Jul 2

Proposition 60/90/110 (Property tax transfer of Base Year Value)

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What are propositions 60, 90, and 110?

Propositions 60, 90, and 110 are constitutional amendments approved by the voters of California.  They provide for the transfer of a property’s base year value (the purchase price of when the home was purchased) from an existing residence to a replacement residence, under certain conditions, for qualified persons over the age of 55 or persons of any age who are severely and permanently disabled.

 

What are the conditions that need to be met in order to qualify for Proposition 60 and 90 exclusions?

The existing property and the replacement property must be located in the same county, unless the county in which the replacement residence is located has an ordinance that allows inter-county base year value transfers.

As of the date of the transfer of the original property, the transferor (seller) or a spouse residing with the transferor must be at least 55 years of age or be severely or permanently disabled.

At the time of the sale, the original property must have been eligible for the Homeowner’s Exemption or entitled to the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption.

Generally, the replacement dwelling must be of equal or lesser value than the original property.

The replacement dwelling must have been acquired or newly constructed within two years of (before or after) the sale of the original property.

The owner must file an application within three years following the purchase date or new construction completion date of the replacement property.

The original property must be subject to reappraisal at its current fair market value; therefore, transfers of the original property that are excluded from reappraisal (example:  most transfers between parents and children) will not qualify.

 

How do I apply?
You must file a claim with the county tax assessor, who will determine if the transaction qualifies.  Claim forms should be obtained from the assessors’ office in the county where the replacement property is located.

 

How do I determine if the replacement property is of equal or lesser value than the original?

Its depends on the timing of the purchase or completion of construction of the replacement property.  In general “equal or lesser value” means the fair market value of the replacement property does not exceed one of the following:

-100 percent of the market value of the original property as of its date of sale, if the replacement property is purchased or newly constructed before an original property is sold.

-105 percent of the market value of the original property as of its date of sale, if the replacement dwelling is purchased or newly constructed within one year after the sale of the original property.

-110 of the market value of the original property as of its date of sale, if the replacement dwelling is purchased or newly constructed within the second year after the sale of the original property.

 

Can I still receive partial benefit if the value of my replacement property exceeds the ‘equal or lesser value’?

No.

 

Can a taxpayer apply for and receive this benefit more than once during the course of his/her lifetime?

No.  However, Proposition 110 creates an exception from the one-time-only limitation for any claimant who becomes severely and permanently disabled after having previously received a base year value transfer as a claimant over the age of 55.

 

Which counties have adopted an ordinance to allow inter-county transfers?

As of October 2008, Alameda County, Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, and Ventura County had these ordinances. (Please contact your local assessors’ office of the most current information.)

 

What is the deadline for filing a claim?

Generally, you must file your claim within 3 years of the acquisition or completion of construction of the replacement property.

 

Where can I find more information?

You can find more information at your local tax assessors’ office website.

Jun 27

Pleasanton, CA - Alameda County Fair

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The Alameda County Fair is coming to the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton,CA .   July 1 - 19, 2009! 

Here is a sampling of some of the events being held this year at the Fair:

Pig Races
The only place to see the ever popular pig races, they are a fair favorite and the most taken picture at the Fair!

Fireworks
This is one spectacular show with a long grand finale that can’t be missed. July 3rd at 9:15pm.

Fun Rides
Grand Carousel, Himalaya, Cyclone, Wacky Worm, Fun Mardi Gras, Orient Express are ridden over and over again by the thrill seekers

Live Horse Racing
Nothing beats the crowd cheering when a favorite wins at break neck speed on the Oldest One-Mile Race Track in America.

Fourth of July
It’s a day long BBQ with “picnic-ers” staking out their location in the early morning light. This is the best way to celebrate Independence Day!

Make It, Take It, Bake It and Grow It Check out the Best In Show blue ribbon winners from the many competitive exhibit entries. This is competition at its best!

The Weinerschnitzel National
Hot Dog Eating Chili Relay

Guarenteed to garner lots of laughs and some full stomachs.

Live Roller Derby
Rough, tough, full contact competition, mixing trash-talkin’ attitude, showmanship and wipeouts

Kids Park
Fido 500 Dog Races, Jest in Time Circus, Pets Overboard Show, Pony Rides and Kiddy Rides.

Military Appreciation Weekend: July 3-5 Free fair admission for you and a guest with your valid military I.D. Veterans free with proof of service

The BBQ Pork Rib and Chicken cook-off. Come and compete with your best ribs!

$2 Tuesdays: July 7 & July 14
Admission is only $2!

Seniors Free Wednesdays: July 1, 8 & 15
62 and up receive free admission!

Kids Free Fridays: July 3, 10 & 17
Kids 12 and under receive free admission!

Fair Hours
Closed Mondays
Tues. - Thurs. 11am - 10pm
Fri. - Sun. 10am - 10pm
July 4th - 10am - 9pm

 

Carnival Hours
12pm - ’til closing

For more information and details about any of the above events, go to www.AlamedaCountyFair.com.

See you at the Fair!

 

Jun 26

Department of Real Estate (DRE) Issues Fraud Warning!

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The DRE recently issued a fraud warning alerting consumers about loan modification scams and informing consumers of what they can do to protect themselves. The alert is available in both English and Spanish.  Last July, the DRE had fewer than 10 complaints involving loan modification companies; today the department has 750 pending investigations. In addition, since last October, the DRE has filed more than 200 Desist and Refrain Orders. A list of the companies and persons the DRE has filed an action against can be viewed at http://www.dre.ca.gov/cons_drs.asp.

It is worth noting that not all firms who collect advance fees for loan modification services do so illegally, the DRE said.  In general, only licensed real estate brokers and attorneys operating within the scope of their license may collect advance fees. Real estate brokers must have their advance fee agreement reviewed by the DRE prior to its use to ensure it is compliant with real estate law.

C.A.R. also has learned of what appears to be a loan modification assistance program and lead generator, from a company using the legislative bill number 3648, that looks as if it’s a government entity, complete with a misleading seal closely resembling a governmental seal but that is not affiliated with the government. C.A.R. cautions all members to be on the alert for schemes seeking funds from REALTORS® or consumers with no value, or that may be misleading or unlawful.

 

From: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Newsline, 6/24/09.

Jun 24

Security Deposits for Rental/Leased properties

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The most common disagreement between tenants and landlords is over the refund of the security deposit after a tenant has vacated a rental/leased unit.  California law specifies procedures that the landlord must follow for refunding, using, and accounting for the tenants’ security deposit. 

Under California law the landlord is allowed to use a tenants’ security deposit for the following  four (4) purposes:

  1. For unpaid rent
  2. For cleaning the rental unit when the tenant moves out, BUT ONLY to bring the unit up to the level of cleanliness the unit was when the tenant first moved in
  3. For repair of damages, other than normal wear and tear, that is caused by the tenant or the tenant’s guests
  4. For the cost of restoring or replacing furniture, furnishings, or other personal property items (including keys), that were included with the original rental/lease agreement, other than normal wear and tear.

A landlord can withhold only the amounts that are reasonably necessary for these purposes.  The security deposit cannot be used for making repairs on things that existed before the tenant moved in, or for conditions caused by normal wear and tear.  

A rental agreement or lease can NEVER state that a security deposit in non-refundable.

Under California Law, 21 calendar days or less from day you move out, the landlord must do the following:

  1. Send you a full refund of your security deposit.
  2. Mail or personally deliver an itemized statement that lists the amounts of any deductions from your deposit, the reason for the deductions, along with a refund of any amounts not deducted.   The landlord must also send you copies of receipts for any charges the landlord personally incurred to repair or clean the rental/leased unit.

The landlord must send the itemized statement, copies of invoices or receipts, and any estimates to you at the forwarding address that you provide.  If you do not provide a forwarding address, the landlord is obligated to send the documents to the address of the rental unit you moved out of.    The landlord is also not required to send copies of any documentation if the repairs/cleaning costs are less than $126.

If you have a dipute about your refund, you must contact the landlord IMMEDIATELY by phone or e-mail, but you should always follow this up with a formal letter.  There are many agencies you can contact for assistance.  For more information contact the California Department of Consumer Affairs, www.dca.ca.gov.

Jan 11

FREE Annual Credit Report!

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With the new year rapidly approaching, now is a good time to remind you that each year you are eligible to receive a FREE copy of your consumer credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus.  TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax will provide these to you at NO CHARGE. 

Go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com to obtain your FREE reports.  There is no credit card information required on this site to obtain your reports.  There are other sites out there that say they are free, but they will ask for credit card information before giving you access to your information.  All sites will offer access to Credit Scores, and there is usually always a fee for that report.

You will have the opportunity to download all three credit bureau reports at once, or you can download one (of your choice), and revisit the site at a later time to download another.  Some credit professionals suggest downloading one every 4 months to keep an eye on changes throughout the year.  Whichever method you choose, this is a valuable tool!

In some cases, if the system is unable to identify you online, you may be required to order your report via phone or mail.  If this happens to you, simply follow the online instructions for obtaining the phone number, or the appropriate form to download and mail.  You will receive your credit report in the mail, usually within 2 weeks.

You can also download forms to correct errors, dispute incorrect information, and/or remove outdated information. 

Hope you found this information useful!

Jan 11

Streamlined Loan Modification Programs

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Loan Modification Program kicks in: On Monday (12/15), the Streamlined Loan Modification Program (SLMP) policies regarding loan modifications and foreclosure prevention became effective. The new policies apply to mortgages held by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and privately-held securities.

According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency eligible borrowers must meet the following criteria:

  • They must be owner-occupants;
  • They have missed three or more payments;
  • Have not filed bankruptcy;
  • Have experienced a hardship or change in financial circumstances, and
  • Have not purposely defaulted to obtain a modification.

You can get more detailed information at www.hopenow.comorwww.hud.gov

Jan 11

CalHFA Suspends Program

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As of December 19th, CalHFA suspended the following active CalHFA First Mortgage Fixed Rate Loan Programs and Down Payment Assistance Programs:

  • 30-year fixed mortgage products, including Moderate Income, Low Income, Non-Profits & Affordable Housing Partnership Programs (AHPP), Extra Credit Teacher Programs (ECTP)
  • California Homebuyer’s Down Payment Assistance Program (CHDAP)
  • Extra Credit Teacher Program (ECTP)
  • School Facility Fee Down Payment Assistance Program (SFF)

These programs are being temporarily suspended as a result of the action taken by the Pooled Money Investment Board (PMIB) on December 17, 2008.  The PMIB loans money to state agencies to advance program funds which will later be repaid through bond issuances .  CalHFA uses a PMIB loan to initially fund its Conventional 30-year fixed mortgage and down payment assistance programs.  The recent PMIB action froze all such PMIB loans.  It is anticipated that this freeze will continue until the state budget crisis is resolved.

CalHFA will continue to accept reservations for loans under the Community Stabilization Home Loan Program (CSHLP) and SMART Loan Program.  However, please note that CHDAP funds will not be available for use with these programs.

(This information was taken from the California Housing Finance Agency’s Homeownership Program Bulletin dated December 19, 2008.)

For more detailed information, please visit www.calhfa.gov, or contact your favorite mortgage professional.  If you don’t have a favorite mortgage professional, contact me for a referral!

www.PattyManzi.com

Jan 11

Water pipes in freezing weather

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How to deal with frozen water pipes during freezing weather.
December 29th, 2008 4:55 PM

 

 

 

Frigid temperatures and gusty winds can cause one of winter’s worst woes – frozen water pipes. Property owners and residents can take some simple precautions to prevent the inconvenience and expense of frozen water pipes.

 

Insulate pipes and faucets outdoors and in unheated areas.
Wrap pipes with pipe-insulating material, which is available at hardware and plumbing supply stores, or use insulation. Be sure to protect all pipes in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces and garages.

 

Do not attempt to put anti-freeze into any water pipes. Antifreeze is toxic to humans, pets, wildlife and landscaping and is harmful to the environment. Antifreeze shouldn’t be used unless specifically called for by a manufacturer.

 

Make sure you know the location of your master water shut-off valve.
The frozen pipe may already be broken and, when the water is thawed, it will leak. In this case, you will need to shut off the water in your home or business until the leaking pipe is fixed.

 

Thawing Frozen Pipes
If you locate the frozen section of pipe and try to thaw it yourself, be sure to take the following precautions to protect yourself and your property:

- Do not use a torch with an open flame.
You risk setting your property on fire. In addition, overheating one area can cause the pipe to burst. Open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide..
-Open the faucet first. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of the pipe. Water running through the pipe will help to melt the ice in the pipe.
- Place a warm towel or rag around the pipe. Pour hot water over the cloth. Repeat several times until the pipe is unfrozen.

- If water is not available you may use a hair dryer but be careful to avoid getting it wet and electric shocks

 

If you experience a significant drop in water pressure or the loss of water service, broken pipes in other parts of the local water distribution system may be responsible. Monitor news reports for information and advice from your water provider or local health department.