ROBBI CAMPBELL PROPERTIES FEATURES HOMES SEEN ABOVE ALL OTHERS ON THE #1 HOME SEARCHING SITE, REALTOR.COM IN THE CARMEL VALLEY AREA!

SAN DIEGO, CA APRIL 30, 2010. Robbi Campbell Properties of Windermere Exclusive Properties features homes seen above all others in the area of Carmel Valley on the internet’s #1 real estate site,1 REALTOR.com®.

Robbi Campbell Properties offers the REALTOR.com® Featured Homes™ Marketing System, for their clients, so that when potential home buyers search for homes in the Carmel Valley/92130 zip code area, they will see Robbi Campbell Properties homes for sale prominently displayed first with color photographs. This high value, premium placement provides more exposure, which in turn creates increased demand and help sell homes for more.

In making the investment in the Featured Homes™ Marketing System, Robbi Campbell stated, “I want to ensure that the properties we market enjoy optimum shelf positioning online. What makes us different from other agents is how we help differentiate our properties from the other homes they compete against. Our Featured Homes™ property appears first not only on REALTOR.com®, but also MSN.”

Featured Homes™ is just one of the many ways Robbi Campbell Properties is leveraging recent trends of home buyer online behavior to their clients benefit.

Home sellers interested in finding out how to feature their home on REALTOR.com® and MSN should contact Robbi Campbell Properties at 858-436-3290 or email at robbi@robbicampbell.com

Top 5 Ways To Build a Green Home

Most of us know that adopting an environmentally-conscious or “green” approach to life can benefit the planet and its future generations. But did you know that greening your home can also benefit your bottom line in terms of energy savings and tax credits?

We’ve learned a lot of the latest green building strategies from clients and home builders we deal with. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, thought we’d share some innovative green building ideas from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB, www.nahb.org) in case there’s a remodel or new-home build in your future:

1.The roof. According to NAHB, 75% of new homes use “oriented strand board” (OSB), an engineered wood product that does not require the use of large trees in its production, to sheathe roofs and walls. Additionally, durable roof coverings, such as steel and fiber cement, reduce the need for roof replacement and are a key part of many solar roofing products that lock in heat during winter and help keep homes cool in summer.

2.The windows. Energy-efficient windows that incorporate advanced technologies like low-emittance glass coatings, keep heat inside in winter and outside in summer. “Passive” solar design features like large, south-facing windows, also help heat the home in the winter and allow for abundant natural lighting.

3.The walls. Vinyl siding on exterior walls saves money on installation and maintenance; fiber-cement siding is termite- and water-resistant and warrantied to last 50 years. Increasing the amount and R-value of insulation is a cost-effective way to save energy and help reduce heating and cooling bills, which account for at least half of all energy use in the home.

4.The outside. “Xeriscaping,” or using native plants, can significantly reduce the need for watering, fertilizers and herbicides, and preserving trees on your property reduces energy costs by providing shade in summer and a wind barrier in winter. Also consider a covered entry for your front door, which can help prevent water intrusion and costly repairs.

5.The appliances. According to NAHB, the energy efficiency of refrigerators and freezers has tripled over the last three decades. Front-loading washers use about 40% less water and half the energy of conventional models. New toilets have redesigned bowls and tanks that use less water, while advanced shower and sink faucet aerators provide the same flow regardless of reduced water use.

Please consider the above green building ideas for your next construction project and forward this e-mail to anyone else who may be in construction mode. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have or point you toward further green resources, so feel free to e-mail our team for more information.

How To Ensure A Smooth Move!

If you’re one of the many who have recently taken advantage of the first-time or move-up home buyer tax credit, or have just decided to move - whether you have bought a home or are renting - there is a move in your future. Unfortunately, I’ve seen the stresses of moving cast a cloud over the excitement our clients feel about heading to their new home, making for a nightmarish experience instead of a momentous occasion.

Thanks to our network of leading real estate professionals, the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, and our relationships with top moving experts, I, along with my team, can offer several tips to make moving a more streamlined, more palatable experience:

• Put your move details in writing.Use a large notebook or binder to centralize all the important details of your move. It should contain detailed lists, including an inventory of boxes. Supplement this with a computer printout of box contents and e-mail it to yourself and a couple of other trusted sources as a back-up.

• Order boxes and moving supplies as far in advance as possible.It’s never too early to start packing as we all have items that are not currently in use—think winter clothes, your baseball card collection, holiday decorations. Moving companies may allow you to return unused boxes, so order more than you think you'll need, by 20%. Invest in the right tape to keep boxes securely fastened, some new Sharpie pens, and labels to color-code your move.

• Document your AV details.Take photos and notes on how your media equipment is set up: television, sound equipment, computer equipment, etc., in order to avoid an AV nightmare in your new home. Label all remotes and wires as well.

• Plan for your pets. Moving can be particularly stressful for animals. Consider leaving them with a friend or at a reputable pet boarding service.

• Plan for valuables and critical documents.Most homeowners insurance will not cover property in transit, so consider insuring certain items separately. Take photos for documentation to support loss or damage claims, and carry irreplaceable and legal items, like passports and birth certificates, with you.

• Choose a reputable moving company.Good companies that can guide you through the process will have a proven track record. Ask your friends or us for referrals.

• Keep your moving receipts for income tax deductions.In many cases, moving expenses are deductible from federal income taxes. If you are moving because of a change in employment, you may be able to claim this deduction even if you do not itemize.

For more information on making your move as painless as possible, please call us at 858-436-3290 or email us at robbi@robbicampbell.com for any questions or referrals for moving companies! Please feel free to forward these tips to any family and friends with a move in their future.

5073 McGill Way - Price Reduced today to $1,199,900!!

http://www.flashitfirst.com/Gallery/5073_mcgill_way_bt1

Just reduced today to $1,199,900! This beautiful plan 2 Sonoma home in Carmel Valley will be held open this Sunday from 1-4 PM! Located on a quiet culdesac bulb with southern views, this beautiful and dramatic 4 bdr + upstairs loft/office home features the 2 story luxurious master bedroom suite, an upgraded chef's drea...m kitchen with stainless appliances and slab granite counters, a tropical backyard with pool/spa and much more! Come by and visit us this Sunday at 5073 McGill Way!! Call us at 858-436-3290 for any questions! See the link above for the photo gallery and the virtual tour!!

FHA Lending Changes that Could Impact Real Estate Consumers!

Did you know that in 2009, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured nearly 30% of the single-family mortgage market and that more than 50% of all first-time home buyers used FHA programs?

In today’s challenging credit climate, many home buyers and homeowners are turning to FHA for insurance, to purchase loans, and for refinancing options to get out of risky ARMs or subprime loans.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with our team, Robbi Campbell Properties, have access to information from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) regarding recent and upcoming changes to FHA’s single-family program that could impact the use of these important programs for consumers in the future.

According to Jerome Nagy, senior regulatory policy representative at NAR, in order to replenish its dwindling reserves, FHA has implemented or proposed the following changes:
1. Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)FHA has increased the upfront MIP from 1.75% to 2.25% for borrowers while it awaits legislative authority to increase the annual premium. FHA stated it will decrease the upfront premium when they can increase the annual premium.

2. Credit Score ChangesFHA has proposed that borrowers with a credit score below 580 be required to make at least a 10% down payment. The minimum down payment will remain at 3.5% for all other borrowers.

3. Seller ConcessionsFHA intends to propose a rule to decrease allowable seller concessions from 6% to 3%. NAR plans to argue against this decrease since closing costs differ greatly among states, and with fees on services (such as appraisals) increasing, seller concessions can be a vital part of closing the transaction.

4. FHA Loan LimitsCurrent FHA loan limits are as high as $729,750 in high-cost areas, and are set to expire at the end of the year and revert to lower amounts, potentially putting a damper on a housing market rebound. A decrease of current limits would adversely affect 612 counties in 40 states and the District of Columbia, reports NAR, which is urging passage of legislation to make the loan limits permanent.

5. Condominium RulesFHA is delaying implementation of “Mortgagee Letter 2009-19” and making temporary enhancements to the policy instead, such as eliminating the owner-occupancy requirement for FHA condo mortgages and reducing the number of units sold prior to FHA’s endorsement of a unit from 50% to 30%.

Please feel free us at robbi@robbicampbell.com or call at 858-436-3292 for guidance on the above FHA programs and how changes might affect your particular situation. Also, please pass this article on to anyone you know who could be impacted by changes to FHA policy.

Home Buyers See Value in Hardwood Floors!

April 12, 2010—According to the National Association of Realtors, hardwood floors are among the most sought-after house features of prospective home buyers. That is why Mr. Sandless is encouraging home sellers to make sure their wood flooring is in tip-top shape.

Mr. Sandless Founder and CEO Daniel Praz recommends that homeowners follow the steps below before placing their home on the market:

Evaluate your floors: The first step to determine if your floors need refinishing is to simply give them a good look. Are there areas where the sheen is uneven, or where the finish is missing completely? Are there sections or areas on the floor where there are boards that are turning grey or black? These are all good signs that a floor refinishing is needed. It is not a good idea to simply ignore these signs because if the finish is worn off your floor, board damage could occur, making the refinishing process a costly one with board replacement.

Consult a professional: Wood floor refinishing is not something you want to try on your own. While many rental places and big box stores will rent you the equipment to attempt to sand your floor, it takes a solid year of apprenticeship to learn to handle a sanding machine properly. Without this training, you can ruin your floor in just a few moments. Professional floor refinishers have the training, system and know-how to make refinishing a simple and affordable process without moving out of your home.

Choose a sheen: The sheen you choose for your floors directly impacts the entire feel of your home, so don’t be afraid to experiment by asking your professional to show you samples of gloss, semi-gloss and satin finish. A gloss look can add a ‘wow’ factor to the showing of your home, where a satin look will present a more subtle appearance. Choose what is best for the look and feel of your home.

Tax Credits and Deductions that Relate to Home Ownership!

RISMEDIA, April 10, 2010—Buying and owning a home is not only an important step in life, it’s an area rich with benefits when it comes to filing an annual tax return. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service reminds last-minute tax filers not to forget or overlook the many tax credits and deductions that relate to home ownership.

“From the special tax credit for first-time home buyers, to the numerous tax incentives for making energy-efficient changes to a home, there are multiple reasons for taxpayers to speak with a tax preparer and ensure they take advantage of all home ownership-related credits and deductions for which they are eligible,” said Mark Steber, chief tax officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.

Steber reminds homeowners to keep the following tax benefits top-of-mind as they gather their tax-related documents to have their tax return prepared in the coming days:

-First Time Home Buyer Credit: This credit gives first-time home buyers the ability to claim a refundable credit of up to $8,000 ($4,000 if filing separately), provided that they are locked into a contract to close by midnight on April 30, 2010 and close on the home by midnight on June 30, 2010.

-Long-Time Home Buyer Credit: Taxpayers (and their spouses) who have lived in their home for five consecutive years out of the eight years preceding closing on a new house may qualify for a reduced credit of $6,500 ($3,250 if filing separately).

-New Home Energy Credits: Taxpayers can receive a credit for making their homes more energy efficient by caulking doors and windows, adding new insulation to attics, buying an energy-efficient hot water heater or air conditioner and more. The credit amount is a total of 30% of the cost of qualifying improvements, up to $1,500 for tax year 2009 and 2010.

-Tax Deductions and Buying a Home: Most of the expenses incurred when buying a home are not deductible. Yet there are certain closing costs (such as brokers’ commissions, attorney’s fees, recording fees, abstract fees, surveys, title searches, owner’s title insurance policy and transfer taxes) that are added to the basis of your residence that are important to keep track of. When you sell, the basis is needed to calculate any gain or loss.

-Real Estate Taxes: You may deduct real estate taxes in the year paid. They are generally reported on Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement) or on your county real estate tax assessment statement. You should also deduct any prorated taxes collected from you at closing. These amounts are usually included on Form 1098, but you can get the total paid at your local tax assessor’s office if they are not reported on your Form 1098.

-Local Real Property Taxes and Assessments: Local taxes are deductible if they are charged uniformly against all property in the jurisdiction and if they are based on the assessed value of your home. Many states and counties also impose local benefit taxes for improvements to property, such as assessments for streets, sidewalks, and sewer lines. These taxes cannot be deducted but you can increase the cost basis of your property by the amount of the assessment.

-Mortgage Interest: The amount of mortgage interest you paid on your principal residence (or second home) is deductible if you itemize deductions. This amount is generally shown on Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement). You can also deduct the points paid to purchase your residence, even though some may have been paid by the seller. Mortgage insurance premium payments that are related to the purchase of your home are deductible annually.

In addition, Steber notes that taxpayers should keep records of the cost of improvements made that add value to the home, such as landscaping, patios, swimming pools, decks, room additions and roof replacements, as these items can be added to the cost basis. Repairs such as fixing leaks, repairing roofs and painting are not deductible and are not basis additions. The cost of your own labor is not deductible.

All Real Estate Headlines Are Not Local!!

Fact: All Real Estate Headlines Are Not Local

None of us are immune to the constant stream of negative news about the real estate market. There’s no denying the fact that the market has suffered, along with our country’s economy, over the past couple of years.

Unfortunately, this has created a serious dilemma as many consumers unwittingly base their real estate decisions on national media reports. Those of us in the industry live by the term “all real estate is local,” and as a consumer, so should you—otherwise, you run the risk of making an irreversible real estate mistake.

The truth, which you won’t find in the national media, is that real estate markets not only vary from region to region but from county to county, neighborhood to neighborhood…even street to street. Our team knows from my national network of leading real estate professionals, The Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, that there is tremendous variation in home sales prices from locality to locality, and that buyers and sellers are often heading into—or worse, avoiding all together—a real estate investment based on misinformation from national media reporting.

I am happy to say that in our local housing market, we have fared much better than in other part of the country. Therefore, if you are thinking about buying or selling a home in San Diego County, it’s essential that you talk to a seasoned real estate team in the areas you’re considering. Keep the following tips in mind when considering a real estate sale or purchase:

1. Consult with a local real estate team—like us, Robbi Campbell Properties, who is a Member of Top 5—for the most up-to-date information on the local market.
2. Ask for statistical reports and trend graphs—the hard facts. Real estate professionals have access to actual data that can be broken down into extremely finite components, such as a particular street or neighborhood.
3. Ask for comparative reports for the last 3-4 months of the current year, versus the previous year. This will reveal the latest market trend and provide you with concrete facts.
4. Media reports can vary widely based on state, city, and neighborhood – read, listen, learn, but always revert to the facts for the specific area in which you are looking, especially if you are relocating to a different state or region.
5. Also take seasonal considerations into account. In vacation-destination areas, the numbers will vary greatly from national and state data.

For many real estate consumers, today’s market is an unbelievable opportunity to buy or move up to a different home. Don’t let the national headlines scare you away. Consult with a us, Robbi Campbell Properties, a local real estate team, to get only the facts that matter to your specific situation and location. Please e-mail our team at robbi@robbicampbell.com or any team member for more information and pass this article along to others who might benefit from the real facts. You can also call us at 858-436-3290.

Robbi Campbell's April Monthly Calendar of San Diego County Events & Activities

Increase your Home Values by Sprucing Up Your Outdoor Living Space!

With many Americans experiencing a financial pinch these days, there is a growing trend among homeowners nationwide to look to the outdoor areas of their own property for not only relaxation and entertainment value, but to also expand their living space and thereby, increase their home’s value. Through my national network of leading real estate professionals, the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I, along with my team, have learned that homeowners across the country are spending more time at home and showing an increased interest in outdoor living areas. By sprucing up your patios, porches and decks, you are making your home more livable now and more attractive to future buyers. Stylish patios and outdoor rooms with comfortable furnishings and convenient cooking and eating areas provide new opportunities for recreation and relaxing family times. A recent survey by the Propane Education & Research Council, found that 35% of homeowners have a finished outdoor room and 34% say they are planning to design one in the next year or two. Some of our clients are even foregoing expensive vacations in favor of putting in a swimming pool. The reality is, however, that you do not need to make a major investment to improve your outdoor living areas. Here are five quick additions that will make an immediate difference:1. Outdoor lighting units2. Gas grills with cooking and food preparation surfaces3. Outdoor fire pits or fireplaces4. Patio heaters5. Mosquito/bug eliminatorsIn any market, financial planners all agree, real estate is the best investment one can make. Increasing the value of that investment with features that extend and enhance the family living area is always a wise decision. For more information and ideas, feel free to e-mail our team…and be sure to pass this on to family and friends who are ready to explore the “great outdoors.”

Robbi Campbell Properties Presents 5269 Meadows Del Mar in the prestigious Meadows Del Mar, Carmel Valley, San Diego

Beautifully appointed 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home in the West gate of Meadows Del Mar. Call Felicia Lewis at 770-330-0375 for any questions!