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Free Jazz Concert You Won’t Want to Miss!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 11th at 3:30 PM in Valley Center’s Maxine Theater. That’s when the award winning music programs in Valley Center will be showcasing their skills in a free jazz concert. It’s no coincidence that November 11th is Veteran’s Day because this group loves to honor our veterans in style. You’ll hear toe tapping patriotic music from the Middle School Thunderhawk Jazz Band. The high school marching band will be there along with the ever popular Jazz Jags. Rounding out the program with their own blend of jazz stylings will be the jazz choirs. Doors open at 2:30 PM with a complete tri tip dinner available for purchase for just $7 for adults and $5 for kids. Food will be served before and after the concert. Any questions? Call Diane Conaway at (760) 749-2888. See you there!

Don’t Be A Victim Of Real Estate Scams

The real estate crisis has affected many homeowners in the last few years but it has also opened the doors for scammers to take advantage of those who are most vulnerable. The FBI  has reported that mortgage and real estate scams are on the rise. In face, their reports estimate that between  $4 billion to $6 billion in annual losses result from mortgage fraud. These scams not only affect the victim but can also result in a spike in foreclosures,  lenders raising their rates and fees to recover losses and can lower home values.

Unfortunately these scammers are always finding new ways to defraud and these crimes are often complex, involving several parties and occurring over multiple transactions. Anyone can fall victim to a scam so pay attention to detail and stay vigilant. Educate yourself about mortgage fraud and be on guard for any warning signs in a transaction. 

Below are some of the most common scams that have been reported.  Be aware and stay on top to of anything that appears suspicious. Remember the saying “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!”

Scam #1:In this scam, so called “Rescuers” prey on homeowners on the edge of foreclosure by promising that they can save it. They persuade homeowners to pay for different fees and fill out fake forms and other tricks. In the end the homeowner still looses their home to foreclosure anyway. These scammers prey on desperate homeowners who will do anything to save their home. 

Beware of foreclosure rescue programs where you are asked to sign over the title of your home to a third party, are asked to not contact their lender, or send mortgage payments to a third party. These are all big red flags to be aware of. 

Scam #2: This scam is when a borrower provides fraudulent financial information like income and assets so they can qualify for a loan with lower rates and more favorable terms. Lenders show suspicion when red flags such as PO boxes are listed as the employers address or if the applicant has no credit history. These type of scams eventually cost everyone as the costs and losses involved from the borrowers are passed to consumers.

Scam #3:This scam is called Appraisal Fraud, this happens when an appraisal is faulty, when it states that a property is worth more than what it really is. Typically when an appraisal is listed as higher than it actually is generates false equity because a fraudulent appraisal document has been obtained indicating the higher value. Beware of appraisals that are dated prior to the sales contract as well as other red flags such as if the owner is not listed on the contract or title.

Mortgage and real estate scams are on the rise and new schemes are being exposed every day. Stay vigilant and always ask questions. There are many excellent websites available that have alerts for consumers and useful information to help consumers stay aware.

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Panoramic Views from This Tuscan Style Estate

Home Insurance Discounts For Qualifying Roofs

Home insurance rates have increased significantly for many homeowners in the last few years so it is important to make sure that you are not paying more than you should be for your current insurance premium. Many homeowners are unaware that they may be eligible for a reduction of their home insurance premium if the roof of their home is made up from particular roofing materials. 

Each insurance company is different so always check with your insurance agent on what discounts are available, many times they won’t advertise these discounts so do your research to make sure you are getting all the discounts you are qualified for. 

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Car Lover’s Dream at 28855 Sunset Road, Valley Center, CA

31002 Oak Glen Lane, Valley Center, CA

Step foot into this beautiful custom home that is in turnkey condition. Fall in love with the designer décor found throughout the home. Enjoy cherry hardwood and stone flooring great for easy clean up. Wood beamed ceilings and French doors add a charming touch making the home inviting and comfortable.

Prepare meals for family and friends in the kitchen boasting custom cabinets, granite counter tops, new appliances and wood burning stove.

This home offers an additional room that would be perfect as an at home office if needed.

Outdoors you will find phenomenal horse facilities including an area, round pen, paddocks, hay barn and tack room.

Don’t miss your opportunity to call this lovely property home.

Contact Diane Conaway of RE/MAX United for more information or to schedule a showing. Visit www.WelcomeToNorthCounty.com!

What Homebuyers Are Really Looking For

In our current real estate market, new home buyers are much more specific with what amenities they are looking for in a home.  They of course have the upper hand in this buyers market as the home inventory is overwhelming and the competition is stiff.

However, most are not just looking for large, fancy kitchen or wine cellars! Many are looking for efficient, sustainable materials and features. Over-sized “McMansion” style living are a thing of the past and has now has given way to thoughtfully planned living areas that combine indoor and outdoor lifestyles along with energy efficiency. Below are some of the top trends that homebuyers are looking for:

1. Green building and sustainability – from recycled materials to water wells and water collection systems, today’s home buyer is concerned with organic, sustainable features. While green building can sometimes be expensive up front, even the cost conscious know that the results may save money in the long run.
2. Energy efficiency –buyers want energy efficient appliances and the latest in insulation techniques using spray foam and gels. Going green can not only reduce current energy costs, but energy efficient homes help with resale.
3. Outdoor living areas – more people are staying home these days, and one of the hottest trends is outdoor living areas that create a seamless indoor to outdoor space and include living room style features. From comfortable sofas to televisions and sound systems and creative outdoor cooking areas, the right outdoor space becomes a natural extension of the interior.
4. Main floor master suites with luxurious baths – now more than ever, home is an oasis for hardworking homeowners, and large masters on the main floor (away from kids rooms or play areas) are key to a homeowner’s satisfaction. Along with the master, buyers are interested in soaker tubs, walk-in showers with seating and dual shower heads.
5. Home offices – more and more people find themselves telecommuting or working from home in the evenings, and space for a home office has taken priority over traditional home features like formal dining and living and even media rooms. Home buyers seek that unique space that separates work from family living areas.

Home buyers priorities have shifted to reflect changing economic times. The top trends reflect a new desire for comfort and flexible lifestyles, along with an ever growing concern for sustainability and efficiency.

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Beautiful Land on Valley Center Road, Valley Center, CA

One of the lowest priced parcels in Valley Center! Awesome views from the top. Great location for commercial signage or possibly use as mitigation land.

Boasts 330 feet of frontage with lots of visibility.

Contact Diane Conaway of RE/MAX United for more information or to schedule a showing. Visit WelcomeToNorthCounty.com or email DianeConaway@REMAX.net.

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