales Specialist in California is ready to help you with your Situation… Short Sale  Monthend Numbers Mar Feb Jan '... 04/06/2011

Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill and the Greater Antelope Valley April 5, 2011.Spring is here in the greater Antelope Valley Palmdale, Lancaster area and buyers are looking for the best deals.  And we have some of the best prices in the Southern California area.  Short Sale are dominating the market currently with bank owned (REOs) holding between 250 and 300 available listings.  As we move into the summer months we are seeing an up swing in buyer activity.  If you are looking to buy a home in the Antelope Valley make sure you do your homework and get in contact with a local REALTOR®.  Janet O'Brian is a Certified Short Sales Specialist in California is ready to help you with your stuation...Short Sale  Monthend Numbers                           Mar Feb Jan '11 Dec ... 04/05/2011

West Palmdale, California Real EstateWe here at the Gockel Group, continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find West Palmdale real estate statistics for the last seven days.Total inventory today is: 208   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 116Number of homes entering the market in the last 7 days: 24    Of these, the number that are short pays is: 23Number of homes entering escrow in the last 7 days: 12Number of homes closing escrow (sold) in the last 7 days: 7   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 9Number of homes cancelled/removed/expired/withdrawn from the market in the last 7 days: 23See my 24 hour Market Report of the entire Antelope Valley by viewing A.V. Real Estate Trends... 04/04/2011

Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill and the Greater Antelope Valley April 1, 2011. No April Fooling here; recently reported the head of JPMorgan Chase said Wednesday (I’m paraphrasing here) banks are not going to consider writing down mortgages for homeowners who can make payments. This was a proposal floated by Washington designed to address and maybe fix the bank owned mortgage disasters.  We believe they (banks) should due something for the mess they made of the mortgage business in the pass few years.  We are also seeing a move by the House GOP to speed up the demise Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.  Financial Services Committee is planning to vote in May on a bill to kill off Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac within just five years!  Representative staunch Republican Bachus ... 04/01/2011

Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Anaverde and the Greater Antelope Valley March 31, 2011. On Tuesday the Democrats joined with Republicans to kill funding for the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).  However 50 House Democrats wrote the Treasury Secretary urging him to reform the program, stating that the HAMP program must be adjusted to meet the needs of the troubled homeowners.  The house killing the program appers be dead on arrival in the Senate, furthermore President Obama has vowed to veto it anyways.  We believe it should be changed to help more homeowners keep their homes, however with the split in power in Congress we don’t see anything of value happening anytime soon.  Janet O'Brian is a Certified Short Sales Specialist in California is ready to help you wit... 03/31/2011

The headliners have been selected for the Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival for 2011.  With six days of concerts featuring, Blue Oyster Cult, british rock band Foghat, country singer Trace Adkins, funny guys Williams & Ree, and country star Miranda Lambert and others.  Wow what a line up, all of us in the greater Antelope Valley area always work to deliver the best in and family entertainment. And don’t forget some of the other events Figure 8 Race, Professional Bull Riders, Rural Olympics and Demolition Derby.   What a summer it will be come on up and check us out… Janet O'Brian is a Certified Short Sales Specialist in California is ready to help you with your Situation… Stop-foreclosure Monthend Numbers                                         Feb          Jan '11            De... 03/25/2011

Did you know that the Antelope Valley has a fair?  Well we do and it is bigger then ever.  This year the annual Antelope Valley Fair & Alfalfa Festival is a 10 day celebration that begins August 19 - August 28, 2011. Events include top-name concerts in the Lancaster Honda Concert Series, exhibits, motorized events, bull riding, carnival rides, great food, free grounds entertainment and more!  The Antelope Valley Fair & Alfalfa Festival has been part of the Antelope Valley for 72 years. Long-established events like the Rural Olympics, Jr. Livestock Auction and Home Arts exhibit competitions continue to involve the community in one of a kind, fun events. Mark your calendar… Janet O'Brian is a Certified Short Sales Specialist in California is ready to help you with your Situation… Stop-for... 03/24/2011

Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Anaverde and the Greater Antelope Valley March 23, 2011. The numbers just keep showing the samething not much change holding prices and inventory...   Janet O'Brian is a Certified Short Sales Specialist in California is ready to help you with your Situation… Stop-foreclosure Monthend Numbers               Feb          Jan '11            Dec       Nov Oct Sep Aug July June May April March Feb   Listed  443 550 555 579   541 642 692 675 659 624 716 732 697 Pending  414 392 402 416   382 530 497 475 579 490 698 677 623 Sold  299 297 422 348   341 486 376 412 469 417 327 512 362 % CHG Month over Month Listed  -24.2% -0.9% -4.3% 6.6% -18.7% -7.8% 2.5% 2.4% 5.3% -14.7% -2.2% 4.8% Pending  5.3% -2.6% -3.5% 8.2% -38.7% 6.2% 4.4% -21.9% 15.4% -42.4% 3.0... 03/23/2011

Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Anaverde and the Greater Antelope Valley March 22, 2011. Well we had our share of rain over the week-end with local snow in the foothills.  Palmdale and the greater Antelope Valley is having a winter (now over for 2 days) for the record books.  The rain was falling Sunday at Palmdale Airport measured at 1.29 inches betting the old record set back in 1952 March 7th at 1.2 inches.  Ok this might not see like a lot of rain but for us with the water issues it is very welcome.  And we are in for more over the next few days.  And with all this rain and snow the poppies are going to be popping this coming April and May. This years California Poppy Festival is scheduled for April 16-17, 2011. Janet O'Brian is a Certified Short Sales Specialist in Calif... 03/22/2011

Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Anaverde and the Greater Antelope Valley March 18, 2011.The amount of available homes in the Antelope Valley is holding steady at just under 2,000 and 1,400 in the core area.  The market share is holding as well see chart below.  With the current rise in gas prices and the 40 min commute over the hill, could have some downwards force on home prices as buyers grapple with rising prices.  However with the current supply and the built-in discount from the highs of just a few years ago the high desert is still the best buy in Sothern California. Janet O'Brian is a Certified Short Sales Specialist in California is ready to help you with your Situation… Stop-foreclosure Monthend Numbers                                         Feb          Jan '11     ... 03/18/2011

Short Sale are taking over in the greater Antelope Valley area, Palmdale and Lancaster are leading the way is the short sale push.  Banks have come around and are telling us as listing agents they will have approvals in as little as 45 days, far better then the a year ago when approvals were months.  As short sales take center stage you as a seller have options to get you out from under and back on the road.  Janet O’Brian short sale specialist has been closing short sale for over two years with a 98% approval rating. Janet O'Brian is a Certified Short Sales Specialist in California is ready to help you with your Situation… Stop-foreclosure Monthend Numbers                                         Feb          Jan '11            Dec       Nov Oct Sep Aug July June May April March Feb   L... 03/16/2011

Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Anaverde and the Greater Antelope Valley March 15, 2011. The Long Island BOARD OF REALTORS® posted something strange on there website.  Strange for California Realtors® they are telling there agents to submit all offers to the bank on a short sale transaction?  In California the bank (lender) is a third party to the short sale transaction not the seller.  The seller (owner of record) executes the purchase contract and only one, the executed one is then submit to the lender for approval.  Assuredly I do not claim to know how NY does real estate but in California the seller is the seller not the lender… Janet O'Brian is a Certified Short Sales Specialist in California is ready to help you with your Situation… Stop-foreclosure Monthend Numbers    ... 03/15/2011

Living in earthquake country in southern California one is reminded how fast things can change.  Earthquake preparedness is a must; here are a few things to keep in mind and at the ready. Water: least two quarts of water per person per day for 3 or 4 days, for a family of four that’s s 12 gallons. And that just drinking water, if the water is out you still need to flush and wash and water for cooking…  Food: the key word is canned, meats, fruits, vegetables juices, milk, soup.  High energy foods like peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, trail mix; foods that do not increase thirst and don’t forget  Comfort foods like cookies, candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags.    First Aid: Assorted sizes of safety pins, Cleansing agent/soap,  Non-prescription drugs such as... 03/11/2011

Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Anaverde and the Greater Antelope Valley March 8, 2011. The Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42 is located at 2001 E. Avenue P.  If you like to see a real nice collection of aircraft come on up to Palmdale.  The Airpark currently includes 17 retired military aircraft on static display plus a 1/8 scale model of the B-2 Spirit, an AGM-28 Hound Dog Missile and various components from other aircraft. A B-52 and C-46 are also on display. When fully developed, the Airpark will showcase over 40 retired military and civilian aircraft on static display.  There is always somthing to see in Palmdale...   One last word Happy FAT Tresday.... Janet O'Brian is a Certified Short Sales Specialist in California is ready to help you with your Situati... 03/08/2011

West Palmdale, California Real EstateWe here at the Gockel Group, continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends. Below you will find West Palmdale real estate statistics for the last seven days.Total inventory today is: 216   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 129Number of homes entering the market in the last 7 days: 22    Of these, the number that are short pays is: 13Number of homes entering escrow in the last 7 days: 17Number of homes closing escrow (sold) in the last 7 days: 7   Of these, the number that are short pays is: 6Number of homes cancelled/removed/expired/withdrawn from the market in the last 7 days: 12See my 24 hour Market Report of the entire Antelope Valley by viewing A.V. Real Estate Trends... 03/07/2011

Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Anaverde and the Greater Antelope Valley March 4, 2011. In keeping with the new wave of Palmdale and Lancaster going green Palmdale has a new Free Home Makeover Contest: Toward Zero Energy.  The winning home may receive energy and water efficiency improvements estimated at $50,000 WOW…  Five homes receive energy and water efficiency improvements estimated at $10,000 and certification as a green home! 20 Semi-Finalist Homes Twenty semi-finalist homes receive state-of the-art home energy assessments estimated at $500 each. All of the winners will receive energy-efficient home improvements that will increase the overall comfort of their home, reduce their energy use and allow their home to obtain GreenPoint Rated certification. Contest Registration... 03/04/2011

Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Anaverde and the Greater Antelope Valley March 3, 2011. FTC Issues Final Rule to Protect Struggling Homeowners from Mortgage Relief Scams - Rule Outlaws Advance Fees and False Claims, Requires Clear Disclosures Homeowners will be protected by a new Federal Trade Commission rule that bans providers of mortgage foreclosure rescue and loan modification services from collecting fees until homeowners have a written offer from their lender or servicer that they decide is acceptable. At a time when numerous Americans are under pressure to pay their mortgages, sellers of so-called mortgage relief services have taken hundreds of millions of dollars from hundreds of thousands of homeowners without ever delivering results,” FTC Chairman said. “By banning ... 03/03/2011

Real Estate Trends - Palmdale, Lancaster, Anaverde and the Greater Antelope Valley March 2, 2011. With two months already done for 2011 we are hoping for a brighter spring.  Sales have been sluggish but well off the bottom of 2007.  We are seeing stable prices and steady steam of buyers just not in the numbers we like to see.  With the economy dragging along thus putting more pressure or the market we are not seeing any big move for buyers right now.  The caveat is inflation; Real Estate has always been seen as a safe harbor during times of inflation.  Gold, silver and other commodities are also seen as safe harbors however with gold at all times highs, silver pushing up daily jumping into these more risky markets could lessening the rate of return.  With the depressed housing prices o... 03/02/2011