From White House Press Release March 23, 2009tg-65 Treasury Department Releases Details on Public Private Partnership Investment Program View White Paper and FAQs at http://financialstability.gov The Financial Stability Plan – Progress So Far: Over the past six weeks, the Treasury Department has implemented a series of initiatives as part of its Financial Stability Plan that – alongside the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – lay the foundations for economic recovery: Efforts to Improve Affordability for Responsible Homeowners: Treasury has implemented programs to allow families to save on their mortgage payments by refinancing, assist responsible homeowners in avoiding foreclosure through a loan modification plan, and, alongside the Federal Reserve, help bring mortgage interest ra... 03/23/2009

 Purchasing a home is a complicated process and it's always best to work with a Professional Realtor who knows the market and the ins and outs of the procedure. Many people think Real estate agents are simply door openers by gaining access to properties that are on the market. Nothing could be further from the truth and why anyone would put what may be their largest single investment into the hands of someone who "tries" to sell real estate as a part time way to make extra money is beyond me.  Today I received a call from my grown son who lives in another state with his wife. That's always a good thing when the kids call the old guy just to say hey and let me know how things are going with them. Next month we will get to see one another at my daughters wedding and we got some of the det... 03/20/2009

I encourage you all to visit financialstability.gov   This is a government site that is very helpful in explaining some of the newer government backed spending programs designed to prop up the economy.   The site includes info on :   Unlocking Credit for Small Businesses   Making Home Affordable Program   Consumer and Business Lending Initiative (TALF)   Capital Assistance Program (CAP)   Financial Stability Plan   There is also info on current press releases and such.   Visit my site for the latest in Murrieta Real Estate 03/16/2009

Want the latest info on loan modification? Here are some of the details regarding the Obama Administration's new Home Affordable Modification Program released on March 04, 2009.Vist my website for the latest in Murrieta, Menifee, and Temecula real estateFrom www.treas.gov:The Home Affordable Refinance program will be available to 4 to 5 million homeowners who have a solid payment history on an existing mortgage owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Normally, these borrowers would be unable to refinance because their homes have lost value, pushing their current loan-to-value ratios above 80%. Under the Home Affordable Refinance program, many of them will now be eligible to refinance their loan to take advantage of today’s lower mortgage rates or to refinance an adjustable-rate mortgage in... 03/11/2009

Murrieta Community Services Manager Debbie Tharp would like to invite everybody to a Recreation EXPO next Saturday - March 21, 2009. The EXPO will be held from 10am to 2pm in Town Square Park at Kalmia & Jefferson and provides a chance to see the classes offered by the City, meet the staff and teachers, watch performances from ongoing classes and even offers 10% off registration fees during the event. The City of Murrieta just published their Spring/Summer Recreation Guide which runs to 30 pages of classes and activities ranging from Arts & Music to Swimming. There are dance classes, senior activities, camps galore, exercise & gymnastics, health programs, toddler, teen & adult courses and a plethora of activities available at minimal charge. If you didn't receive your Recreation Guide ... 03/11/2009

Some positive news today! The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 379.44 points, or 5.8%, to 6926.49, closing at its high for the day and recording its biggest point and percentage gains since late November. The market seems to have been responding to reports from Citigroup, which jumped 38% after stating it was profitable in the first two months of the year. This is some of the first positive news to come from the banking industry in some time, and I'm glad to hear it. 03/10/2009

The calendar may say winter, but signs of spring are popping up all over Southern California. These are peach and nectarine blossoms in bloom in my back yard. As I drive around the Temecula Valley, the roadsides are awash with gold and yellow wildflowers. The strawberry stands are open for business. Spring is here, baby! I've been preparing to plant my annual vegetable garden. Over the past few weeks I've been adding soil, turning the earth and getting things in order. Yesterday I stopped by Armstrong Garden Center and picked up tomatoes, squash, hot peppers, green onions and melon as well as poppies and cosmos. This morning farmer Tom was at work planting. Over the next few weeks I'll add some corn, beans and maybe a few other things, but the garden is in. In a few months it will be t... 03/07/2009

 Times are hard for many people with the economy on a downward turn and the cost of living rising. In times like this I sometimes wonder if it doesn't cause some normally law abiding folks to rationalize a little foray into the darker side of life and become thieves as after all that's a foreclosed property owned by a big ugly bank.  One of my listings located in Murrieta California is a beautiful home and it is in terrific condition. The lender foreclosed on this property and the former owner moved out of state leaving the washer and dryer which were in near new condition. After the 18 day period for the previous owner to reclaim them they became the property of the lender. Boy did they look good in the upstairs laundry room and I used that in my marketing of the home.  We have receive... 02/24/2009

What can we get for $250,000?  That seems to be a question I get a lot lately. There was a time about 12 - 15 years ago when you could buy a lot of house in Murrieta or Temecula for $250,000. Average price / SqFt was hovering around $100 so you could get a real nice 2,000 SqFt place or a pretty nice 2,500 - 2,700 SqFt place. Of course that was in the days before everybody had to have granite counters or stainless steel appliances, but you usually got a pretty good size yard to go along with that.  Then prices started jogging upwards so pretty soon $250,000 would only buy you 1,800 to 2,000 SqFt. Then around 2003 it got so you could maybe get 1,500 SqFt and by the time the time prices peaked in 2005/6 (depending on area), you'd be hard pressed to find a decent starter home of 800 SqFt bu... 02/23/2009

While I was struggling tonight and not able to sleep for some reason, I started thinking about my conversation with one of our new agents today in regards to how it all started for me in Real Estate...I could see it in her eyes how she was really excited while listening to what I have to say about my own experiences and how I could also still remember myself being in her position before.  Those days were great moments and I do remember the time when I couldn't stop thinking and imagining on getting my first listing  and my first yard sign.  At the same time, I had all the ideas and expectations on how this business can work for me and for the people that I will be providing services to...but somehow along the way, while going thru the process and started helping people as I see how it s... 02/20/2009

Murrieta Homes UNDER $150,000 California Oaks    Copper Canyon    Greer Ranch    Rancho Bella Vista Today you can OWN your own home cheaper than you can RENT. Bank Owned Bonanza  and historically low interest rates is making this the ideal time for first time Buyers and Investors to own property in the city Forbes.com named as the #1 post-foreclosure Boomtown. Helpful programs that SouthwestCaliforniaHomes found for 1st time homebuyers in Murrieta. (All programs may not apply to all properties) Federal $8,000 1st Time Buyer Tax Credit City of Murrieta Affordable Housing Grant 3.5% down FHA Loan Program Closing Costs Paid Increased VA Loan Limits Free Home Inspection Broker Rebates Free Home Warranty Free Appraisal Check out some of these beauties. These homes have been selected from th... 02/17/2009

Murrieta Condos UNDER $100,000 Madison Park    The Reserves    Verona    Arboretum Today you can OWN your own home cheaper than you can RENT. Bank Owned Bonanza  and historically low interest rates make this an ideal time for first time Buyers and Investors to own property in the city Forbes.com named as the #1 post-foreclosure Boomtown. Helpful programs that SouthwestCaliforniaHomes found for 1st time homebuyers in Murrieta. (All programs may not apply to all properties) Federal $8,000 1st Time Buyer Tax Credit City of Murrieta Affordable Housing Grant 3.5% down FHA Loan Program Closing Costs Paid Increased VA Loan Limits Free Home Inspection Broker Rebates Free Home Warranty Free Appraisal Check out some of these beauties. These condos have been selected from the Multi-Region MLS. Th... 02/17/2009

Agents having a tough time showing homes during this rainy weather while buyers are unstoppable of wanting to see homes and eager to make an offer.   I am all covered up with my winter coat trying to not get sick but it is very difficult to say No to buyers that are so motivated to see homes.  They feel that the asking price is so good to just sit at home and not take advantage of this great opportunity. I have a client that they are now specifically targeting Riverside for a lot of good deals.  They deal with large investment on residential market.  They work with statistics and historical trends.  I do believe that they are in the right direction for they have done a lot of research.  This is really good for the community and for business people. For you out there, I am available for ... 02/16/2009

TO ALL MY FRIENDS...MY FAMILY AND I WILL BE GOING TO PALM SPRING TO STAY IN A REALLY NICE LUXURIOUS HOTEL AND WATCH MY DAUGHTER COMPETE ON HER TENNIS TOURNAMENT.  I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY GREETINGS TO ALL OF YOU...AND HOPE THAT YOU DO SPEND YOUR TIME WITH YOUR LOVED ONES...IN A VERY MEMORABLE WAY... HAVE A GREAT VALENTINE'S DAY!   02/13/2009

I know that we have all these great wineries in Temecula but if you don't want to drive and just want to relax, DUDLEY'S WINE & GIFTS is a great place for it.  Located at 40675 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd. #B5 next to Richie's Diner.  The owners, Eric and his wife Christina are great people to know.  They know so much about the history of wine in all different countries. So if you are up for learning about wine.  This is the place to learn.  Their store is so adorable that you'll find a lot of great wines and accessories for gifts.  Every Friday they have happy hour and I had the experience of meeting people that regularly go there and met some professional chefs who bring food for people to taste. Don't miss this great place.  Check it out and hopefully you get to see me there too. 02/13/2009

Hello Everyone, Don't forget to mark your calendars on this special community event.  The Fire Department and Local Police department will be joining us.  Air One Radio station will be giving this event a special advertising.  A lot of youngsters will be performing and surely there will be a lot of singing and dancing from participating companies in the community.  Let's support and help these businesses in town by your presence.  A lot of prizes and give aways will be handed to the public.  FREE ADMISSION...Open to everyone to enjoy the entertainment and kid's fun activities. Be there and learn more about your community...     02/12/2009

 Have you ever had one of those days when your just a step out of pace and things just don't quite work as well as you would like? The job gets completed but it could have gone a little smoother? My client is a commercial airline pilot who I will call Jim and his wife Sue flew in from the east coast on Friday to look for a second home. Jim was here on Monday and the temperature was 80 degrees. Perfect.  The car pictured here belongs to my lovely wife and she loves this car. Very seldom do I drive it as she thinks every time I use it something happens to "her" car. I will admit I bumped a curb and took a little paint off of one of those 22 inch wheels but it wasn't my fault when that semi truck blew a tire and I couldn't avoid running over the tread tearing off the front spoiler and turn... 02/09/2009

  Free List of Bank Owned Homes in Murrieta! Click Here - "Bank Owned Homes in Murrieta", Nothing to Register - Our user friendly site includes Bank Owend Homes for Sale by City in Riverside County.  We can also send you a "Customized List" of Bank Owned Homes. Jane Grant and Gerald Rauch of Southwest Real Estate, Inc. specialize in being "buyer's agents", for  Bank Owned homes throughout Riverside County.  We are also Listing specialists for "Custom Homes", in the Temecula Wine Country.  ...We work very hard to get our clients offers accepted.  Please contact us with any questions you may have about submitting an offer on a home in the Temecula Valley....Jane Grant, Southwest Real Estate, Inc. 02/03/2009

I look back and start thinking on how it all started with an idea and now seeing how everything is just happening... I sometimes still couldn't believe my eyes.  Witnessing some businesses closing down because of the economy and feeling bad about how it affected a lot of people in the community made me think of how we can help them as Realtors.  It was just an idea of maybe finding a way of helping people to reconnect and create a way to increase their business.  It started with one business expo outside our building and helped 26 businesses, followed with 104 businesses held on a great high school community and now a formalized non-profit organization group "Inland Valley Business and Community Foundation" www.IVBCF.com working on the next business expo this spring. Life is about carin... 02/01/2009

This is the first blog 01/12/2009