Is a 1% rate right for me?

As a consumer, you are bombarded with commercials on the radio and television, as well as those pesky postcards and mailers - from lenders that seem to come out of the woodwork promising to lower your mortgage interest rate and payment. One of the most commonly asked questions that I receive is "how can a 1% rate be real?". Well, in this case, it is. However, this is a payment rate, not the actual note rate. The payment rate is all that is required by the lender to be paid, while the interest rate is what is actually due on the note. This loan program is popular here in Ventura County, where our property values are so high. It is also the loan of choice for most investors, as it reduces the negative cash flow on rental properties. BUT THERE IS A DOWN SIDE!! When you make a minimum payment, you may be deferring a portion of the actual interest that is due, and that results in a term called NEGATIVE AMORTIZATION.

Know the facts before you choose the loan program that is right for you!

Buyer's Corner

If you are considering home ownership in the near future, becoming pre-approved is the first step. I specialize in zero down/interest only loans to make it easier for you to qualify. Call me today to set an appointment for a FREE credit report and individual loan consultation. Find out how your tax benefits may help you qualify for more!

Conveniently located in Oxnard at the between Rice and Rose exits. Countrywide Home Loans offers hundreds of competitive loan programs. Put my 20 years experience to work for you!
Judy Friedrich
Loan Consultant
(805) 981-6110
http://home.countrywide.com/judyfriedrich

Choosing A Good Real Estate Agent

I read a newspaper article today that mentioned a quality that I feel is the key to being a good real estate agent. The article stated that "there are very few agents that have the ability to make the consumer feel comfortable about the process and the ability to make them feel good."
I continue to realize that being a good real estate agent is not just about doing the paperwork correctly and closing the deal. It is really more about helping your client get through the process.
A good agent must be responsive, knowledgeable, and have great negotiating skills to solve problems and address issues that arise. Attitude plays a huge part. Managing the issues with clarity and calmness and guiding your client to a decision are paramount. Compassion and caring about all the people we deal with in these transactions is a very vital part of becoming and staying successful!

www.JanisCalkins.com

Open House Sunday, May 22!

Open Sunday 1-4

200 Carr Drive

Ventura, CA 93001

Cute home 3+1 with hardwood floors. Nice size back yard with detached 2 car garage and mountain view! You'll like this one. Come by and see it. Office Exlusive.

California Oaks

Janis Calkins

218-7016

www.JanisCalkins.com

Why is a 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchange so popular?

Normally when you sell property, you must recognize gain or loss in that transaction. If it is a gain, it is subject to tax. Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, however, provides an exception to that rule. A 1031 exchange allows the deferment of capital gains tax which would have been owed on the sale of the property. Tax deferment is leverage and leverage creates wealth! You must take specific steps to qualify for a 1031, including using a qualified Intermediary or "Accomodator". It's not as hard as it sounds and the benefit is great! You should check with a qualified accountant to find out more information. If you would like a 2005 informational booklet explaining more about this, however, you can call me or email me and I will be happy to mail you one.

Janis Calkins, Agent
California Oaks
(805) 218-7016
Janis@janiscalkins.com
www.JanisCalkins.com

Why Hire an Agent to Sell?

Ever wonder why it is so very important to hire and pay a reputable, full service, real estate agent to sell your home? Here are just some of the services provided to you as a seller:

• Assists in determining the Fair Market Value of your property by providing a FREE Comparative Market Analysis specifically created for your home
• Suggests ways to improve salability of your home
• Locates qualified buyers through many sources such as Multiple Listing services, advertising, agent contacts, flyers, websites
• Keeps you the seller informed every step of the way
• Highlights showing of your home by presenting its best features to buyers
• Holds "Open House" for you while you can relax and enjoy the day
• Presents an objective third party viewpoint in the transaction
• Qualifies and counsels serious buyers & or their agent toward a decision. Buyers need answers to countless questions regarding your property, financing, payments, insurance and title clearance
• Keeps up to date with the best financing available to buyers
• Synchronizes the seller/buyer transaction
• Assists the seller with necessary disclosure forms, termite requirements, repair requests.
• Handles any and all complications that occur throughout the selling process
• Works full time, ALL THE TIME, for the seller

Believe me, it is definitely worth letting an agent make this process as easy & stress free for you as possible. Think about hiring a reputable, FULL SERVICE, agent when selling!

Janis Calkins, California Oaks Real Estate

www.JanisCalkins.com

(805) 218-7016