Phangarde Realty Blog

2008 is almost here in less than two weeks, and for many the new year means, new resolutions.  What better way to start off the new year by exploring new remodeling jobs around your home that will pay dividends down the road.  For many of us, 2007 has been a very long year with the housing market affecting our economy, and like many we want a sense of normalcy in our lives.

I strongly feel that 2008 should be the year that we take on those projects that we have held off on, and start getting our house to feel like a home.  Here are a few tips that I want to share with you:

Take a cue from high-end homes.

Luxury homes showcase the latest in floor plans, appliances and décor. Check out your local tour of homes or visit some open houses in new construction neighborhoods. Living spaces like mudrooms and home offices are all the rage; formal living rooms are not.

Stick with your style. Many experts agree that your remodeling projects should reflect the style of your home. For example, if you live in an ultra-contemporary condo, a quaint country kitchen might seem out of place and turn off potential buyers when you’re ready to sell.

Go green. Eco-friendly materials like bamboo flooring are gaining in popularity.  So are Energy Star® appliances, windows, and lighting products, which increase energy efficiency. Many hardware stores have a wide variety of energy-saving products that can save you money.

Go outside. Outdoor living spaces are the latest trend in adding a room without adding four walls. At the high end of the market, outdoor living rooms, kitchens and fireplaces are becoming standard.

Technically speaking . . . As our lives become more dependent on technology, homes will become “smarter”, allowing homeowners to remotely arm a home security system, turn appliances on and off, and control thermostats.

Kitchen updates. The kitchen is the heart of the home for many families and in addition to food preparation it’s also a place to pay bills and do homework. Today’s kitchens tend to be open and often include cabinets for TVs, computers and small appliances.

There are so many choices when it comes to kitchen cabinets, fixtures, flooring and appliances; where do you start?  My thoughts have always been make your house feel like your home, not just a place to stay, but a foundation for you and your family.  Find ways to make your home unique, but still offering the ability to be customized by others, should you decide to move up in homes.

Artisan color trends. The colors of 2007/2008 turn over a new leaf encompassing the natural, the ethereal, the homespun and the restful. These vivid elements inspire sophistication, regality, and simplicity.

As you can see, there are many ideas that you can partake in, the key is finding which one you want to start on and go for it.  Remember, your new years resolution is to be rewarding and fun, not an utlimatum.  Get your entire family involved and share in the transformation.  When the time comes for you to move to that next home, sit back and enjoy the benefits of you and your families support on that remodeling project.

We at Phangarde Realty would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday and a superb New Years.  Happy 2008 here we come. 

Recently on September 18, 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1852, the "Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007."  The purpose of this act is to reform the FHA mortgage insurance program, and provide strong options for refinancing and avoiding subprime loans with teaser rates or negative amortization that have haunted the housing market.  However, with news this morning from Fed Chair Bernanke, that there may be another probable rate cute, there is indication that the federal government is trying extensively to curb the housing market slump.

Included in the H.R 1852 Act is an amendment to increase the FHA loan limit to $729,750.  The significance of this increase is vital to many states, especially California.  The median home price in certain areas such as Southern California, in parts of San Diego and Orange range between $600,000 to $700,000.  In Northern California, you can see median homes range to $850,000.  Clearly, with this new amendment, it will provide other alternatives to help homeowners. 

The many other changes to the FHA program can include, extending mortgage terms from 35 to 40 years.  Allowing FHA to insure 0% down mortgages on certain situations. 

It is my hope that the information provided here, is just a platform for everyone to view the latest information gathered and compiled for personal knowledge.  I strongly believe that in order for me to be effective in my profession, it is my duty to provide the latest information facing our housing market, and to educate if not provide more information, so that you can make a better informed decision on your next purchase.

On Nov. 17, 2007 at Fallbrook High School, Phangarde Realty teamed up with Liberty Notary to offer support to our Mortgage Division of Catalyst Mortgage, who sponsored a community wide yard sale to raise money for the fire victims of Fallbrook, CA.  Early morning, many community supporters donated goods, and monetary contributions to the fundraiser.  All proceeds raised were to be presented to the Legacy Endowment Foundation of the Fallbrook, Chamber of Commerce. 

The heart felt support of all the volunteers was uplifting, and showed why this was a great cause to help in.  The many associates of our organization came out to assist in organizing, accepting donations, and speak to members of the community to answer questions about what steps people should take during these difficult times.  It is with such honor that I share with everyone, that Fallbrook and the people in the community truly share the belief in communities first.  That goes without saying about all the communities in San Diego county.  Catalyst Mortgage along with ISU Insurance brokers, Cosponsored this event, in hopes to let people know that, the community is our #1 priority.  Unification is important, and that was prevalent that day, with the many volunteers, and supporters, who came to donate their time, and offered many items to sell, to raise money to assist the fire victims. 

Please come back to our site to see the next fundraising event that you can volunteer in, or donate to.

For the 2nd time within six weeks, the Federal bank cut its rates from 4.75% to 4.5%.  The rate is what banks charge each other for overnight loans and affects everything from credit cards, auto loans, mortgage loans, and helocs, just to name a few items affected.

The Fed said it cut the interest rate down to maintain and build confidence in an economy that's been slowed housing and financial services industries.

The underlying hope is that such actions, may curb the current trend in the economy, and established some stability for growth to occur.  Again, I believe in part that in order for the housing market to stabilize and correct itself, a few more rate cuts must be in order.  The rate cuts, help consumers with the ability to refinance their existing loans, into something more affordable.  In turn, this will allow consumer confidence to come back, and people will feel at ease in their financial woes.  Even though, something like this will take some time, it will in essence give people the ability to start over, however this time the financial institutions will be much more cautious as to their lending practices. 

This industry has been affected immensely and many changes have come about, which I completely support.  I feel its our professional duty to ensure we provide good service, and help people.  Too often, this industry was not governed and watched as it is now, and the affects have been prevalent.  However, as the market has changed, so has the perception of consumers and their are wiser and know what to look for in a professional. 

Although, the feds cut the rate today, it is our professional duty to ensure that consumers benefit from such actions by the government, otherwise, this would be just another headline in the news, that gets swept under the rug, as it was done before.  Look at the aftermath.    "The pace of economic expansion will likely slow in the near term, partly reflecting the intensification of the housing correction," the Feds statement on the rate cut said. "Today’s action, combined with the policy action taken in September, should help forestall some of the adverse effects on the broader economy that might otherwise arise from the disruptions in financial markets and promote moderate growth over time."

This is definitely positive news, in light of all the issues the housing market has faced, hopefully these actions are beneficial and can help some people get back on track.

Currently, America's finest city has been under wild fires for several days, and the Santa Ana winds were not helping firefighters hold back the flames.  Ironically, this time three years ago, San Diego faced a similar disaster, that struck everyone by surprise.  The destruction of the fire, cost an estimated 2.1 billion dollars.  But the surprising change of events compared to the last wild fire San Diego faced, was the overwhelming leadership from the local agencies, who strategically organized and have been continuosly since Monday, Oct. 22 to get people evacuated, into shelters, provide food water, and any other amenities to comfort people during this distraught time. 

Over 500,000 people have been evacuated at present time, and the current cost of damage is over 1 billion, but the devastion has lasting memories for those in the Cedar fire, over 3 years ago. 

The support of everyone, during this time shows why we San Diegans are America's Finest city.  The support and outpouring of volunteers those not even affected are present in all our evacuation shelters and at Qualcomm.  These are times when we as a community must come together and assist one another to get through these difficult times. 

As with anything, I caution everyone to be careful during this time, since these are also opportune times for looters and identity theft to occur.  Be aware of your surroudings as always.  These are times that we need to look out for one another.  Lend a helping hand to those in need.  Assist the elderly, who need to get around.  Please contact your local evacuation centers, and see if they need any more volunteers or any supplies that you may donate. 

We have placed some important information for many who are displaced or need information regarding the wild fires on our home page.  The pages display websites and phone numbers that may be important for you or someone you know.  Please visit our site regularly during the next few days to see if any new information is present.   

Everyone here at Phangarde Realty would like to send our thoughts and prayers to everyone.  Please be careful and safe, but also be strong for one another.