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       List of articles:

Ground Breaking for the Boating Instruction & Safety Center (BISC) -
 go to page Posted October 16, 2011-- Photos of Ceremony

Articles Below:
Market Projections for 2012 - Posted October 16, 2011
It's a Perfect Opportunity for Buyers
Carbon Monoxide units Required--and a Good Idea to do anyway!
Dan and Patty offer 35 years local Real Estate Experience
Tips on Moving
Eco-Tips

California Association of Realtors projections for 2012 real estate market
Basically, the market will be flat with a small 1.7% projected increase in the median price of California homes according to Leslie-Appleton Young, economist for the California Association of Realtors.  Of course, this takes into account the whole state, and each area is a unique market. The current year will end with about a 4% drop in the median price for the state. Foreclosures and short sales still make up a large share of the inventory.  The projections for 2012 are tempered with notations about the uncertainty of the political climate in an election year, uncertainty about fiscal and monetary policy, and, of course, unknown future developments in Europe and around the world.

The break point for conforming loans just dropped in the "high cost area" from $729,750 to $625,000.  This means that loans above $625,000 will be subject to tighter qualification standards, higher rates and larger down payments. This change has some impact on our local beach and marina market for homes priced under $900,000. Prior to the change 20% down, or $180,000,  would have put the loan in the conforming range with a loan amount of $720,000.  Now, a $900,000 purchase would need $275,000 down to get to the more attractive rates for a $625,000 loan.

Many purchases over the past couple of years have been cash, especially for second homes.  Investors and other buyers have been taking advantage of the very low prices to buy premium properties which should have excellent appreciation in the future.

A Great time to Buy Property

For the year 2011, Scott-McInnes Realtors’ again had the one of the highest marina sale for a main channel corner home with outstanding views for $1,500,000! While there were a few high end sales for the year, the main activity was in the short sale/foreclosure properties. There has been a significant increase in sales in marina property this year with buyers taking advantage of lower prices and excellent financing.
Market conditions are outstanding for buyers but the inventory of properties in the marina has decreased significantly.

This year has been marked with many sales in the lower price range and again many short sales and bank owned sales.  Low prices and historically low interest rates make this an outstanding time to buy real estate, especially prime properties such as our beach and marina homes.

Dan & Patty McInnes offer more than 34 years experience as Oxnard/Ventura marina and beach specialists.  For all your real estate needs, contact
Dan & Patty at 805-985-4949 or homes@danpatty.com.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors now required for every sale
As of July 1, 2011, every home needs to have a carbon monoxide detector installed on each floor of the home. These easy to install units must be near the ground, not up with a smoke detector, since carbon monoxide is heavier than air.  Boaters and RVers have used these for years and they detect the odorless gas that can kill.

If you have rentals, be sure to install these units right away.

Dan & Patty mark 36 and 34 years as local Realtors!

Dan McInnes earned his real estate license in 1975 and his Broker’s license in 1979, and Patty earned her license in 1977 and also earned her Broker’s license in 1979. They have been top producers throughout their 30-plus year careers. This year also marks the 25th anniversary for their company, Scott-McInnes Realtors. Dan and Patty have consistently set record prices for sales.

Tips for Moving to a New Home*

Experts at Move.com offer several tips for making your move a seamless and stress-free experience.

1. When hiring professional movers, get written estimates from at least three licensed companies. For a few extra dollars, consider buying moving insurance. Investing in full value protection means any lost or damaged articles will be repaired or replaced.
2. Take photos of every room in the new home while they are vacant. Then write down every item from your current home and which room those items will go before you begin packing them.
3. Begin packing early, even if it’s one room or one cabinet at a time. Toss or donate any items you don’t need. And remember to fill out change-of-address notices and schedule utilities ahead of time.
4. If you have children or pets, consider hiring a sitter or daycare for moving day, or find a safe place for them so they’re not underfoot.
5. When breaking down larger items, like shelving units, into smaller pieces, put the screws, washers and other small components in a sealed baggie and label it clearly. Keep all baggies with small parts in one box and carry it with you on moving day.
6. Take pictures of electronic hook-ups for TVs, DVRs, home theater systems and computers before unplugging them. Print out the pictures and label them in detail, so you will be able to set up the systems properly once you are in the new home. Also keep all loose wires in separate baggies or boxes that are clearly labeled.
7. Dispose of any household products you no longer use, such as paints, pesticides and detergents. Contact the city’s waste disposal department for guidelines on how to dispose of them safely. For items that you plan to take with you, like laundry detergent or cleaning products, pack them in a small box within a larger box to protect against leaks and seal the boxes securely.
Plan ahead and start packing early, so you can enjoy the moving experience with less stress.

Eco-smart Tips*
Turning down the thermostat and switching to compact fluorescent bulbs are easy but common ways 
to make your home greener. Here are a few additional greening tips and tricks that may have never 
crossed your mind. 
Over the top. A refrigerator with a freezer on top uses 10 percent to 25 percent less energy 
than one with a side-by-side or bottom-mounted freezer. 
Power up. Plug appliances and electronics into a power strip rather than an outlet. Devices 
plugged directly into the wall leak up to 15 watts of electricity even if they’re shut off. 
Dish it out. Hand-washing dishes might seem better for Mother Earth than using the dishwasher, 
but it’s actually more wasteful. You’ll use up to 35 percent less water by filling up the 
dishwasher with dishes that aren’t pre-rinsed instead of washing by hand. You can also conserve
energy by skipping the dry cycle — just open the dishwasher’s door when the cycle is done to air dry. 
Don’t tank. Invest in a tankless water heater that will heat water instantly on an as-needed basis,
instead of one that must constantly keep your water warm. They can be expensive—prices range 
from just under $200 to more than $1,000—but it will help reduce energy costs in the long run and
reduce water loss. Don’t want to buy one? Be sure to insulate your pipes for a good reduction 
in heat loss. 

DID YOU KNOW?*
Air pollution can be up to 10 times worse inside your home than outside. Fumes from paint, 
cleaning products, and solvents can all add to indoor pollution, even when you can’t smell them. 
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Say Yes to CRS* 
Buying or selling a home can seem like an overwhelming task. But the right REALTOR® can make 
the process easier — and more profitable. A Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), with years of 
experience and success, will help you make smart decisions in a fast-paced, complex and competitive market. 
To receive the CRS Designation, REALTORS® must demonstrate outstanding professional achievements
— including high-volume sales — and pursue advanced training in areas such as finance, marketing and 
technology. They must also maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abide 
by its Code of Ethics. Work with a REALTOR® who belongs among the top 4 percent in the nation.

Dan & Patty both earned the CRS designation and Dan is a current member of CRS.

*Some content from this newsletter is from CRS Magazine and is for informational purposes only and 
should not be substituted for legal or financial advice. 
 

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Call us for your current market value for your property and for the best service to buyers! 
Dan & Patty have been the local experts for 36 & 34 years as active Realtors
 in the beach & marina areas of Oxnard & Ventura.
805-985-4949 or email from button above or below - homes@danpatty.com

For all your Real Estate Needs in 2011,
call Dan & Patty at 805-985-4949
 

     

Dan and Patty McInnes Scott-McInnes & Company, Realtors 3600S. Harbor Blvd., #129 Oxnard, CA 93035 TOLL FREE - 1(800) 985-VIEW (805) 985-4949 Fax (805) 985-9552

Copyright Dan and Patty McInnes. All rights reserved.