6 Reasons To Hurry Up and Buy A Home Before The End Of The Year!

1. Avoid the risk of rising rates: Mortgage interest rates are up 1 to 2 percent over this time last year. According to Mortgage Bankers Association they anticipate that mortgage rates will rise to about 5 percent in 2014. The best thing to do is if you buy now and the rates drop, you can always refinance; but on the other hand, if you wait and the rates rise you are stuck at that rate.
2. New Year, new lending rules: As January 1 approaches, lending rules may change and it can be harder to get a loan. The rules of 2014 will allow you to borrow less, at your same level of income. In 2013, the current mortgage rules allow for a 45 percent total debt to income ratio (DTI); whereas in 2014, the DTI will go down to 43 percent.
3. Easier Financing: If you’re waiting for home prices to decrease, don’t. The mortgage changes in 2014 could make it harder to get financing. If you’re waiting for home prices to drop, you could miss your window to secure a mortgage entirely. Plus economists believe home prices will increase by at least 6% nationwide.
4. Lower sales could mean higher inventory: This year, housing sales have been declining since September so inventory has finally increased. Many buyers wait to make purchases until after the busy holiday season, but you will have more options to choose from in your home search.
5. Maximize tax deductions: If you buy before the end of the year, you can begin deducting interest and building equity immediately. Some closing costs and points are tax deductible in the year you buy a home. If you choose to buy now, it allows you to include them on your 2013 tax return.
6. It’s not too late - We can do it! Prudential California Realty’s in-house escrow company, Affirmative Escrow is able to close your escrow by the end of the year – and having them on your team with make for a smooth transaction. So you can start enjoying the benefits of homeowership!

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in Ventura County, please visit www.prucalhomes.com to search for properties and find an agent!

Prudential California Realty Kicks Off Annual Toys For Tots Program!

This holiday season, the sales professionals of Prudential California Realty are excited to give back to the community by partnering with the Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of Realtors in support of the U.S Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program.  The Mission of the program is to deliver a new toy at Christmas that gives a message of hope to less fortunate children.


The program has already proven to be a huge success in the community with generous donations by many local residents and businesses.  


Broker/Owner Bob Majorino of Prudential California Realty said, "Prudential considers itself a family-oriented organization.  Collecting donations for the Toys for Tots Program seems like a natural extension of what we try to do for our customers.  Toys For Tots is an incredible organization that does outstanding work for children throughout our community, and we are proud to support the organization.”


Prudential California Realty’s five offices in Ventura County have set up boxes to assist with the collection of unwrapped toys. These boxes will be available for donations from the public until pick up on December 14^th. To make a contribution to this wonderful, heartwarming cause, please visit www.prucalhomes.com to find the Prudential location nearest you.

Support The Annual Rishko Memorial Turkey Bowl

The seventh annual Shawn Rishko Memorial Turkey Bowl will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Thurs., Nov. 28, at the Oak Park High School football field,899 N. Kanan Road, Oak Park.

The Turkey Bowl is a community event in which former athletes from Oak Park High compete with each other in a flag football tournament. A trophy in memory of Shawn Rishko will be awarded to the top team.

Shawn, a 2002 OPHS graduate, played in the Turkey Bowl until he lost his life to depression at age 22.  His mother, Norine, works at Prudential California Realty as a transaction coordinator, and has rallied the agents together in support of the organization.  Throughout Prudential California Realty's 5 Ventura County offices, you will find raffle tickets for sale, and items for donation to the cause.

Norine Rishko, center, with founding Turkey Bowl members Monte McNair and Matt Koller (right) 

This event will benefit the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance Conejo Valley. DBSA has support meetings for teens and young adults from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at The Church of Epiphany, Room 6, Mitchel Hall, 5450 Churchwood Drive, Oak Park.

For meeting details, call Rachel Comer at (818) 601-7767 or email dbsaconejovalley@gmail.com.

Prudential California Realty evaluating name change option

Prudential California Realty could eventually become a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices affiliate, a switch that could change the face of real estate in Ventura County.

For now, the company’s five Ventura County offices owned by Bob Majorino will continue to operate under the Prudential California Realty brand.  “We are very proud of the Prudential name, and have loved the advantage of a 98% brand name recognition among consumers,” Majorino says.

Prudential affiliates that meet a production criteria have the option to join the Berkshire Hathaway franchise, according to Prudential California Realty Broker/Owner Bob Majorino.  With a decade left on his Prudential franchise, Majorino is comfortable with his position of not being pressured to make the conversion, giving the company time to watch how the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand evolves. 

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is the new real estate brokerage network operated by Irvine, Calif.-based HSF Affiliates LLC. It’s among the few organizations entrusted to use the name of its parent company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the conglomerate controlled by Omaha billionaire Warren Buffett.

Besides Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, HSF operates the Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. But Prudential franchises are not being renewed as they expire, Majorino says.

“To think about the opportunity to get on that ship (one with Buffett behind it) looks more than promising.  It could be an exciting venture for us,” Majorino says.  He expects to have more clarity about his office’s direction in the upcoming months.  “For now, it is business as usual as we evaluate all our options.”

It's Pumpkin Season

Check out these great tips for carving your Pumpkin!

Pumpkin Carving Tools

A serrated knife works well for creating a hole in the pumpkin. It's preferable to carve the hole in the bottom of the pumpkin to cut off any bumps so the pumpkin will sit level. It's also much easier to place the pumpkin over a light source. A large metal spoon or ice-cream scoop is great for removing pumpkin seeds. Small paring knives are great for carving designs into the pumpkin. Pumpkin-carving kits, made specifically for kids or adults, are another good source.

Preserving a carved pumpkin

Mold and dehydration are the two main contributors to pumpkin rot. Prevent both by covering the carved areas and interior of pumpkin with petroleum jelly. This will keep the pumpkin from drying out and will slow the growth of mold. Another option is to add a small amount of bleach to a spray bottle filled with water. Spray the pumpkin daily with the bleach mixture; the bleach fights mold while the water keeps the pumpkin from drying out too quickly. A cut pumpkin will only last for a few days to a week, so it's best to cut your pumpkin no earlier than a few days before your festivities.

Illuminating the pumpkin

The candle-free options are nearly endless for showcasing your pumpkin designs. Check stores for color-changing strobe lights, battery-operated tea lights and rainbow LEDs that are made specifically for pumpkins. Votive or pillar candles, placed on a plate that is large enough to catch any drips, are also an excellent option. A good tip when illuminating a pumpkin with a candle is to cut a small hole in the top of the pumpkin, like a chimney, allowing the heat to escape. Speaking of safety, a general reminder: Always exercise due caution whenever fire is involved.

Remember - The Real Estate Market Doesn't Have To Be Scary!
In the past few years, many homeowners who have considered moving felt the market was too uncertain. As a real estate professional, I’m thrilled to report a positive outlook for those who are thinking about buying or selling.  Contact your Ventura County Prudential California Real Estate Specialist today to learn about local market conditions or for a FREE no-obligation real estate consultation. Visit www.prucalhomes.com to contact your agent today.

Houzz Lets You Design Your Dream Home

Houzz is both a great app and website!  Get Inspired by photos of perfectly designed rooms, you can find a local design or remodeling professional, or get advice and decorating tips - many of the products you see will even provide you with direct links to buy them online.  Houzz allows you to assemble and organize your ideas and photos into idea books, that can be categorized into rooms.  

For more information on getting the home of your dreams, please visit www.prucalhomes.com today to search for homes and find a Ventura County Real Estate professional.

Making the Most of Small Kitchens

Many people complain about small kitchens but tiny spaces aren't always to be dreaded. If you're selling your home and your kitchen is, well, compact, know that you can find ways to achieve big appeal with a little creativity.

Bring in the light. Sometimes small kitchens can be dark, making them feel even smaller. But if you remove the curtains from any windows in your small kitchen, it'll let light in and open up the area. Instead of curtains, you can use small blinds that are recessed inside the frame of the window. These are easy to clean and still provide some privacy even when the blinds are open.

De-Clutter the counter tops and the walls. Most people have a tendency to let kitchen clutter build up on the counter tops and walls. Take the appliances and either store them in the kitchen cabinets or, if there isn't enough room, pack them up. You're moving soon, anyway. Clearing off photos and miscellaneous papers that are stuck on your refrigerator door or kitchen walls will also help make your kitchen look bigger. The same goes for hanging pot racks from the ceiling. Be sure to leave some open wall space and to use storage units that aren't completely solid. The open units, if the shelves aren't stuffed, will give a less closed-in feeling.


Opt for lighter and brighter wall color. Going with lighter colors tends to open up a room. Light and bright colors are also very inviting and friendly, making them a perfect choice for the kitchen. You can use a darker accent trim to create some contrast. You can also use decorations including floral arrangements or even some colorful kitchen appliances to add spice to the kitchen.

Wall-mounted appliances and reduced counter-top depth. Wall-mounted or under-the-cabinets-mounted appliances can save valuable kitchen counter-top space. You might even have a way to wall-mount your kitchen faucet. In one small home design, the faucet was mounted to the wall, creating a very distinctive look. The counter-top was a standard 24 inches deep but elsewhere the counter-top was reduced just slightly down to 21 inches–very subtle and hardly noticeable but it allowed more floor space in a tiny kitchen.  
From the Realty Times Feature Article by Phoebe Chongchua

Please contact your agent for other helpful tips on keeping your home in buyer-ready condition.  With five offices throughout Ventura County, Prudential California Realty is independently owned and operated. Please visit www.prucalhomes.com to find an agent.