Market Update Nov 2012 to Dec 2012

Today we have a total of 33 listings showing Active on the market. This is only the 2nd time in 17 years of selling Real Estate here in AV that I have seen inventory so low. We have 108 Listings in Back up status We have 79 Listings Pending In this time period of 11/4/2012 to 12.4.2012 we closed 79 sales. Leases are showing 62 Available at this time. ****************************************************************************** I haven't done a market update in awhile because it's been kind of sitting at 60 or so listings active per month for the whole year. In the past few weeks it shrunk down to the 30's... which means if you have a house to sell, this is an excellent time to list it. Appraisals have been an issue in some of the transactions because with multiple offers the buyers are willing to pay more than the banks see the value for. It's complicated, but prices do go up when there are more buyers than sellers and we are most definitely feeling this trend for the majority of 2012.

Some good Advice for Holiday Safety

Holiday safety tips With the holiday season underway, Aliso Viejo Police Services is reminding the public to remember the following safety tips: * Always lock your vehicle and remove all of your valuable property, especially your holiday gifts, while parked anywhere - even in your garage. Vehicle burglaries occur during this season because many people drop off their purchased gifts to their car and go back into the store for more shopping, leaving their vehicles and gifts unattended. * Always take your purse or wallet with you - never leave it in your car. Use a shoulder-strap purse to prevent your purse being taken from a shopping cart, counter or the floor by a thief. * To prevent the theft of packages being delivered to your home when you're not there, request from the company you are ordering from or shipper that USPS, UPS or FedEx requires your signature before your packages are delivered. Or, if possible, request that USPS, UPS or FedEx hold your packages for pickup at their nearest location. This is one way to avoid them from being stolen from your front porch. * Burglars know that a holiday tree showcased in the front window means presents will be underneath it. Close your blinds while you are away from home and reinforce all of your windows and sliding doors with additional locks. * Keep your garage door closed at all times to prevent thefts from your garage, vehicle or home. Also, remove the garage door remote when you park in your driveway or on the street. * If you go out of town for a holiday vacation, make your house look "lived in." Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspaper every day. Place timers on different lamps, TVs and radios throughout the house at different days and times to give the illusion of an occupied home. Also, take advantage of the free vacation checks offered by Aliso Viejo Police Services. To arrange for one, call 949-425-2563. * When shopping online, consider using a third-party service such as disposable credit card or PayPal to pay for purchases. This protects your personal credit card information, reducing the risk of fraud. * To avoid being a victim of a charity scam, never give out personal information including credit card and bank account details, especially over the phone. If you want to give this holiday season, contact the charity of your choice to find out how you can donate to their cause. * If an offer, product or service sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't fall for the scam. * Keep your credit card receipts in a safe place and review your credit card, ATM card or checking account statements for activity that may indicate fraud or identity theft. If you are a victim of fraud or identity theft, call the credit reporting agencies to put an alert on your accounts and call the Sheriff's non-emergency line at 949-770-6011 to report it. * Call the Sheriff's non-emergency number 949-770-6011 to report any solicitors or other types of suspicious people or activity.

Battery Recycling.. Did you know we have a place in AV?

If you are like me you have lots of baggies with old batteries and we know we are not supposed to put them in the trash pick up. The City of Aliso Viejo has a bin at City Hall where you can drop them. They take regular batteries like AA, AAA , D, etc. They also take small electronics there. I had heard about this but just confirmed it. The City offices are open during normal business hours. If you need help with getting them there and live in Aliso Viejo, I will be happy to pick them up or you can drop at my home. Contact me at theresavinciguerra@gmail.com I just went there and if you go into the offices at City Hall there is a box on the right side as you walk in where you can drop them off. Super easy and a great way to dispose of your batteries.