Paris and I are with REMAX of Valencia for one reason and one reason only - We are indeed the biggest and sell more Real Estate than Anyone.  So, here is a Valencia Home that is over 2000 square feet for less than 400K  Here is the description:  

Built in 1975 with a lot size of 4525, you can’t go wrong, check out the media displays below and give us a call to view this wonderful property.  Connor 661.400.1720 or click on the talk with me now for more information to your left.  Searching for Real Estate in the Santa Clarita Valley and want access to the Real Live MLS from the Southland Association of Realtors?  Go to www.SearchRE91.com.    If you are looking to see how this property stacks up against others on the market, or want to view what is going on in your neighborhood or one of interest in the Santa Clarita Valley, type in the name of any Santa Clarita Valley City followed by a 911.com and you will be taken to a Market Snapshot Portal that The 911 Team has created.  Example:  www.Valencia911.com

View Larger Map

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone, here is a Market Snapshot where the listings are by City within the Santa Clarita Valley Real Estate Community(reports).  Data obtained from the local Board of Realtors and Multiple Listing Service, Compiled by Yours Truly - CONNOR with HONOR.  I must say I have curtailed my style with the bolding and all of the underlining since I was gently educated by one of our local bloggers, Jeff Wilson with www.scvtalk.com.  LOL, I still love his quote and wish I would have thought of it: "It makes my eyes bleed"…  That is GREAT!!!!  OK, enough of my sentimental side, here are the current Santa Clarita Valley Real Estate Active Listing numbers at 1631pm on 03/17/2008:

Castaic has 289 active listings on the market, the average price of which is $546,988.00 with a Median price of $419,000.00.

Valencia has 442 active Listings on the market, the average price of which is $558,922.00 with a Median price of $475,000.00.

Saugus has 360 active listings on the market, the average price of which is $489,000.00 with a Median price of $489,000.00.

Canyon Country has 649 active listings on the market, the average price of which is $492,368 with a Median price of $385,000.00.

Newhall has 305 active listings on the market, the average price of which is $489,250.00 with a Median price of $399,000.00.

Last but not least:  Stevenson Ranch has 128 active listings on the market, with the average price being $635,106 and the median being $599,900.00.

I am curious about how April 1st of this year will kick this inventory off and start getting it moved out so we can return to a "normal" market.  That is when the new loan amounts are going to be in effect.  That is kind of like saying a "routine" traffic stop.  Or a "run of the mill" "garden variety" domestic violence call.  But not to worry, nothing ever stays the same.  CONNOR with HONOR

I have finally put this together for all of our customers, past, present and future.

Just choose one of the indepent Market Snapshot Engines Above or you can Also Request Community Reports for each community and their schools.

Valencia Real Estate - RE/MAX of Valencia.  Here is a beauty, when the current owner purchased this home over 2.5 years ago, it was advertised at 3000 square feet per the information placed on the Southland Regional Association of Realtors MLS Sheet, by the listing agent, stating the square footage was per the assessor.  I am not that agent.

However, per the assessor and on title as of today, 03/17/2008, it shows at 2349 square feet, it’s at least that, but what a beauty.   Very open and with a lot of light coming in from the many huge windows, three sets of French doors, 18 inch tile flooring, Corian counter tops, custom paint, exterior decks, covered patio’s, pebble tech pool with rock accents and a hot tub.  Exterior lighting with a over sized three car garage equipped with cabinets and insulated garage doors. 4 Full Bathrooms.

There is a Guest house with dual separate entry’s that also has its own full bathroom and is ready for a kitchenette.

Talk about views:  You have in excess of 180 degrees from the back yard.  This overlooks the Woodlands and Valencia Blvd.  With Saugus in the distance and the mountains beyond that.  It is overwhelming.  The view from the observation room off of the master bedroom and its huge windows are spectacular.  I will be working on the photos soon.  We have priced this home at less that a million.  To have a piece of land that is over a quarter of an acre in the summits in Valencia is truly rare.  You will be impressed. - Just put on the market St. Patrick’s Day. - CONNOR with HONOR

I bend over backwards for our clients - Then I "Bridge" the Gap between Buyers and Sellers!

So, you have been mulling over the idea of becoming a Real Estate Agent?  I think I might be able to help you.  First things first.  Have a moment of self reflection and see if the 100% commission lifestyle is for you.  You cannot be faint of heart and need to have a drive that is beyond explanation.  You also need a stable support system in place.  That support system coming from your parents, church, family, kids, self, you have to have a support systems that you can fall back on if times turn tough.  You will also need about 6 months at the minimum to 1 year of savings.  As you are gathering these essentials to start a position within the Real Estate Re-Sale Field, you will also need to set up a time to take the necessary courses to gain admission to take the state exam. 

Allied Real Estate Schools is something I have used for license Renewal.  Paris just recently finished her Brokers course and will be taking the Brokers State Exam in the next few weeks.  We have plans you know!!!  Back to you.  When we started to look around over 10 years ago for a Real Estate course, we went with a Century 21 in Castaic.  They were offering Real Estate Salesperson Courses and we sat through about 10 evenings and one Saturday, 30 days after that we had a prep course then the next weekend the State Exam.  We both passed the first time out.  If you do not, don’t fret.  The State Exam for Real Estate Agent is a bit tricky.  If you are in a Law Enforcement Field now, you get a feeling of tricky when you take those promotional examinations.  But the Real Estate Exam is even more so difficult.  You might have a question that has 4 correct answers.  You will want to pick the one that is most correct.

Whichever course you take, make sure there is also a preparation course that is the weekend before your scheduled state examination.  These hinge on word association, and are invaluable.

After you pass your state exam, you will be notified by mail.  But the INTERNET will have the results posted before you get the aforementioned notification in the mail.  You will also start getting a huge amount of mail from different companies wanting you to come and work for them.  Most of these companies figure you are worth a couple of deals.  If you don’t produce then they let you go.  It seems cruel, but that is the way it is.  You could also go and work for a Real Estate Agent or Team as a Buyers agent.  This is where you need to be much more careful when you choose to whom you are going to hitch your trailer.

Do they understand the team concept?  Are they looking to train you?  What is the split they are offering?  Will they give you incentives the more productive they become.  What kind of rules are being brought to the table.  Also, in order to do this you will need to do some self-evaluation as well.  Are you the type of person that will run for the door once you are trained?  Have you set your sights on the furore and desiring to go on your own as soon as you are able?   What ever your decision or future intension’s - you must be honest to the agent that you are going to be a buyers agent for.  It is very important that you are up front as equally important that they are as well with you.

Can you make it in Real Estate?  Even in this market can you survive?  Yes.  Absolutely.  You just have to Want It!  Victory can already be yours if it is what you want.  Keep playing it forward and keep making sure you have your eyes focused on your front sight.

Interested in being a buyers agent?  You can give me a call and we can set up an interview for you.  We must warn you, we are extremely picky when it comes to having people associated with us.  Our Clientèle demands that we are.  Also, we have strict rules and guidelines that you would have to agree to and follow.  But I do know for a fact you would not be able to do better anywhere else. 

-CONNOR with HONOR 

Click on the below link for Valencia’s Bungalow Tract - Located in the Santa Clarita Valley.  I have been able to build a virtual gateway that has the activity, both past and current in the Bungalow Tract.  Check back often due to the engine updating as the Real Estate market updates. 

Click on the link bar to view the past and current activity and Real Time listings in Valencia’s CA’s Bungalows Tract.

Below are a couple of more options for you where you can search at your own leisure.  No personal information required to search for Foreclosures, Short Sales and other distressed properties in the Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley and Ventura county.  I have full memberships at 4 different boards of Realtors and that means that you reap the benefits of having access "real-time" to all of that Real Estate for sale.

Click on this link bar for Foreclosures and Short Sale properties in the Santa Clarita Valley and all over Southern California.

I would also be happy to put together a custom search for you regarding Real Estate in Santa Clarita Valley or a location where one of our boards of Realtors covers.  Just drop me an e-mail at connor@paris911.com or call me at 661.400.1720 and I will take care of business.  Check out www.tractcodes.com for more details and to find the entry sheet.  Also if you want a custom Foreclosure search for properties that is also of no obligation - Check out www.MorethanForeclosures.com for that location.

Happy searching for properties in your own?  Well I have taken care of that as well - Check out www.SearchRE911.com for a unlocked MLS Real Estate search engine that will have you coming back for more.  Real-Time property listings.  Without reaching an overloaded Server!  -CONNOR with HONOR!

Valencia California is located within the Santa Clarita Valley, this is the location that you will find all the information you want on Valencia’s Arroyo West Tract.  By clicking on the link below you will find all past and current activity in that particular tract in Valencia California.  Check back often to view the properties that populate the Virtual Gateway.

Click Here to view the Virtual Gateway that has the activity for Valencia’s Arroyo West Tract.

If you want me to put together your own specific search for another tract in Valencia California or another city in the Santa Clarita Valley drop me an e-mail or call me at 661.400.1720 and I would be glad to put one together for you.  You can also visit www.tractcodes.com to see the same page.

You can also click on the of the links below for Foreclosure and Short Sale activity in the Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley and Ventura County.  I have one final Board of Realtor Orientation before I will be a complete 4 board member.  Which is very rare indeed.  I just figure that I can be a better SME (Subject Matter Expert) when having that kind of familiarity with an area that broad.

Click here to be taken to the foreclosure arena that has Foreclosures and Short Sales with other distressed properties in the Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley and Ventura County.

Connor with HONOR! 

Click above to search for Properties on your own without obligation.

Welcome to Valencia’s Arbor Park Tract.  Click on the Link below if you are a homeowner, prospective buyer or seller.  You will Find all Status’ in Santa Clarita Valley’s Valencia’s Arbor Park Tract.  Return Often to this Virtual Gateway.  If you are interested in me sending you your own personal Gateway, drop me an e-mail or give me a call and I would be glad to put one together for you.

Click here to see all past and present activity in Valencia California’s Arbor Park Tract.

If you are searching for Real Estate in the Santa Clarita Valley check out www.SCV911.com.  Also click on the below links for distressed properties in one of the 4 boards of Realtors and MLS’s we are members of. 

Antelope Valley - Santa Clarita Valley - Ventura County - and Coming Soon (CLAW) Los Angeles

CONNOR with HONOR - If you want to search on your own and without any obligation click on this link!

If you have never purchased a home before there are several things in which you must be made aware:  whether Santa Clarita Real Estate or other areas in which Paris911 Serves:

1.  It is not "normal" to pay your agent a commission in order to have them help you find a home and write the offer.
As a rule of thumb our commission, when representing buyers, is paid by the Seller.  That is the price of admission to having owned real estate and wanting to sell it.  As a seller you will bear the responsibility of paying both Agents commissions.  The one that you have chosen to represent you and market, subsequently bringing the other agent and buyer to your home and successfully closing escrow.  You also pay the Other agent that brings the buyer.  In most markets this fee is 6%, which is allotted 3% per agent or side of the transaction.  A seller will also pay their own fees as they relate to title and escrow.  Usually one (1%) percent of the sales price for each fee - These are set fees and have little wiggle room.  So rough numbers has a seller paying 8% total to sell a home without considerations and discounts.

2.  Your fee’s as a buyer or closing costs are going to be about three things:  
      A.  Your part of Title fees (Usually 1 % of the purchase price or there abouts)
      B.  Your part of Escrow fees (Usually 1 % of the purchase price (this is an estimate))
      C.  Your Lender’s fees (the origination fee for your loan - Appraisal - Document preparation - The list goes on and on depending on the Lender and their Hunger)

3.  You can pay your closing costs in a few different ways:
      A.  Cash
      B.  Check
      C.  Borrowing the money from a relative or friend
      D.  Having the closing costs incorporated into the loan.
      E.  Have the Seller Pay the closing costs.

Let me bring your attention to #3-D, "having the closing costs incorporated into the loan".  This is by far the most popular option for most new home buyers.  IN A HOT MARKET.  OTHER WISE KNOWN AS A SELLERS MARKET. Understanding that for every $10,000.00 financed your payment will change in the area of $50.00 to $75.00 a month - You have a decision to make regarding the hard money you have saved in the bank - Which, for that matter, is not very easy to save and having the closing costs incorporated into the loan.

Another option regarding closing costs is, #3 -E, "having the seller pay the closing costs".  This option is what is the most prevalent at this time in this market and date of this post.  This is a Buyers Market without a doubt.  So in this market you make an offer of let us say $300,000.00 and then ask the seller to pay your closing costs which rough numbers would be 3%, or $9,000.00.  You would still Borrow $300,000.00 to purchase the home, the seller would then clear $291,000.00 (300,000(purchase price) - 9,000(your closing costs) = 291,000(Seller’s Net). 

We have to explain and stress the fact that as a buyer your don’t pay our commission, the reason that this chaps my hide and is so stressed upon by Paris and I is because we have had a huge amount of clients in our office that did get conned into paying their agent an additional fee when just buying a home.  Usually their first home and thereby that agent made more than their "own fair share".  

There are a lot of people that are viewing those that are under the guise of Short Sales as having done something wrong.  Don’t forget what the intension of a True Short Sale is.  There is some circumstance in life that has prevented you from being able to pay the mortgage on your home.  In the past ,the general reasons that were accepted had to do with the three D’s and an L, Death , Divorce, Disease and Job Loss. 

Today the requirements are a bit different and it seems that the financial institutions are a bit more forgiving.  However, having said that, it is still a painful process to have to walk away from your home.  In many circumstances, these folks are left having to rent and cannot buy another home for a few years until they are able to establish a good credit record again, typically 2.5-5 years. 

We have had a lot of people in our offices lately that have been given bad advice from their mortgagor.  They explained to one recent couple that as long as they had a positive cash flow every month, they would not qualify.  So they provided financial documents that showed that their cash flow was break even.  Then the institution told them that they would not even speak with them about a short sale while they were current on payments.  So they decided to take the advice of the mortgage holder and let the mortgage slip 30 days.  Upon doing that and calling once again to negotiate a short sale, they were told that it could not be done due to them not have 3% equity in the home.  Well as you can see their days of owing a home are numbered.  There is not anyone that I know of that would finance someone that has a recent 30 day late on their mortgage when it comes to purchasing another property.  It is a sad state of affairs and that is why I explain to everyone that has a verifiable hardship, to speak with us first.

When you deal with the bank before you sign up with a qualified Realtor, then you are at their mercy.  We have dealt with the mitigation departments at all of the large financial institutions and have built relationships with them.  It is one thing to speak to the bank before you have a contract with a Realtor.  But it is entirely another issue when your Realtor is the one that contacts the mitigation department of your mortgage holder to negotiate on your behalf.  They cannot collect a debt from your Realtor (us). 

This is a huge emotional hardship that is created on families.  There are a lot of questions that people have when it comes to Short Sales and We want to give them the honest answers.  So give us a call to explain what these are about and if they are a good option for you.