Happy New Year!

今天visit2个刚刚搬入新房的客户。 都很happy。 买房就是在折腾中找到快乐～
祝大家都新年快乐！

Auto reply of a short sale agent

I found this quite amusing:

Thank you for your email. Please be patient and allow me to respond back to your email within 24-48 hours. If your email is received on the weekend, I will reply back on Monday.
*If you are an agent and need showing instructions, please refer to the MLS.
*If you are inquiring about an update on your offer, please remember this is a Short Sale "Subject to lender's approval." This isn't a typical transaction, the lender is reviewing your offer and are taking a huge loss. They are not typically going to accept an offer immediately when in most cases they are being asked to accept $50-200K less than what is owed.
Please advise your buyers that this process can take 4 weeks and even up to 4 months (depending on the client's and lender's motivation to proceed.)
If you have submitted an offer on a property, an update will be given at least every Friday.
Thank you again for your patience.

International buyers to play a major role in CA’s present and future

Is China the future of real estate in California? A recent report in the International Property Journal anticipates a future surge in Chinese buyers. In Southern California, the report notes, Chinese language listings have already replaced Spanish as the most searched foreign language listings, and Chinese buyers made up 7.5% of international buyers in the United States in 2007. The reason for the anticipated rise? An increase in the value of China’s currency, and a rise in the number of wealthy Chinese citizens, coupled with a drop in home values in the US, makes good deals ever more available and tempting for international buyers.

With an appreciated foreign currency comes greater purchasing power for acquiring property in the United States than that of Americans holding US dollar. Thus, for those individuals holding Euros or any other strong currency, property in the USA is cheaper than comparable property in any other country with a strong currency.

For a foreigner using a strong currency to purchase real estate in California, the current Great Recession offers a double profit advantage that an American holding US dollars does not have. The Great Recession in the USA has further decreased the value of property in states like California.

Re: “China on the move” from The International Property Journal

我的看房日记 - by invitation only

http://ca858.blogspot.com/

Please send me email if you'd like to get invitation.

Very informative and fun to read! -- Jiang Hong Reader of 我的看房日记

不能免俗

祝大家圣诞快乐！新年进步！

不能免俗的讨论一下明年的房市：

整体价格基本上会继续drop during 2010 （经济weak, 失业率升高）但是好区的40到90万之间的房子价格可能还会涨。（这个价格区间的房源少，大家也都能afford)

外地人

最近来圣地亚哥买房的，联系过我的有芝加哥的，达拉斯的，佛罗里达的，杭州的，上海的，北京的，新泽西，加拿大的。 Either for investment properties or retirement properties.

看来是一个趋势？毕竟圣地亚哥的天气无人可敌。

外地人众口一词，听说你们圣地亚哥掉的很厉害？

Regulation X

All new loan applications signed on or after January 1, 2010, must follow the guidelines and rules set forth in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s revisions to RESPA, known as Regulation X. Included in the rules are the use of a new Good Faith Estimate form and a new settlement statement (HUD-1). Both are designed to make it easier for borrowers to understand the loan and its related fees, and to compare one loan with another, since the new forms will be the same ones used for all loans.

Short sale的一点感想

明年会有更多的short sale在市场上。 银行会take some loss to approve the sale, 因为他要foreclose一个房子也要花很多的钱。 很多买家都寄希望于short sale来买一个好deal. 不过要知道很多的short sale都是开价很低来吸引buyers, 所以你要做好homework, 看看这个房子到底值多少钱，给一个reasonable的offer. 因为最后银行也会做BPO和估价，所以给一个low ball基本上是没有任何chance的。

另外一个就是很多人都知道，short sale is not short. 不要把所有的希望放在这一个房子上，Actively look at multiple properties.

Torrey Santa Fe

地理位置： 56南



Development: Montellano, Cabrerra 建筑商： Western Pacific in 2003

Montellano: 112家
3 to 5 bedrooms
3,300 to 3,864 sf

HOA： 82
Mello-Roos： $4,900 a year


Cabrera: 150家
2,419 to 2,852 sf.

HOA 75 + MELLO-ROOS $3,860 yr

A sneak peek of the new 4S community

小区的公园已经早就盖好了。 有一个棒球场，还有一个貌次是water park， 和Pioneer park的类似的。

壹层楼的ranch房型肯定是最受欢迎的。

Plan 2: 结构还不错。 厨房特别大。 一进门口就有一个size很大的den/bedroom。 美中不足是楼梯有点窄。

最大号的Plan， 有3800多。 外型很漂亮。 结构也不错。 喜欢的人应该不少。

最后来个总结：去的路上正好看到邻居在门口弄院子，就pick up上来一起去的。 结果她老人家一直在说，等等就好了，还不如买这个 -- 连我录像的时候还一直在叨唠～

学校考试成绩查询

Star test result

加州高中Exit Examination考试结果

Academic Performance Index (API)

Carmel Valley Elementary Schools

Carmel Valley's elementary schools belong to 2 school districts: Del Mar Union & Solana Beach.

Del Mar Union

The following schools belong to Del Mar Union school district：

Ashley Fall

Carmel Del Mar

Del Mar Heights

Del Mar Hills

Ocean Air

Sage Canyon

Sycamore Ridge

Torrey Hills

Solana Beach School District: It has 4 schools.

Carmel Creek (俺家读了两年）

Solana Highlands

Solana Pacific

Solana Santa Fe 这个其实是在rancho santa fe里面。

Gov't increases pressure on mortgage industry

Treasury 怒了 -- mortgage industry could be sanctioned for poor results in mortgage plan.

@@Mortgage finance company Freddie Mac has hired an outside company Titanium Solutions Inc. to send real estate agents around the country to knock on borrowers' doors and help them complete the paperwork.@@

Homeowners who may be eligible for assistance can call 888-995-HOPE, or visit the Web site http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov

11月30号: http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/pr_11302009.html

In the mean time, rate dipped to record low!! I emailed many of my clients and neighbors and friends that the good rate -- 4.875 for high balance and no cost. This rate is really good. But I got a feel that the rate will dip again. So we will see.

Del Norte High School (DNHS) 介绍Del Norte高中

Del Norte高中有将近800个学生（大概有525个一年级学生和275个2年级学生）。现在的enrollment是开放的，不管你是不是住在这附近都可以来上。 将来会有2200个学生。 校园有212，000 sf, 48个教室。 整个校园占地是63英亩。

Del Norte高中目前有25个俱乐部。有艺术，政治，文化，科学，人文。有自己的棒球队和体操队。 排球队也在组成中。 体育活动有水球，长跑，高尔夫球，网球，排球。还有游泳，潜水，和田径。


Written by A.Z. (my 8 yrs old)

Del Norte High School (DNHS) was opened in August 2009, with the enrollment of approximately 800 students. Right now, it only has freshman and sophomore classes. So you see this is a brand new school, that’s why there is no School Accountability Report Card (SARC) available yet. I believe the 1st report will be available in August 2010.

Unlike Westview High School, DNHS adopts trimester schedule (3x5 system), which is quite unique in Poway School District (Westview is 4x4; RBHS is 2x6 system)). For more information about trimester, please click the following link:
http://www.powayusd.com/pusddnhs/about/trimester.shtml

I personally believe DNHS will be one the best high schools in Poway or even in whole San Diego. It has the best student sources (more than 30% Asian students and about 55% White students with decent home income); it has the best teachers and administrators (its principal is Greg Mizel, who is the former principal of Mesa Verde Middle School.); and it also has the best facility (the construction of this brand new school costs more than $100 million).

For me, DNHS is the main reason that my family will move to 4S Ranch in early May.

For more information about DNHS, please check the following links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Norte_High_School_(San_Diego,_California)
http://www.powayusd.com/pusddnhs/

Complimentary information written by Judy J. my close friend.

Fannie Mae announces a sale lease-back program for a deed-in-lieu

On November 5, 2009, Fannie Mae launched what they characterize as a Deed-For-Lease in lieu of foreclosure program. The program allows a financially-distressed homeowner who does not qualify for a loan modification to stay in his home as a tenant by exchanging title to his property for a one-year lease agreement. The program does not include a repurchase option.

Rent under the program is capped at 31% of the homeowner’s pre-tax income, with lease agreements for periods up to 12 months with a renewal or extension on a month-to-month basis. If the home is sold during the term of the lease, the buyer takes title subject to (“inherits”) the lease.

At last the government, through its mortgage arm Fannie Mae, is getting realistic with negative equity homeowners in California, most of who do not qualify for modification as they are at loan-to-values (LTVs) in excess of 125%. Fannie Mae could not previously admit to the obvious: take a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, and if it could not instantly be resold as a real estate owned (REO) property, lease back the property to the homeowner who could/would not pay on the loan. However, the government agency must still foreclose on homeowners who have second liens on their homes in order to convey title to the property on resale as an REO.

Mortgage Delinquencies Are Still Rising

Mortgage delinquencies rose for the 11th straight month, reaching 6.25 percent in the third quarter from 3.96 percent a year earlier and 5.81 percent in the second quarter, according to the credit management company TransUnion.

"Until the housing market can consistently demonstrate several months of home value appreciation and the unemployment rate improves, mortgage delinquency will likely continue to rise," said F.J. Guarrera, vice president of TransUnion's financial services division.

Builders are no exceptional...

明年的房市往哪走

会double dip的说法是：工作不好找而且失业率继续上升。MORTGAGE DEFAULT 的房子会越来越多

会稳定的人说：圣地亚哥有钱人多的是。 通货膨胀。 钱不值钱了。 大家会更加进房市。

另外，现在银行不急于FORECLOSURE房子了，两房允许欠款的房主，变为租客，总统还让两房外包一些agent上山下乡去敲门帮助填写天书一样的loan modification的申请。

所以我觉得全看各行各业的工作到底怎么样，大家都有工作，好区的房市可能也就这样了。

Being honest is hard

Tax credit extension passed

意料之中。延期到明年的4月底。

更好的是existing homeowners也有份了。不过要住满5年。

更妙的是这回基本上大家都可以qualify了。 工资的标准涨了很多。 从7万5到12万5了！

The tax credit will be extended through April 30, 2010, with a 60-day extension if a binding contract is in place prior to the deadline. First-time home buyers will continue to receive a tax credit of up to $8,000, while existing homeowners will receive a reduced credit of up to $6,500. Existing homeowners will be eligible for the $6,500 if they have lived in their current residences for at least five years. The bill also will increase the qualifying income limits from $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for joint filers, to $125,000 and $225,000, respectively. The purchase price of the home is capped at $800,000.

看房日记

Very detailed information and my comments on the houses I looked with my clients.

Sorry but this blog opened to my clients only.

Please email me if you want to be added to the viewers' list.

烂尾房也有春天

John Laing 倒闭后留下了9个烂尾房。 看着就堵心。

不过，烂尾房总算是盼来了新主儿。 从这周开始，sales office又开了。 价格还是和John Laing倒闭前一样，没有太大的变化。 Dec move in.

很多人感兴趣。 毕竟市场上没有什么新房。

100 DIY Upgrades for Under $100

You don't need a fat budget to give your home a noticeable boost. Invest a little and get a big improvement in how your home looks and feels. The editors of This Old House give you their top tips.

房子--家

太多人忘记买房子的真谛是什么了。

买个房子不就是给自己一个家吗？ 你要喜欢最重要，觉得舒服最重要。 不要只盯住一些无关紧要的事情看。

Where Housing Will Be in 2012

Think about it!! Whether you are a home owner now or on the way to be one...

我觉得这篇文章非常的有意思

LINK

BoA Struggles With Loan Modifications

Only 11 percent, about 95,000, of Bank of America’s delinquent borrowers who are potentially eligible for the program have been given a loan modification.

There appear to be multiple problems, not the least of which is that many of the employees handling the modifications are completely new to the business. Angry investors complicate the issue, with 15 percent of them demanding that the bank get their approval for every single case.

每天都有100个foreclosure...just BOA only...

Housing risks still lurk even as buyers return

LINK

Coming soon in 4S Ranch!!

Andalusia and Monteluz are new communities! Coming soon to 4S Ranch. They are on the very north of the 4S. (Passing Evergreen and Piaza's)

Model homes still under construction and unaccessible now.

BTW, Silhouette's 烂尾房也开始整修重建了。一片生机勃勃的景象。。

Carmel Valley Townhouse: Crest

Carmel Valley的小资condo之一。 有1351（2 bedrooms) 和1564 (3 bedrooms) 的floorplan. 户型设计的有些复式的感觉。高厅，Split-level。

位置是Carmel Valley的中心地带。 在El Camino Real上。 去哪里都很方便。 去Shopping可以走着就到了。有很好的游泳池和spa外加一个健身房。

Carmel Valley Townhouses Summary

Airoso:
2005建。 2-4 bedrooms 230 户。 4种户型。 1478 到 1572. HOA 226. 有健身房。无院子。 前面有一个小阳台。
优点： 新。 靠近CCA.
缺点： 太近56， 有些unit比较吵。有噪音。

Andalucia:
以前是出租房（02年建）后于04年开始卖。 一共181家。Split level （跃层）2卧室的是1231平尺 3卧室的是1388平尺. HOA358. 有健身房。无院子。
优点： 近中学。 超近距离。 新。 厨房都是不锈钢厨具和大理石台面。高厅。
缺点： HOA较高。

Cambria:
在del mar heights北面。 PARDEE88年建的。 235户。 1203 到1445平尺。 HOA： 278+32.
优点：附近环境不错，很多树木。
缺点： 旧。 HOA高。

Canyon Ridge:
96到98年建。 Twin homes. 有院子。 有gate。 高厅。 116户。 1660到1859平尺. HOA168. MR：905 一年。
优点： 有门，HOA比较低。 Floor plan比较好。有自己的院子。
缺点： 不能走路去小学和初中。

Chateau Village:
Twin homes. Pardee 93年建。 170户。 只有2种plan, 1151 or 1532 平尺。 HOA 205 MR 565一年。有网球场。有院子。
优点：大号的plan比较nice.
缺点： 走路不能上小学。 而且不少的unit可以听到5号的噪音。

Crest:
Carmel Valley的小资房。 跃层结构。 没有院子。 197户。 97年98年建。 三种户型从1300 到1584 平尺。HOA210。MR791一年。
优点：最大号的plan比较nice. 厨房大而且独立。
缺点： 走路不能上小学。 进门处的unit有噪音。

Elysian:
环境优美的小区，160个condo, 91年建。 只有2个卧室。 最大的1191sf.

Hylcyon:
曾经得过最佳设计奖。 没有院子。 地理位置好。 走路上所有的学校和购物中心，图书馆，公园。 1988年建184户。 户型从1123到1694不等。 HOA 250-280.
优点： 地理位置好。
缺点： 比较挤。 难停车。 有些unit是半地下室。


Mentemar:
93年建。 119户。 和Palermo相连。 地理位置好。 走路去所有的地方。 小区环境不错。 安静。 除了一边靠Carmel Country的会吵一些。 有网球场。 低HOA 120， MR 678-790一年。

优点： 地理位置好。有院子。
缺点：


Pacifica:
Del Mar Height的北面。 90年建192户。 Plan1是1400平尺。 Plan 2是1600平尺左右。 HOA 268. MR550 到678一年。
优点：
缺点：旧。

Palermo:
196户 93年建。 有condo有townhouse. 无院子。HOA 118， MR 565.
优点： 地理位置好。
缺点：

Regent Square:
Carmel Valley最高级的Townhouse. 现代的设计。 面积大。 一共才60户。 于02-04年建。 1945平尺到2164平尺。HOA 285.
优点： 地理位置好。
缺点： 贵！

Here comes Santa Ana again

自然说话。 又是热浪来袭。

Pacific Highlands Ranch

准备写一个比较完整的Carmel Valley的各个小区介绍. 先来离我最近的。 Pacific Highlands Ranch:

从Del Mar Height & Carmel Valley交界开始：

1. Arabella

Pardee在05到07年之间开发的。有3个plan. Plan1比较小，2006sf. 楼下就是客厅厨房加一个formal dining. 楼上3间卧室。 都不是很大。 Plan2是2056. Plan3最大有2456sf. 楼下可以有option加一卧室。 楼上3间卧室加一个loft(可以改成卧室）。 Lot size不大，4000左右。

价格大概80到90万之间。HOA 225, MR 220.

2. Santa Rosa

是Pardee同期开发的3000尺左右的房子。 Plan1 2952sf. Plan3 3600sf. Lot 6000到8000尺不等。

当年基本上都是110万-120万开价。

3. Portico

Pardee 2004年推出的为了配合喜欢Carmel Valley又囊中羞涩的人群开发的貌次townhouse其实是single family的房型。 一共4个房型。 从2100到2400不等。 其中plan3还得到过一个设计的award。 （plan3的设计中国人喜欢。 门在正中间，两边对称的）

4. 最新开发的楼盘Manzanita Trail. 我单独有介绍。 这里不重复了。

1，2,3 & 4 一起，算是，或者说，叫做Pacific Highlands Ranch。

Pardee总是大力鼓吹自己是living smart, 强调自己的energy saving的选择。 不过他自己才真是smart。 早在10多年前都买下了carmel valley一众空地。 虽然这几年bubble破了，在LV损失不少，但是sd这边稳打稳扎，稳赚不赔。 题外话了。

5. Santa Babara: 85 units.
顺着Del Mar Height往西走，路右手边一个gated community 是Santa Babara. 也是Pardee建的。 最外面的一圈都有canyon view. 房子比较大，3377到4000. Lot也不小。 尤其是有view的lot很大。 03年的时候都要卖到100万了。 （HOA106，MR120）Santa Babara goes to Carmel Creek which only has up to 4th grade.

6. Solein & Bordeaux

Bordeaux 是Pardee2004年的楼盘。 一共有287户。 从2500到2700. Pardee05到06年期间又在相连的地做了Solein。 Solein的户型设计颇受好评。 导致现在在卖的Bridal Ridge沿用的和Solein同样的户型。

Solein和Bordeaux go to Sycamore Ridge school. (Del Mar Union School District) Only 4 years old but very good school! (New and good API). The Principle's last name is DISNEY! And she writes a blog! Check it out!

3 Big Banks now Dominate Mortgage Market

According to WSJ, more than half of U.S. residential mortgage are being made by just three large banks. While big banks are originating lots of mortgages, they are selling nearly all of them to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Treasury-backed entities are guaranteeing about 85% of new mortgages, while the Fed buys 80% of the securities into which these taxpayer-backed mortgages are packaged.

Despite the bust, conforming mortgages that qualify for government backing remain mispriced. That can be seen in the fact that banks have no desire to keep the most common mortgage on their books.

"Too Big to Fail" now becomes even more "Too Big to Fail".

推荐一种植物

Arborvitae green giant. 现在 Jackson and Perkins在sale. 这种一年可以长3个feet, check with your HOA before purchasing.

这个排名100个DIY upgrades under $100的第二。

Dense, dark, wonderfully fragrant evergreen foliage from the ground up never needs shearing or pruning. An ideal choice for a privacy screen, it is easy to grow, and very long-lived, with good deer, pest, and disease resistance. Best if grown in sun but will tolerate light shade. Reaches 30 to 50 feet tall, 8 to 10 feet wide in just 10 years. Grows 3 feet or more each year, topping out at 50 feet tall. Stands up to wind, heavy ice and snow loads, and temperatures to -20° F. Deer, bagworms, and other pests and insects leave it alone. Adapts to most any soil. Wonderful "piney" fragrance. Great alternative to Hemlock in the North, Leyland Cypress in the South. Stays green year-round and doesn't mind heat and drought. Branches right down to the ground and can be sheared to any shape. Thrives in full sun to light shade.

Derby Hills

Derby Hills in Carmel Valley almost close out.

Last Sunday when we were there, there was quite a few visitors. Now the models are totally open to public. You don't have to go through sales' judgmental greetings. Anyway, I made some sort of funny model tour videos and will be posted on my youtube channel. My client really liked them (not the house but the videos I made)

There is only one model left for sale and listed for 1600K.

Duck pond auction

搞得跟ebay一样。。。

原来卖7999K没人买， so, now, live auction, price starting from 999K.

我写这个房子是因为有太多人打电话给我想去看!

这个房子在Del Mar Mesa。 我想很多人一直住在Carmel Valley但是可能都不知道哪里是Del Mar Mesa。 这个地方相当的隐蔽。 从Carmel Country一直往山上走，过了56往左转。一直上山。 路很窄就2条lane。 里面都是各式各样的豪宅。 整个Del Mar Mesa有2000多亩地。

Duck Pond只有12户。每一户都是1-2亩地。坐落在Del Mar Mesa的最顶上。往下看就是Penasquitos Canyon。 （听说里面有一个很美的瀑布)

这个在卖的房子有10个卧室。 10，000sf. 同时还在出租一个月是22750. 房主是580万买的。 别的话就不用说了。

Going Once, Going Twice, Sold at LIVE AUCTION -- NO RESERVE PRICE. This home will be sold on October 22nd, 2009, subject to Seller's confirmation. Previously listed at $7,999,999, this home could be absolutely the best deal of the year. With no reserve price and no minimum opening bid, this is the chance of a lifetime.

总算出来俩房子

昨天cv出来2个bank owned.

一个Solein的。 799K， 下午6点去的，车都在街边趴满了。 有3家在看。 台子上已经扔了7，8张名片。 今天已经不active了。

一个Montemar的1532尺的townhouse, condition比较差。 不过估计过几天也卖了。

Hire a tough home inspector

事实上，用你自己的realtor推荐的inspector和realtor的利益是冲突的。 因为好的inspector有可能检查出来房子的一大堆问题，buyer非常有可能就退后不要这个房子了。

不过大多数的buyer在看房的过程中建立了和realtor的互相信任的关系。 就会雇用realtor推荐的人。

所以买家不如再多做点home work, 问问周围朋友的推荐，上网看看home inspector的reviews.

你可以通过以下的网站找到home inspector:

全美房屋检查员协会

加州房屋检查员协会

Updates on Terramar

Don't register on Pardee's website if you'd like rebate from a realtor!!

Terramar, new neighborhood of two-story homes with three to five bedrooms located right across street from Westview highschool.

New information will be posted when it becomes available.

Updatd on Sept. 13...I ran into the guy who replies all email inquires at Pardee and he told me that the managers are having comparables done and making the final pricing. He would think the prices would be in the 700Ks. They will start everything early 2010.

又一次的狼来了： Foreclosure Flood

Aired on CNBC August 31, 09:

我们都知道，银行一直在hold很多的房子for monthes. 大家拭目以待他们会把这些房子如何处理。 下面的录像是CNBC昨天的报道：

不过现在看这些新闻感觉就是狼来了。 叫嚣了几次了市场上的inventory还是很少。 现在很多人要买房子但是没有房源。 尤其是好区的房子大家喜闻乐见的价位的房子更是奇缺。 搞得有个好房子一出来就像早市一样拥挤。所以真的会不会有很多bank own出来，会不会影响整体房价，就只能拭目以待了。


下面也是CNBC的一个记者写的：

There have been a lot of accusations on the blogs and on the air that banks are holding on to REO (bank-owned) foreclosed properties because they don't want to put them on the market and push home prices ever lower.

In digging into this, I got a few interesting answers:

Bank of America:

• Foreclosure sales have been abnormally low since we learned of the pending implementation of the administration's Making Home Affordable program. From that point, we delayed the initiation of foreclosure proceedings and sales for customers that may eligible for a loan modification under MHA. As a result of this policy, our foreclosure sales in recent months have been as little as half the normal pace we experienced before.
• Until a foreclosure is completed, Bank of America continues to exhaust every possible option to qualify customers for modification or other solutions.
• Now that Making Home Affordable programs are operational, we do project an increase in foreclosures as we exhaust every available option to qualify customers for modifications and other solutions.
• While we have very strong loan modification programs now available, unfortunately, these foreclosure projections reflect the increasing number of customers who will not qualify for loan modification because they have suffered major life events servicers can't solve...primarily unemployment and underemployment.
• We do not hold foreclosed properties off the market. The vast majority of mortgages serviced by Bank of America are owned by third-party investors. We have an obligation to them to prepare foreclosed properties for market and sell them as efficiently as possible.

Then I spoke with Ted Jadlos of LPS Applied Analytics. He says there is no clear evidence of purposeful accumulation by the banks of these foreclosed properties. They are, he believes, working through the huge onslaught of new defaults as fast as possible, but it takes time. He says they are selling REOs at a fast clip as well, within about three months of taking them as REO.

Based upon foreclosure and REO timelines, it's going to take at least 18 months to flush the system of our current problems. But to flush the problems in only 18 months, more problem loans need to leave the system relative to the new problem loans of today and tomorrow. That does not appear to be the case right now-we aren't clearing faster than new problems are emerging.

Testimonial

I can't say enough good things about Connie. She always so upbeat and proactive, and she helped me so much -- not only for buying a house but also finding me a job!

We started looking for the perfect house with Connie a year ago. From time to time, we feel like we really should jump in, but she advised us to wait longer. Now we got almost the best deal on the new construction in 4S ranch and we feel like it's really the perfect time for us to buy. We love our new home!! Thinking back we feel very lucky to have Connie as our reatlor.

Mei Wang & Zhiyuan Yang @ 4S Ranch Parkway

上海房价指数创历史新高

夏天本应是楼市淡季，不过全市新建住房交易仍保持旺盛，盛夏淡市未见真淡，据中房上海指数办公室监测，今年以来上海住房销售不断增长，1至7月累计达到1500.5万平方米，同比增幅达到49.4%，大大超出了2007年市场高位时1至7月与上年同比增幅23.5%的水平。

同时，新增供应赶不上市场需求，周转空置量一直处在低位运行，供求矛盾突出。

买房之后。。。

买了房子，要装修。 装修比较复杂，经验教训太多。这里先不说。

装修之后，家里的家具要置办，要弄些decoration的东西，地毯，镜子，窗帘，花盆，植物，油画山水画古字画， 烛台，摆件，零零碎碎。

除非你特别有idea, it doesn't hurt你多看看，多学习一下， get more inspiration。 保证你的家弄出来不俗气，而且有自己家里的韵味，表达自己的审美和情趣。

怎么start， 先看看电视，上上网，翻翻杂志吧。 这个省事，有空就能做。

喜欢研究家居的人都知道HGTV, http://www.hgtv.com/ 我喜欢的节目有open house, Design Star, House hunter等等。 有关家居装饰布置的杂志就更多了。 比较好的是BHG, 比较适合工薪阶层。 高档一些的我订阅了Architectural Digest看着长见识，还养眼。另外还有ELLE DECO, Dwell,  Instyle Home之类的有空多去书店翻翻。

其他我有空会去browse的网站有：

http://www.houzz.com

http://www.zillow.com/digs/

http://2modern.com/

http://design-milk.com/

CB2

很多设计的实例可以参考。 10-10-14更新， HOUZZ拿到了大笔风投。 看来什么做好了都可以成功的。 题外话哈。

圣地亚哥的家具店都集中在3个地方。 一个是Miramar. 有一个新开的Woodbridge在7480 Miramar Rd. San Diego, CA 92126.  旁边还有Ashley等等很多的店铺。 一个是San Marcus. 还有就是Mission Valley.  

其他的家具店还有：

Greathouse, 主人是很年轻的老婆是设计师， 他们家也carry不少牌子。 
9050 Kenamar Drive
San Diego, CA 92121
Phone: (858)271-1145

• 7720 El Camino Real
• Carlsbad, California, 92009

LE DIMORA这个在RSF比较高大上， 进去转也没有人理你。 Yelp评分很低。不过东西好啊。 16089 San Dieguito Rd.Johnson Interiors - 1916 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054 没有去过还。 
圣地亚哥的现代家具店也不少。 我要时间就会去乱逛逛的有Z Galaries, Home Goods, Hold it, BoConcept, Crate and Barrel, Lawrance, West Elm, . 说到家具店，其实我还蛮喜欢ELLAN ALLEN, 可惜啊，也是太贵了。而且他家的东西下了单就不退不换。 还要等很久。 

我也试过在网上买家具，折腾，先要量好了尺寸，然后使劲想像picture摆在房间里的感觉，等来了不合适还要送到UPS去退。 另外网店卖家具的Overstock， sam's club, costco都不错。 选择多，价格好。 我一个朋友家很多东西都是overstock上置来的，搭配的好，看起来也会有不错的效果。最常去和给客户推荐的其实就是home goods, 只要你经常去逛肯定能有物超所值的收获！

一些网店：
http://www.boyles.com/http://www.cymax.com/Hooker-Furniture-Sofa-Tables--C100407-9566.htmhttps://www.goodshomefurnishings.com/

如果你喜欢中式的家具布置，可能只能多跑LA了。 从国内集装箱过来也是一个主意，要是不嫌麻烦又有这个经济实力的话。我找到一个网上卖中式家具的貌次还可以： http://www.greenteadesign.com/antique-oriental-furniture.html

小孩子的房间最好折腾，可以充分发挥你和孩子的想象力。 看看这个网站，专门卖墙贴的。淘宝上也很多。

另外国内的焦点网上很多的真人秀，有些做的真好，有才的很。小钱办大事，就看你会不会搭配设计了。

Ikea的粉丝看这里： http://www.ikeafans.com/ 家里地方不大，或者喜欢经常换换家里的家具，那你一定会是IKEA的FAN. 这个网站就是集中了各种利用IKEA的产品来布置房间的实例。你会彻底改变对IKEA的印象的。当然了，IKEA的只能是极简或者现代 的房间布置。

布置家居是一个长期的活动，只要你乐在其中，勤看勤逛，不怕折腾，你的家 一定会打扮的很漂亮的。

几个名牌家具牌子和网站供参考：

Restoration Hareware: 

http://www.ethanallen.com/

http://www.hookerfurniture.com/

Z Gallerie

Pottory Barn

Kern & Co. 

Solana Beach

West Elm

Wood Bridge Interiors

Hickory Furniture

Drexel Heritage

Seaside Home

你可以还去以下的网站看看：

1. Ballard Design: Although this line has a traditional feel, there's something for everyone. And you can choose between hundreds of fab fabrics for upholstered pieces.

2. Jonathan Adler: This cheeky potter has expanded to colorful furniture, lighting, accessories and even fashion -- and it's all available online.

3. C. Wonder: One of our favorite resources for affordable, preppy pieces with a dose of color.

4. One Kings Lane: The king of of decor flash sale sights, this one specializes in amazing vintage finds, too.

5. Fab: One of the newer flash sale sites, this one focuses on more up-and-coming brands.

6. Anthropologie: This fashion retailer also has quirky kitchen gadgets, bedding, accessories and furniture -- but prices can be steep.

7. My Habit: Owned by Amazon.com, this flash sale site has great deals.

8. Gilt Home: Get deals from hot designers and items that were curated from some of the best.

9. 1st Dibs: A designer's secret source for vintage and antiques for the home.

10. MoMa Store: A no-brainer for interesting and artful gifts crafted by notable designers.

11. H&M Home: Finally, this inexpensive fashion retailer is selling their awesome home pieces online in the U.S.

12. DwellStudio: Furniture, rugs and more with a chic midcentury vibe and cool prints.

13. Horchow: Neiman Marcus' decor site, we love browsing through designer furnishings and wait for their friends and family sale to pounce.

14. Poppin: The go-to source for bright colored desk accessories and organizational gear for a stylish office.

15. JCPenney: Yes, this department store's been around forever, but their newly launched housewares by Martha Stewart, Jonathan Adler, Terrance Conran and more are pretty amazing.

16. Circa Lighting: This Southern based company has curated the most beautiful pendants, sconces, chandeliers and more.

17. Pier1: For inexpensive pillows and candles tabletop and more with a worldly vibe, we always head here.

18. Target: Some of our favorite home designers, like Nate Berkus and Rachel Ashwell, have affordable and on-trend collections at this big box store.

19. Zara Home: Another fast fashion shop that sells housewares online, head here for trendy bedding, tableware and accessories.

20. Pieces: This Atlanta boutique with unique finds is accessible to everyone, thanks to this easy to shop site.

21. Room & Board: Known for the well-made sofas and seating, this store has everything you need for a modern home.

22. Urban Outfitters: You'd be surprised at the cool furniture, bedding and more you'll find at this hipster haunt. And it's surprisingly affordable!

23. John Derian: Well know for his decoupaged dishes, this NYC haunt's online shop has one-of-a-kind items from a group of interesting artists and designers.

24. Z Gallerie: Head to this online shop for posh and glamorous looking decor.

25. Joss & Main: This flash sale site often hooks up with current celebs and style mavens to curate housewares.

26. Design Public: Into modern design? This site's for you.

27. Wayfair: Looking to shop for everything, all at once? Try here for the largest assortment of brands and products.

28. Canvas: With a natural palette and rustic aesthetic, this site has it all, from bedding to furniture to great gifts.

29. Design Within Reach: This shop sells reproductions of classic midcentury designs plus other modern items, although anything here will be a bit of a splurge.

30. Crate And Barrel: For classic furnishings with modern lines, you really can't go wrong with anything from C&B.

31. West Elm: Always on trend, this shop under the Williams-Sonoma brand has an earthy, vintage look. Look out for great sales.

32. Overstock: A go-to source for everything under the sun, we'll check here first for great basics like bedding and lighting.

33. World Market: A huge selection of furniture and accessories with incredibly low price points.

34. CB2: Crate and Barrel's hip little sister, this store has everything you'll need for a modern home or apartment, and prices are very fair.

35. HauteLook: This flash sale website has a surprising selection of small accent furniture and accessories for low prices.

36. Thrive Furniture: Handcrafted midcentury furniture. It's pricey, but the value is evident.

37. Home Decorators Collection: Shockingly affordable pieces perfect for an apartment-dweller or starter home.

38. 2 Modern: Wide range of stylish designs with a clean-lined aesthetic.

39. Schoolhouse Electric Lighting: Great source for affordable pendants and more in a ton of colors with a funky retro look.

40. All Modern: Exactly what it sounds like, this site is perfect for those who want a home that rivals Don Draper's.

41. Blu Dot: Pricey, but well worth the cost for high-end modern designs.

42. Serena & Lily: With a sweet aesthetic and adorable kids' stuff, this is the place to find pretty lighting, bedding and more.

43. Apt 2B: This L.A. based site has a startup-y feel, but the curators definitely have an eye for style.

New release of Manzanita Trail

Manzanita Trail Release another phase of their bigger plan today--

Plan 3: 3 lots, 805K, 815K, 818K

Plan 4: 2 lots 851K and 837K

All sold at the time of release.

Testmoni from Client

刚一开始想买房好几位朋友就同时推荐赵雪，一见面就确的他与众不同。那时的房价已经跌了不少，我们认为当时一定是买房的好时机，几次要下OFFER都被他劝住，他以对市场的了解和专业的分析，告诉我们再等等。果不出他所料，我们心意的房子真的又降价了！当时他以敏锐的眼光在第一时间内劝我们下了OFFER，最终我们以最好的价钱买到了称心的房子。买到房子后，我们也不再是他的客户，但他一如其往的对我们，任何事情打电话问他，他总是从不嫌烦的解答。从小孩学校的API ，今天可能是REFI 好机会甚至家俱家电什么地方ON SALE他也总是第一时间EMAIL给我们。所以找赵雪买房子不仅是找到一好AGENT 而是让你交到一位一生的好朋友。

黄文 & 张卫东 @ Eagle Canyon

Chandeclair in 4S New Release

96 on priority list

83 came.

11 homes.

All sold.

Plan 1 from 648K to 691K

Plan 2 from 655K to 681K

Plan 3 from 684K to 673K

The biggest lot sold for 699K.

Maybeck has 4 homes left.

Looks like 4S new homes going to close out pretty soon.

Testmoni: Compass Point

Congratulations to my clients Wen & Jacky! They just closed their first home today!! I really enjoyed working with them and likewise, here is what Wen wrote about me after their closing. It makes my day:

Connie is the best Realtor we ever had although we tried several others before. She is very professional and patient. She cares a lot for her clients. We are blessed for having her as our buying agent. My husband and I are very picky in housing hunting. She is always there for us and always available. She never pushes us and always tells all the truth about the houses she is showing (good sides and bad sides). She is truly a noble person. We finally got our house recently and we are very happy about our experience with her. We thank her sincerely from the bottom from our heart.

Wen & Jacky Choi at Compass Point Drive

Summer crazy

如果你还可以等等，不用挤在summer crazy的队伍中。

本周一个carmel valley的condo上市，2房864尺，90年的，short sale, 最少也要4个月能批下来。 就周三给了一个下午让看看，周四已经收到了multiple cash offers， 周五Status就从active改成了contingent.

上周Carmel Valley一个townhouse, 上市4天4个offer。

2周前4S一个小房子，也是short sale. 收了10个offer.

RP一个房子，位置是很好的小学背后，收了26个offer, 全部都没有进去看过那个房子。

The list could go on and on.

这些都是我有客户给了offer的，所以我比较清楚。 其他的类似的肯定多不胜数。 因为夏天很多人要换/买房子给孩子进好学区，加上近期的inventory奇缺。 所以如果你可以继续等等，不如不要去抢吧。

Subprime Lending is Back? This time from the Goverments.

The Federal Housing Administration -- a vehicle for government-backed mortgages where taxpayers bear all the risk -- gives out loans that require borrowers to post a meager 3% down payment. If a “would-be” home owner cannot scrape together this amount of cash, that person should rent and save their cash.

In an effort to boost home buying a number of states are finding creative ways to advance the Federal tax credit to buyers on the day they get their new keys, rather than having to wait for next year's refund check. States are employing schemes whereby they offer prospective buyers low or no-interest loans for the amount of the tax credit, due upon of receipt of their money from Uncle Sam. In Washington, the state Housing Finance Commission also runs a tax credit bridge-loan program, which it hopes will grow in the coming months.

If this sounds eerily similar to the type of lending practices that got us into this mess, well, it should.