http://www.homescentralcoast.com/real-estate-blog From our experience... Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:18:32 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en With the great deals on homes on the Central Coast comes a certain frustration level in trying to purchase one. Buyers are finding a lot of unwanted competition when making an offer on a home. It is not unlikely to have 10-20 offers submitted on the same property. This ... http://www.homescentralcoast.com/real-estate-blog/reo-buying-strategy.html Everyone knows that values have decreased for real estate in the state of California. But not everyone knows that you can challenge and possibly reduce your property tax bill. San Luis Obispo county's website offers clear instructions regarding how to go about the process of completing a “decline-in-value form" through the ... http://www.homescentralcoast.com/real-estate-blog/lower-property-taxes.html Ever hear of a service dog for a Diabetic? Until today, I hadn’t. Man’s best friend can actually be trained to help one with their diabetes problem, unbeknownst to me. Certified and monitored through The American Disabilities act of 1990, dogs are trained a specialized gift to help their masters, monitoring ... http://www.homescentralcoast.com/real-estate-blog/vacation_homes_service_dog.html Avila Beach real estate values have jumped substantially since the town was rebuilt. Beginning prices in Avila currently start at $650,000 for a studio, all of 615 square feet. If you’re in a different income bracket, you can spend $2,995,000 for a gorgeous custom home atop the town with incredible views. There ... http://www.homescentralcoast.com/real-estate-blog/avila-beach-real-estate-update.html Avila Beach is not the same town it was years ago, its better. I realize to some this is not true, they loved the old Avila with its old shops, history and character. But as I rode my bike through today, I was really struck with a deep appreciation for ... http://www.homescentralcoast.com/real-estate-blog/enjoying-avila-beac.html I read an article this morning in the San Luis Obispo Tribune stating that new home sales are on the rise nationally.  Unfortunately, it's hard to believe that's the case on the Central Coast. Yesterday I drove from Orcutt & Santa Maria to Paso Robles to get an idea of ... http://www.homescentralcoast.com/real-estate-blog/new-home-projects.html In February, Govenor Schwarzenegger signed the California Foreclosure Prevention Act, which requires banks to try to work with the homeowner by modiying the terms of the loan before starting foreclosure procedures.  There are a number of exceptions to this rule.   Here's an article that was released today: California’s 90-day foreclosure ... http://www.homescentralcoast.com/real-estate-blog/foreclosure-moratorium-starts-today.html As you may know, Obama's stimulus package includes help for home owners who may be facing foreclosure or who are having difficulty making their mortgage payment. If you are wondering if you qualify to refinance or a loan modification program, check out this link that walks you through some basic ... http://www.homescentralcoast.com/real-estate-blog/help-to-central-coast-home-owners-who-are-facing-foreclosure.html The state of California has allocated $100,000,000 in tax credits to those buying a brand new (never been occupied) home between March 1, 2009 and March 1, 2010.  You do not have to be a first-time buyer to qualify.  There are some beautiful new home construction projects in Orcutt, Santa ... http://www.homescentralcoast.com/real-estate-blog/tax-breaks-for-buyers-of-new-homes-in-orcutt-santa-maria-and-the-central-coast.html I purchased my first Santa Maria investment property in June.  A large tri-level 3 bedroom townhouse with lots of mid-century modern character that needed a new kitchen. After looking at several kitchen cabinet suppliers I choose IKEA because of the modern look and low price. In exchange for the low price ... http://www.homescentralcoast.com/real-estate-blog/investment-property-remodel.html