Muckenthaler Cultural Center Originally: Muckenthaler House and Grounds Location: 1201 W. Malvern Avenue1923: Spanish Colonial Revival The Muckenthaler Cultural Center is the former estate home of Adella and Walter Muckenthaler, situated on a large lot that is elevated above Malvern Avenue. The main portion of the house is two stories in height, with one-story wings at both ends and a garage on the north side. The two-story portion, which includes a full basement, is an outstanding example of the Mediterranean variation of Spanish Colonial architecture. This remarkable complex of buildings is complimented by an interior atrium, a stone gazebo with tile roof at the southeast of the house, and a wood arbor on the west side. The grounds around the home are an important part of the property... 03/01/2008

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I work very closely with the city and county and know how to navigate saving you money.  You might see a reduction of up to 30% for just 1 hour worth of your time.  The deadline is only 1 month away otherwise it will take a lot more time so don't wait.  Adam BrettRE/MAX NOCFullerton,CA 714-496-8116800-977-ADAMwww.RealtorAdam.com    03/01/2008

Most consumer and Real Estate Agents are not aware of the multitude of Down Payment Assistance Programs available for First Time Home Buyers.Most Board of Realtors have a programs like the PWR board I belong to which may give up to $15,000 to qualified applicants.There is also the National Homebuyer's Fund which may give up to 7% of the sale price towards your down payment.If you are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.There are a lot of options out there and resources which remain untapped.  Adam BrettRE/MAX NOCFullerton, CA714-496-8116800-977-ADAMwww.RealtorAdam.com  03/01/2008

The recent economic stimulus package, signed into law 13 February 2008, will have an advantageous impact on loan limits. Although the adjustments are temporary, they can benefit certain homeowners who wish to refinance. The stimulus package includes a temporary increase in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and conforming loan limits within 'high cost areas.' In other words, more loans will be eligible to be purchased by outside lenders, and therefore the interest rates on many mortgages will go down. To figure out if your home is in a high cost area, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will release median house prices within 30 days of the passage of the stimulus package, and use these figures to calculate high cost areas. If 125% of the local area median home p... 02/29/2008

Threewoods Community Bank Repo New on The Market!  Open Saturday March 1st. from 1:00 to 3:30Just Listed at $729,000!  Special Incentives for buyers Available through Tina!Come view this beautiful home that is also priced to sell!   Now owned by the bank!  Ready to Move In Now! Located in the pprestigious Threewoods gated community. This home features a large living room, family room with fireplace and a great  open kitchen. There are 3 Bedroom plus loft with closet that can be a converted to 4th bedroom.Very nice master suite with separate shower and tub. Lots of potential for this great price! Make your offer today!Call  Tina Maraj Shah RE/MAX North Orange County for More Details 714-403-7901 and exact address.   02/28/2008

Have you been thinking of selling your home but are afraid that you owe more than the current market value? You are not alone. There are THOUSANDS of other home owners sharing your same fears. The multiple listing is currently loaded with sellers hoping to unload the heavy burden of their home loans gone bad.If you think foreclosure is the only answer don't give up! You may be qualified to sell your home as a "Short Sale" or "Pre Foreclosure" Sale.    The benefits of a short sale are: You can save your credit from being totally ruined for 7 years by a foreclosure.You are in control of who sells your home You are able to save your credit so that you may rent the next property that you will be living in.You can feel good about fulfilling a large part of the obligation that you had with th... 02/24/2008

I have just had a terrible transaction experience with an out of area/Internet mortgage broker. Here's the story On my first meeting with my buyers, let's call them The Jones, they   informed me that they were already pre-approved for a home loan. I thought to myself GREAT! A qualified buyer! When I reviewed their approval letter  and realized their FICO scoreswere above 800, I felt even more confident that I would be able to sell these nice folks a home.  The Jones'es and I viewed several homes. During this time I came to find out that the mortgage company that they were using was out of the area. I tried to explain my fear of dealing with a lender that had no accountability with a local REALTOR. In my experience I have found that an out of area lender had NO PROBLEM with ripping peopl... 02/23/2008

After twenty years of steady revitalization, Downtown Fullerton is experiencing a "renaissance" evidenced by a growing number of sidewalk cafes, specialty restaurants, unique shops, entertainment venues, and upscale apartments.Downtown Fullerton offers a rustic old town atmosphere with a cluster of more than 70 historic buildings, beautiful shade trees, and decorative walkways, providing a comfortable setting to gather with friends, enjoy music, and catch up on the latest news. Downtown is equipped with more than 2,500 "free" public parking spaces to support the over 350,000 square feet of retail and more than 275,000 square feet of office space.Downtown is more than just another shopping center - it also serves as a vibrant cultural center with facilities, such as the award-winning Mus... 02/20/2008

Pella windows make all the difference!One of my listings in Fullerton has Pella windows throughout the property. Every time I have had an open house, people always comment on how nice the windows look. My client's windows have between the glass shades, so the windows always look clean. The electricity bills are way down because of the reflective double pane windows and you cannot hear a sound outside. Here are some photos from the Pella window website below. Feel free to take a look at my listing at 2152 Beechwood Ave. in Fullerton, Orange County California. Here's a link to the listing photos: http://www.homerealtymanual.com/2152beechwood    Between the glass shades are great! 02/20/2008

Help IS available. There are a variety of reasons Homeowners face foreclosure but luckily there are options available to avoid the impact of a Bank foreclosure. If you are lucky enough to have equity in your home, you can sell at a price that will let you pay off your mortgage and hopefully have money left over to walk away with at closing. But - Do you owe more than your home is worth? If the current market value of your home is less than the amount owing on the mortgage, the answer is a Short Sale. There IS a way out. Let me help you find a Buyer, negotiate a short sale on your property with your mortgage company and you can walk away with your home SOLD, no foreclosure on your credit report and your head held high. Your home was sold, not foreclosed on. And it won't cost you anythin... 02/15/2008

 I recently met a  new friend and old neighbor on Active Rain. Yvette "Evie" Hampton from RE/MAX Equity Group in  Clark County, Washington. Evie made a comment on one of my posts and we began corresponding. We have since found out that she was born and raised in the city of Fullerton, where my RE/MAX of North Orange County office is located.  We also came to find out that we both grew up in Raymond Hills and attended Troy High School. We both also attend Fullerton Junior College and Cal State Fullerton and both majored in Public Relations!  This type of connection makes me feel great about sending Evie potential clients.Active Rain has proved to me the power of it's networking capabilities. I think it is amazing how many REALTORS, and Home Buyers and Sellers have been viewing the blogs ... 02/10/2008

As I sit today at my open house on a day with 81 degree weather, blue skies in Southern California I wonder why no one is visiting my open house.Last weekend on Saturday I had over 65 people through.  Could the weather be too nice? I didn't think that was possible.   I have about 40 signs out directing people from all directions.  There are a couple other open houses with a block or two so even more signs from other Realtors are out there.With the buzz of the stimulus package and the amount of REO properties active, buyers are chomping at the bit.  I get multiple sign calls daily.So where are the buyers today?  02/09/2008

Every Year in February we see a jump in Buyer activity and an overall reduction in inventory.  This year is no different.Most buyers who have been on the fence for the last year are seeing great interest rates, a choice of whose from which to choose, and prices significantly lower than anything in the past 2 years.If you are a seller, do not wait for a foreclosure to become active on your street.  It will drop the comps for the neighborhood and buyers know this.The number of distressed properties continues to increase, and this ultimately means more short sales and Bank Repos.   For some reason people forget Real Estate is cyclical and you can look at previous down trends which will show we are not at the bottom.  The longer you wait to list your home the more downward pressure you will... 02/09/2008

With everyone emphatically happy with the stimulus package I don't want to spoil the party but am I the only one who sees a parallel with the lending problem we are trying to get out of?Let me explain.  With an increased conforming loan limit will inevitably bring buyers into higher priced homes who cannot afford them.  They will get ARM loans - which are conforming - and get a mortgage they can afford for now.The bill expires at the end of this year.  So, when people need to Refi their now JUMBO loan - we will see a whole new wave of foreclosures.Is there something I am missing?  02/09/2008

Many of  my clients have asked me for a list of utility companies when they buy a new home and are moving.     I decided to put a list together and post it as  a resource for everyone.                                                                  Utility Companies Serving The City of Fullerton                                                                                                                                                               Adelphia Cable                        714-680-4070       So. Cal. Edison                         800-950-2356      The Gas Co.                               800-427-2200Waste Disposal                       714-871-1434Water Company                      714-738-6800 Police Department                 714-738-6800Fire Department              ... 02/08/2008

May I begin with Wishing Everyone a New Year filled with Happiness, Longevity and Prosperity! If you are not familiar with Chinese New Year Here are some fun facts!February 7, 2008 is Chinese New Year and begins the Lunar New Year. This year we are welcoming astologically, the Year of The Rat. You would be a Rat person if you were born in  1924 ,1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, or 1996.People born in the year of the Rat are noted for their charm and attraction to romance.  They are very ambitious and usually very successful people. They love to shop but spend wisely. They also enjoy gossiping!Rat people are most compatible with Dragon, Monkey and Ox people! Picture Taken of Tina Maraj Shah at The Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada Jan. 2008 02/07/2008

FREE SCREENING FOR THOSE IN NEED!Free mammograms are being offered in the month of March in conjunction with the  YWCA of North Orange County in Fullerton, CA. Free breast cancer screening for multicultural, uninsured women age 40 years and older through the Cancer Detection Programs, "Every Woman Counts". Clinical breast exams and mammograms are paid for by the California Department of Public Health. These are absolutely FREE for those who quality. For more info and to schedule and appointment please contact the YWCA at (714) 871-4488 to schedule an appointment.Please share this information with anyone you know needing this help!Read more on breast cancer screening and survivors programs.DatesLocationsAddressesMarch 1stSaturdayBreaFRC(Rose, x202)695 E. Madison WayBrea 92631March 4thTue... 02/04/2008

These days I receive many calls from potential home buyers asking me to find them a  "Fixer Upper" or "Bank Repo".  My response to them  usually is;  how much work are you willing to do? Secondly; What do you consider a fixer upper? The answers range anywhere from ... oh we can do carpet and paint to I can strip it down to the studs and start over! What most buyers really mean is that they  just want "to get a good deal on what ever home they purchase!"  The truth is that a buyer today does  not have to  buy a fixer or a Foreclosure to get a good deal. The MLSis full of home listings with  motivated sellers that are not in distress,  that have maintained their homes wonderfully and just want to get their home SOLD!  This is the real deal in the market today! If you are seriously in the ... 02/02/2008

I feel it is very important to stay in shape to be a top producing realtor.  With our long hours, stressful situations and the current market conditions we tend to gravitate towards bad habits of eating in our car, drinking too much and not wanting to exercise at all when just the opposite is needed.  Some people say to me, "I don't have time for exercise- whaahhhh"  I tell them that I don't have time NOT to exercise.  A couple of years ago a old lady ran a red light and hit me and my husband going 40 mph without braking.  I don't want to go into deep details but it was a BAD accident.  I feel because of the weight training and core and balance training that me and my husband do is why we walked away from the accident without any broken anything. We were very sore for days just from the... 01/31/2008

In this changing market that experienced REALTORS like to call a BUYER'S MARKET, there are many pitfalls to watch out for. When choosing an Real Estate Agent to represent you in a transaction, it is in your best interest to choose a licensed, professional REALTOR. The difference between a REALTOR and just someone that has a real estate licenced is vast! A REALTOR is a member of and  subscribes to a code of ethics that are acknowledged by the California Association or Realtors and the National Association of REALTORS.This means that you will get the most fair and honest dealing with your agent or else they have governing bodies that will reprimand them and or take their membership away. Additionally if your agent  belongs to their Local Association of REALTORS, CAR and NAR you know they ... 01/31/2008