Good News in Housing

The housing industry has reason to smile.  President Bush is expected to sign into law this week a bill that will help home buyers and sellers.  For homeowners who are in trouble with their current home mortgage the bill would allow them to refinance into more affordable fixed-rate loans.  This is great news for homeowners that until now could not get a new loan because of plummeting home value.   Lenders would have to agree to take a substantial loss on the existing loans, and in return, they would walk away with at least some payoff and avoid the often-costly foreclosure process.

Another aspect of the bill will give First-time home buyers who close (d) on a home between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009 help.  They will be eligible for a tax credit of up to $7500.  That's a tax credit, not a deduction.  For an example: if you owe $10,500 to the IRS and you have purchased a home during this time period, your tax liability is now just $3,000.  Great savings!

The bill also allows people who don't itemize their taxes to claim a $500-$1,000 deduction on their 2008 property taxes. That chiefly benefits homeowners who have paid off their homes and can't claim a deduction for mortgage interest.

 Although this bill has pros and cons we can clearly see that it will help many Americans who have had little to smile about lately.

Staying cool in Corona

The temperature outside said 99 and we were feeling a little uncomfortable but what can one do to cool off!  A few friends thought going to the movies was a good idea.  When we entered the theater the three of us meet one other patron.  That was it!  I wondered how the theater would make any money with such a little turn out.  The movie was good and so was the popcorn but it felt strange with no audience.  Is the economy hurting us this badly or is this normal?  I haven't been to the movies in a long time but I think this was strange.  With the housing market slow to improve, food prices going up and the gas prices reaching new heights perhaps people just don't have the extra $10.00 for the movies.  It made me stop and think how blessed I am.  We sometimes take little pleasures for granted and forget that all the things that make us happy are little blessings that we receive daily.  Don't take your friendship or possessions for granted.  Tell the people you love how much they mean to you and share your good fortunes with others. 

Here are a few ideas to beat the heat:

1. Go to a local mall and window shop
2. Go to the library and enjoy the air conditioning and a good book
3. Go for a swim
4. Sit under a big Maple tree
5. Seat still and enjoy the world around you
6. Count your blessings
7. Pray for others

Par 3 Golfing in the Inland Empire

Are you a new golfer?  Perhaps you have a short amount of time but would love to get on the green.  The answer might be to visit one of our fine Par 3 courses in Riverside County.  Many of the local Par 3 courses have water hazards, difficult bunkering and challenging greens so you might forget that you are on a Par 3.  These Par 3 courses are really fun to play.  Enjoy the smell of fresh mowed grass and beautiful scenery and improve your health at the same time.  Here are some of my favorites:

Paradise Knolls
9330 Limonite Ave
Riverside, CA 92509

Jurupa Hills Country Club
6161 Moraga Ave
Riverside, CA 92509

Indian Hills Golf Club 
5700 Club House Dr
Riverside, CA 92509

Green River Golf Club
5215 Green River Rd
Corona, CA 92880

Cresta Verde Golf Club
1295 Cresta Rd
Corona, CA 92879

See you on the course!  (some of these may not be" true"  Par 3's but they are great for beginners or a fast game when you are in a hurry)

Hands Free

Are you driving in the state of California after July 1st?  If you are, be aware that a new law makes it illegal to drive while holding a cell phone to your ear.  All drivers must now decide which device is the best for them.  The choices are:

A cell phone's speakerphone.
A separate speakerphone, handy for those who use hearing aids.
Bluetooth-enabled calling from a newer vehicle's integrated phone system.
A headset or earpiece

The law also bans drivers under the age of 18 from using any kind of mobile device while driving.

Some of the other aspects of the law are:

• Emergencies calls are OK if made to police, health care providers, fire departments or emergency agencies.
• Passengers can use cell phones while in the car.
• There will be no points assessed if a ticket is received.
• Push-to-talk devices will be allowed for those with licenses to operate a truck tractor or motor truck. This exemption does not apply to drivers of pickups with commercial plates, even if the pickup is used for commercial purposes, such as by a contractor, landscaper or other business.
• Speaker Phones can not be held by the driver.

Although I understand the concept of the new law I wonder why eating, applying makeup or shaving were not included in this new law!   Be safe and drive carefully!

Fourth of July in Corona

As we approach the Fourth of July holiday I am praying that the state of California will have a fire safe holiday.  The city of Corona has banned all fireworks within the city but I am not sure that all the citizens will honor the ban.  There always seems to be that individual that thinks laws are made for everyone else but themselves.  The city is trying to get the word out that the possession and use of all fireworks by private citizens is illegal in the City of Corona. This includes fireworks which are called “safe and sane”, such as sparklers,party poppers, snappers, firecrackers and spinners.  Included in the ban are the hazardous and dangerous fireworks such as cherry bombs, M-80's and firecrackers, to name a few.  It is illegal to purchase fireworks in another city and to transport them into Corona. With the fire danger so high this year I am sure a few of use will have an uneasy night.  So how does one enjoy the holiday?  The city is planning a day of activities with the celebration beginning  with the Main Street Independence Day Parade at 10 AM on Main Street from Ontario to Olive Streets. The Festival will begin at 4 PM at Santana Park (598 Santana Way) with the Fireworks show and program to begin around 8 PM.   Be safe and spread the word!