Renting Vs. Buying in 2009

The California Association of Realtors analyzed the difference between renting and buying a home. C.A.R. took into consideration low home prices, favorable mortgage rates and the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit. Based on C.A.R.s calculations and projections, the average monthly expense for a first time buyer purchasing an entry-level home would be $1,630.00. The average monthly expense of renting a three bedroom, two bath apartment would be $1,875.00.

Click here to view data C.A.R.'s data charts.

Civil War Days in Mariposa

If you're a Civil War buff, or just like the sound of guns and canons, don't miss the Las Mariposas Civil War Days, April 25th and 26th in Mariposa on Yaqui Gulch Road. Gates open at 9am. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance through the Mariposa Visitors Bureau. For more information on the reenactment visit www.thecivilwardays.com.

Oakhurst Honorary Mayor Candidates Announced

Six candidates have stepped forward this year to run for the Honorary Mayor of Oakhurst. Drum roll.......and the candidates are:

• Alan King for the Wild Wonderful King Vintage Museum
• Brian Gearhart for the Eastern Madera County SPCA
• Chris Baker for the Lions Club
• Elizabeth Ware for the Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst
• Gerald Ongman for the Sierra Senior Society
• Viviann Carlson for the Bass Lake School Education Foundation

Each candidate will spend the next three months raising campaign funds for their chosen non-profit organizations.

There will be an Honorary Mayor Race kickoff party on Tuesday, April 14th, in the Yosemite Bank parking lot from 5:30 to 7pm. Candidates will be selling dinners and desserts to jumpstart their campaigns. If you're in the neighborhood stop by and meet everyone!!

Oakhurst Branch Library Book Sale

The Friends of the Oakhurst Branch Library will be holding another book sale this weekend, April 18th, from 10am to 2pm. Prices start at just $2!! Choose from Arts & crafts, children's, classics -- some out of print, unusual cookbooks, coffee table, history, biography, collections. Some books are like new. All proceeds from the sale benefit the Oakhurst Branch Library expansion project. Join FOBL Saturday and help support our local library!!

Beware the Foreclosure Rescue Scam!!

With the recent rise in foreclosures, foreclosure-related scams have exploded onto the real estate scene. These so-called “foreclosure rescue companies” claim they will help save your home, but in reality are out to make a profit -- at your expense.

If you are at risk of or in foreclosure, you should be on the lookout for scams. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Asks for money upfront before providing any service
• Instructs you not to contact your lender, lawyer, housing counselor, family, friends or others.
• Asks for mortgage payments to be made directly to his or her company or bank account.
• Requires payment only in the form of cash, cashier's check or wire transfer.
• Promises to stop the foreclosure process, no matter the circumstances
• Advises you to transfer your property deed or title to his or her company
• Offers to fill out paperwork for you
• Asks for something to be done immediately and without delay. This includes pressuring you into signing paperwork that you have not had the chance to read or understand
• Encourages you to lease your house and buy it back over time
• Asks for you to give a power of attorney
• Asks for signatures on a grant deed or deed of trust
• Asks for signatures on a document that has lines left blank
• Fails to provide copies of signed documents
• Refuses or fails to put an oral promise or statement in writing

If you have been a victim of a foreclosure-related scam or approached by a scam artist you may report the incident to the following agencies:

• California Attorney General http://ag.ca.gov
• California Department of Real Estate www.dre.ca.gov
• Department of Housing and Urban Development www.hud.gov
• Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov
• Your local Better Business Bureau www.bbb.org

If you are at risk of foreclosure or have already received a foreclosure notice, you should contact your lender immediately.

CENTURY 21 Ditton Realty Agents Receive Top Honors for 2008 Sales

We would like to congratulate Kenneth Buller and Julie Gerken for earning the CENTURION Producer Award for their sales success in 2008. The CENTURION Producer Award honors CENTURY 21 sales associates that earn $209,000 in sales production or 60 closed transactions within a calendar year.

We would also like to recognize Alan Murray and Rene Christensen for earning the Diamond Level Masters Award for their 2008 sales. Diamond level status is awarded to agents who earn $176,000 in sales production or 50 closed transactions within a calendar year.

Kenny, Julie, Alan and Rene are all leaders and innovators in delivering powerful home buying and selling choices to their clients because they know the communities they serve. They are valued and trusted real estate resources for Eastern Madera County and major contributors to the overall success of CENTURY 21 Ditton Realty.