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The Year of the TIGER

In the Chinese New Year’s calendar, February 14, 2010 begins the “Year of the Tiger.”

The Tiger symbolically represents New Beginnings, Bravery, and Forthright Behavior.

In honor of the New Year and the tradition, I wish to offer you a complimentary financial check-up!

Because SO much has happened in the financial markets over the last year, NOW at the beginning of a new year, is the perfect time to review all your financial documents and estate planning files.

Changes relating to tax laws, interest rates, real estate values and property taxes, together, are likely to be seriously affecting the bottom line of – not only your monthly budget – but your overall financial goals.

Unfortunately, many of our neighbors and friends are looking at serious challenges to their overall financial security. Now is the time to take the necessary steps in order to get a clear picture of the viable options and solutions available to you that may enhance your security.

Our company has over 20 years of expertise in helping individuals and families save not just hundreds of dollars a month, but thousands of dollars each year.

Call me for your gift: a complimentary analysis of your overall real estate, mortgage and property tax goals and concerns – and – I will take on the symbolic qualities of the Tiger to assist you in bravely examining in detail your current unique needs and outlining forthright your best and most cost effective solutions.

Here’s to a New Year and New Beginnings!

Roar,

David Brown

RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE

805-686-2321 office

123TAXBREAK.COM

RELOANS.COM

One of our affiliates, 123TaxBreak.com has been very successful in reducing people's property taxes.

A Los Alamos client of 123TaxBreak wrote an interesting quote: "You know those ads that say 15 minutes can save you 15% on your car insurance? Well, I took 15 minutes to complete the simple form at www.123taxbreak.com and they saved me more than 18% on my property taxes." It truly is as simple as 1-2-3.

Actually, her savings of 18.2% on her property taxes is low compared to other clients. On average, savings negotiated by 123TaxBreak are 23.7%.

Property values have fallen 35% in Santa Barbara from their peak in 2006. (Santa Ynez -38%, Lompoc -61%, Santa Maria -53%, San Luis Obispo -32%, Ventura -44%. Source: Trulia) That does not mean that 123TaxBreak can save you that much; it all depends on when you bought your property.

123TaxBreak is a local company with knowledge of the local real estate market and connections with the local assessor's office. Call (866/686-2321), click or email for more information.

You can't lose with their 110% money back guarantee!

Strength does not lie in what you have.

It lies in what you give.

You've probably heard that you can save anywhere from 18% to 26% on your property taxes right now - EVEN - if you have already received a paltry automatic reduction from your local county property tax assessor.

Did you JUST write your 2009-2010 1st Installment check that was due December 10th? Do you know that you could have saved hundreds to thousands of dollars?

Many of our clients have hired 123 Tax Break (www.123TaxBreak.com) to help them save money. 75% of the claims 123 Tax Break has processed, have resulted in substantial tax reductions! And - if they are unable to help you . . . . they will refund your deposit! Now, that's a good deal!

Email John@123TaxBreak.com and he can get you started saving money right away. Just sayin` . . . . .

For some aspiring new homeowners, the extension of the tax credit is a meaningful gift.

First time homebuyers, Realtors, lenders (such as ourselves), and builders can potentially benefit. However, is it really advantageous to the long-term national housing crisis?

 Found these 7 important tips from the sources mentioned below.

Thinking of buying a distressed property? It's very different from a standard real-estate transaction. Here are some pointers:

• Distressed-property listings can be obtained from local real-estate agents, classified ads and Web sites such as RealtyTrac.com,Foreclosure.com,Trulia.com and Zillow.com, as well as bank Web sites.
  
• Work with experienced real-estate agents and brokers with special training in foreclosures and short sales.
  
• Get pre-approved by a lender, or certify that you have sufficient cash available, before bidding on properties. Auction buyers must be prepared to put down a cash deposit of 5% to 10% cash and pay the balance within 30 days in many states  — and in some states, on the same day.
  
• Get a thorough inspection by a qualified professional inspector or home-inspection engineer prior to auction or sale.
  
• Arrange for a thorough title search and title insurance.
  
• Be prepared for a long wait to hear back from the bank on a short sale, but be prepared to move quickly on a foreclosure; banks often set strict timetables on foreclosures.
  
• First-time buyers with minimal cash and little time or aptitude for repairs probably should avoid foreclosures, and inexperienced purchasers should avoid auctions.

Sources: RealtyTrac.com; Distressed Property Institute; Department of Housing and Urban Development;WSJ research

Did you know that on April 10th of this year, the US Government launched a housing relief program designed to help millions of Americans save money and/or keep their homes?

But so far, few homeowners have utilized this program to save themselves money and keep their home.

Some homeowners mistakenly believe that they are not eligible for this program and are therefore surprised to discover that by refinancing, their mortgage payment would be substantially reduced.

If you haven't looked into refinancing recently, you'll likely be amazed at how much money you might save each month - especially as interest rates are so low right now!

We invite you to give us a quick call or email and we will be happy to give you a quick mortgage review.

Carpe diem!

David Brown, President

RESIDENTIAL MORTAGE CORPORATION

805-686-2321

1-800-203-6606