thankful

Although most businesses have weekly, monthly, quarterly reporting and intervals of accountability though out the year, tis the season for Reflection and Course Correction! Where were you last year and where are you now? What notes are you making to say where you want to go in the coming year? Who are you sharing your list with? Is one thing on your list to reflect more? course correct sooner? perhaps you have one item that is the same as mine, “be present in the moment”


What does this have to do with Real Estate in Santa Clarita Valley?
With so much analysis on the Real Estate Marketing buyers and sellers may miss out on the present moment. A buyer may see a headline or hear a report of a nationwide statistic, and not remember that interest rates are still at historic lows. That there are homes on the market. And while some areas of the nation are seeing declines in values - in some areas in and around Santa Clarita may be experiencing something different. Sellers who are in a position to sell might want to check into this interesting statistic:

Data Quick*
City: Santa Clarita
September 2010 $405,000
September 2009 $350,000
Y-T-Y %
Change +15.7%

In this joyous season of being thankful, I thank my family, my gracious hardworking teammates on the HomeTeamForSCV and my dedicated friends and clients. We are here to educate you and work with you as a team to bring joy to your real estate transaction process with diligent compliance where we earn your business and your referrals every day! To more years of participating in community connection to ensure that you and yours enjoy the world around you all the days and then some!

As a Realtor® my team and I continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep my clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.

Please contact me:
If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home in the Santa Clarita Valley.
If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best Realtor® in your area.
If you have any Real Estate questions my team and I can help you answer.

My team and I look forward to speaking with you!

blogger bio

Leah Pollack is a REALTOR®, California Licensed Broker, and has earned NAR’s GREEN designation. DRE #01805569 My Team is knowledgeable in Real Estate marketing and transaction support for Traditional, REO and Short Sale considerations as well as Home Retention Options. Call today! Contact information for Leah 661-309-3195 or Click http://www.HomeTeamForSCV.com

*Median home prices contained in this chart were generated from DataQuick Information Systems. The price statistics are derived from all types of home sales -- new and existing, condos and single-family. Movements in sales prices should not be interpreted as changes in the cost of a standard home. Median prices can be influenced by changes in cost, as well as changes in the characteristics and size of homes sold. Due to the low sales volume in some cities or areas, median price changes may exhibit unusual fluctuation. C.A.R. and DataQuick routinely track 33 of the 58 counties in California. The following 26 counties are not included in this report: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Mariposa, Mendocino, Modoc, Mono, Plumas, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne, and Yuba.
N.A. = Not available.

Habitat For Humanity American Dream Walk 2010 - Pacoima, CA

Here is the link to share: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wFdGfMa0wk

Here is the link of the Video-Blog to Share: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wFdGfMa0wk

2010-10-16 Habitat For Humanity San Fernando Santa Clarita, American Dream Walk Pacoima, CA Habitat for humanity 5k...planted and now wall raising! ..all before noon! Yay us! Incredible event! Incredible organization!

Trevor Donovan, Mark Ballas, Rusty Joiner, Josh Golden, Johnny Golden, richard alarcon, Laker Girls, Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould, Jenessa Rose, Zach Callison, Joey King, Leah Pollack, Who Else do you see? Comment Now with names not mentioned!

Participate in the World Around You!

http://humanityca.org/

http://markballas.com

http://rustyjoiner.com

http://HomeTeamForSCV.com

purple object in ear

Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/user/HouseEar#p/u/6/2vcJDhsAkEI

Sharing this to help others, especially as kids get older and may not need immunizations, they may skip a well-appointment and not catch something like this. Max had no discomfort or hearing loss and luckily the object was discovered during his well-visit! Check into the link which includes an in-camera view of the procedure.

I am not sure who said it.. "It is not only what occurs in our health, but the comparisons to the baselines of what was last year, or over-time that is meaningful to overall health and wellness."

We hope that our story helps both the House Ear Clinic share its fantastic services and staff with the world but also benefits other families to know that when things are discovered to care for them quickly and with the best!

http://www.houseearclinic.com/

Regards,

Leah Pollack

phone: 661-309-3195

REALTOR®, GREEN Licensed Broker #01805569

Putting Your Home Needs First http://www.scvFirstHome.com

Selling a home? http://value.scvFirstHome.com

Facing Foreclosure? Get Options, FREE Information, No Obligation: http://www.scvfacingforeclosure.com

SCV sanitation fee hike alert!

DEADLINE FOR THIS ACTION IS TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2010

Currently there is discussion in our community regarding proposed Sanitation District rate increases, which would affect both businesses and residents if approved. Businesses and residents affected by the proposed increases have been sent a “notice”, which allows each recipient the opportunity to register opposition to the proposed increases by mailing in the notice to the Sanitation District address no later than July 27, 2010.

Iam Lamont, Publisher of the Signal, “…..this issue is the BIGGEST threat to the SCV Economy and local businesses that we face. If the building of a $210 million plant and the subsequent rate hikes are shoved down our throat it will have a significant impact on business loss and the killing of jobs. …”

IMPORTANT NOTE: Protest forms must be returned BY MAIL to the Sanitation District address listed below, NOT to the City of Santa Clarita. If you choose to protest the proposed rate increases please return your notice to the Sanitation District by mail, by July 27, 2010 at the following address:

Secretary of the Board

Santa Clarita Valley Sanitation District

P.O. Box 4000

Whittier, CA 90607

Notices may be returned in person to the final public hearing, which will take place on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, 6:30pm in Council Chambers at the City of Santa Clarita City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, 91355. The links below contain a variety of ways to protest the proposed rate increases if you choose to do so.

Click here to find your Assessor’s ID number which is required on the protest form:

http://maps.assessor.lacounty.gov/mapping/viewer.asp

Click here to download the protest form in Adobe Acrobat format:

http://hometownstation.com/images/stories/Uploads/sanitationprotest-pdf.pdf

Click here to download the protest form in Microsoft Word format:

http://hometownstation.com/images/stories/Uploads/sanitationprotest-word.doc

Click here for more information regarding the proposed rate increases on the Los Angeles County Sanitation District website:

http://www.lacsd.org/info/industrial_waste/chloride_in_santa_clarita/proposed_sewer_service_charge_increase/default.asp

Thank you for your attention to this most important matter…(SCV Chamber e-blast 2010-07-22)

What does this have to do with Real Estate in Santa Clarita Valley?

If passed this will be an additional recurring costs of your home ownership today and in the future. In an effort to provide you will updated housing information and real estate marketing tips and expertise, this awareness too is very important so that you can enjoy your home and your community and have your voice heard.

Let me know how I can help.

Please contact me:

If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home in the Santa Clarita Valley.
If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best Realtor® in your area.
If you have any Real Estate questions I can help you answer.
I look forward to speaking with you!

Leah Pollack is a REALTOR®, California Licensed Broker, and has earned NAR’s GREEN designation. DRE #01805569 knowledgeable in Traditional and Short Sale real estate transaction processes as well as Home Retention Options. Call today! Contact information for Leah 661-309-3195 http://www.LeahPollack.com

Buttonwillow Raceway CA

\

The cars, the track, the thrill, the safety! It is not surprising that this raceway park’s motto is “Satisfy your craving for speed”. I had the privilege and honor of riding in a car that a friend of mine built. I met other car enthusiasts, got the tour of the vehicle including all the safety equipment and rode next to some of the fastest Corvettes and “might be street legal” Hondas.

For those of you who know me, know that I have a high appreciation for well built cars – you also know that I know very little about them but still have a strong affinity to turn my head at the Lotus, Viper, Lamborghini Reventon Roadsteras (which I know I saw on McBean about a month ago!) as well as other well kept vintage vehicles. With all the excitement I was tempted to just hop in “Car” (my 99 ford Taurus) and hit the course, but I didn’t have the correct treads J.

The experience at Buttonwillow was incredible – this qualifies me to have the bragging rights of being in a race car – I certainly looked the part and satisfied my long time secret wish to be “Leah Andretti” if only for 5 laps on this amazing course! Thanks to Dan, Team Alpha Romero and all those at the Raceway who made this a truly incredible adventure. I hope you enjoy the video blog! And I bet you are wondering….

What does this have to do with Real Estate in Santa Clarita Valley?
Santa Clarita Valley was only a bit of drive to this venue and other raceways in the region. We are home to, or near to many car clubs where you can meet folks and share your passion for the fast lane, fun and pride of ownership for your cars and your care in ensuring the sport safety and enjoyment are preserved!

Some homes in the Santa Clarita Valley have three car garages, and for the true enthusiasts, perhaps we can discuss your tool storage, shop and flooring needs. Perhaps we can find you a place that has an external garage with a lift where you to care for and display your four-wheeled honeys in style. If you own a home that has these added items, I can market-to-target and truly showcase your home as part of my marketing plan and getting your home through to the checkered flag of “Sold”!

Let me know how I can help

HELPFUL LINKS
Buttonwillow Raceway http://www.buttonwillowraceway.com/

Willow Creek http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/
Alpha Romero Club http://www.aroc-usa.org/

Sell Real Estate in the Santa Clarita Valley: http://homevaluesforscv.com/

Dawn’s Dinners http://dawnsdinners.com/

Sparco Gear http://www.sparcousa.com/

Buy Real Estate in the Santa Clarita Valley: http://scvluxuryhouses.com/
Team Stargate Worlds http://teamstargateworlds.com/



Please contact me:If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home in the Santa Clarita Valley.If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best Realtor® in your area.If you have any Real Estate questions I can help you answer.I look forward to speaking with you!

Leah Pollack is a REALTOR®, California Licensed Broker, and has earned NAR’s GREEN designation. DRE #01805569 knowledgeable in Traditional and Short Sale real estate transaction processes as well as Home Retention Options. Call today! Contact information for Leah 661-309-3195 http://www.leahpollack.com/

Pet Expo - Santa Clarita, CA

I attended the Pet Expo 2010 in the Santa Clarita Valley! An event bringing regional vendors, pet owners and would-be pet owners together in one place! Held at the College of the Canyons Valencia Campus, the weather was with us and so were friendly faces and interesting facts to share. Enjoy the video!

What does this have to do with Real Estate in Santa Clarita Valley?

Pets are part of your family and our community. It is also what makes the Santa Clarita valley a unique place to live. The dog park at Central Park, Paseos with scented pet-pickup bags; and events such as the Pet Expo and pet amenities and care-givers are right here in the Santa Clarita Valley.

When you are ready, let me help you sell your home. I can share the benefits and highlight your pet-friendly items! And when it comes to helping you find your new home, I can work with you to find a pet-friendly home with open communication for an enjoyable experience for you, your family and your pets.
Please contact me: If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home in the Santa Clarita Valley. If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best Realtor® in your area. If you have any Real Estate questions I can help you answer.I look forward to speaking with you!

Leah Pollack is a REALTOR®, California Licensed Broker, and has earned NAR’s GREEN designation. DRE #01805569 knowledgeable in Traditional and Short Sale real estate transaction processes as well as Home Retention Options. Call today! Contact information for Leah 661-309-3195 http://www.leahpollack.com/

HERE ARE THE LINKS!
http://www.petexpousa.net/

http://bestvalenciavet.com/

http://uwashdoggie.com/

http://castaiccaninecamp.com/

http://adventureswithtravisandpresley.com/

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/

http://www.canyons.edu/http://santa-clarita.com/

Otter facts… I did not make those up!http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/370341/interesting_facts_about_otters.html

Be Water SMART – Interview w/ Valencia Water Co

Or Click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktjj0IjGjwA

As summer nears, you may think about updating your sprinkler settings. Keep in mind there are some good Water Usefulness practices available to you with Santa Clartita Valley Conservation Programs and information. Enjoy this interview I conducted with the Valencia Water Company on the new Water SMART Allocation Program and what you need to know.

What does this have to do with Real Estate in the Santa Clarita Valley?

Living in your home or when considering a new home, you may be interested in what is the Maintenance Cost of one home versus another. It may soon be a disclosure when selling your home. Understanding how you use water, how often, how much and how it is being charged will empower you to make better choices while still enjoying your home and your life here in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Please contact me:
If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home in the Santa Clarita Valley.
If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best Realtor® in your area.
If you have any Real Estate questions I can help you answer.
I look forward to speaking with you!

Leah Pollack is a REALTOR®, California Licensed Broker, and has earned NAR’s GREEN designation. DRE #01805569 knowledgeable in Traditional and Short Sale real estate transaction processes as well as Home Retention Options. Call today! Contact information for Leah 661-309-3195 http://www.leahpollack.com

http://www.valenciawater.com

NO MORE CALIFORNIA STATE TAX ON FORGIVEN DEBT*

Here is an update on those who may need to consider Short Sale or Foreclosure. You MUST consult your CPA or Tax Advisoras conditions, restrictions, guidelines, etc. may apply.



**No More State Tax on Forgiven Debt:
Distressed homeowners no longer have to pay California state income tax on debt forgiven in a short sale, foreclosure, or loan modification. Enacted into law yesterday, Senate Bill 401 generally aligns California's tax treatment of mortgage debt relief income with federal law. For debt forgiven on a loan secured by a "qualified principal residence," borrowers will now be exempt from both federal and state income tax consequences. The existing federal exemption is for indebtedness up to $2 million, whereas the new California exemption is for indebtedness up to $800,000 and forgiven debt up to $500,000.
"Qualified principal residence" indebtedness is defined as debt incurred in acquiring, constructing, or substantially improving a principal residence. It includes both first and second trust deeds. It also includes a refinance loan to the extent the funds were used to payoff a previous loan that would have qualified.
The tax breaks apply to debts discharged from 2009 through 2012. Californians who have already filed their 2009 tax returns may claim the exemption by filing a Form 540X amendment. Taxpayers who do not qualify for the above exemptions (e.g., second home or rental property) may nevertheless be exempt under other provisions. Most notably, taxpayers who are bankrupt are exempt from debt relief income tax. Also, taxpayers who are insolvent are exempt from debt relief income tax to the extent their current liabilities exceed current assets.

For more information about mortgage forgiveness tax consequences, go to:
California Franchise Tax Board's Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Extended webpage and the Internal Revenue Service's Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and Debt Cancellation webpage.
The full text of Senate Bill 401 is available at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/.





**Brought to you by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® April 13, 2010. This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.







For a FREE one-on-one discussion on home options. Please contact me.

• If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home in the Santa Clarita Valley.
  
• If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best Realtor® in your area.


• If you have any Real Estate questions I can help you answer.

I look forward to speaking with you!

Leah Pollack is a REALTOR®, California Licensed Broker, and has earned NAR’s GREEN designation. DRE #01805569 knowledgeable in Traditional and Short Sale real estate transaction processes as well as Home Retention Options. Call today! Contact information for Leah 661-309-3195 http://www.leahpollack.com/

Cross Valley Connections

Here is a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q0jslEBGjE

Community Events and historical moments! This week I attended the Cross Valley Connector Party! A tribute to the support of local, regional, state and federal initiatives to connect our valley and help us grow and thrive!

What does this have to do with Real Estate in Santa Clarita Valley?
The Cross Valley connector is going to do just that CONNECT US - When you are selecting an area you want to ensure you can get around! Get to shopping, get to sporting and social events, get to school and work in a variety of ways. The cross valley connector will give you more options to find a store you may not have been, to attend a new social venue – like All Corked Up, or to take a class or play racquetball at the a the Sports Complex.

As a REALTOR I work dilligently to CONNECT YOU – to real estate. If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home in the Santa Clarita Valley. If you are looking to buy, sell or lease your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best Realtor® in your area. If you have any Real Estate questions I can help you answer.
I look forward to speaking with you!

Leah Pollack is a REALTOR®, California Licensed Broker, and has earned NAR's GREEN designation. DRE #01805569 knowledgeable in Traditional and Short Sale real estate transaction processes as well as Home Retention Options. Call today! Contact information for Leah 661-309-3195 http://www.leahpollack.com/

http://santa-clarita.com/
http://www.santa-clarita.com/cityhall/parks/facilities/sportscomplex.asp
http://www.allcorkedup.com/

California Passes Home Buyer Tax Credit AB183 *

**You MUST consult your CPA or Tax Advisor as conditions, restrictions, guidelines, etc. may apply**

AB 183 will provide $200 million for home buyer tax credits, allocating $100 million for qualified first-time home buyers of existing homes and $100 million for purchasers of new, or previously unoccupied, homes. The eligible taxpayer who purchases a qualified personal residence on and after May 1, 2010, and on or before Dec. 31, 2010, or who purchases a qualified principal residence on and after Dec. 31, 2010, and before Aug. 1, 2011, pursuant to an enforceable contract executed on or before Dec. 31, 2010, will be able to take the allowed tax credit. The credit is equal to the lesser of 5 percent of the purchase price or $10,000, in equal installments over three consecutive years. Under AB 183, purchasers will be required to live in the home for at least two years or forfeit the credit (i.e., repay it to the state).

The positive impact of the federal home buyer tax credit is clear. Nearly 40 percent of first-time home buyers said they would not have purchased a home if the federal tax credit for first-time home buyers was not offered, according to C.A.R. research conducted last year.The state’s previous home buyer tax credit program was so successful that it ran out of tax credits by the end of June 2009, eight months before it was set to expire and just as housing markets appeared to be turning a corner.

Unlike last year’s legislation, AB 183 adds a tax credit for the purchase of an existing home by a first-time home buyer.AB 183 will significantly contribute to the effort to stimulate jobs-creation within California’s housing market by helping to incentivize first-time home buyers to purchase homes that have been abandoned, foreclosed upon and returned to the lender, or have been sitting on the market for extended periods of time. It is these homes that will require substantial rehabilitation by the new owners, which will in turn generate a tremendous increase in jobs and accessory purchases connected to home improvement activities.

“Information provided by California Association of Realtors”

**********************************************

Please contact me:

• If you are looking to buy, sell your home in the Santa Clarita Valley.


• If you are looking to buy, sell your home outside of my areas of service. I can put you in touch with the best Realtor® in your area.


• If you have any Real Estate questions I can help you answer.

I am knowledgeable in Traditional and Short Sale Real Estate Transactions.

I look forward to speaking with you!

Leah Pollack is a REALTOR®, California Licensed Broker, and has earned NAR’s GREEN designation. DRE #01805569 knowledgeable in Traditional and Short Sale real estate transaction processes as well as Home Retention Options. Call today! Contact information for Leah 661-309-3195 http://www.leahpollack.com

*NOTE: As always, consult with your CPA when considering this and when purchasing real estate.

Chinese Cultural Day - Santa Clarita, CA

Happy Chinese New Year! Venturing out this week I looked into the Eye of the Tiger in the Santa Clarita Valley! (This is the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese calendar!)Check into this video blog of Chinese Culture Day and visit some of the links below to learn more!Places to play and connect with people are right here in the Santa Clarita Valley!

For Video Blog - Click HERE/

Thriving support, strong traditions, food festivals, performances and events throughout the year! Continue to discover your community!
Informational Links
http://www.scvchineseschool.com/
http://www.scvinternationalcharterschool.com/
http://www.legacy-christian.com/
http://www.hartdistrict.org/saugus/
http://www.newmoonrestaurants.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/genghis-khan-restaurant-newhall

Leah Pollack is a REALTOR®, California Licensed Broker, and has earned NAR’s GREEN designation. DRE #01805569 knowledgeable in Traditional and Short Sale real estate transaction processes as well as Home Retention Options. Call today! Contact information for Leah 661-309-3195 http://www.leahpollack.com