NEWS
The word news comes from the directions of the compass. North, East,West,South.
Many people do not know this. There are many things about the Clear View home that
are not visible to the naked eye, but are the qualities that make all the difference in
this home. Did you know that most raised hearths in any home are not made of the same
granite as the Kitchen surfaces?
My Blog
Why Hollywood comes to Apple Valley and five reason you should to.
Just a list of names. A List of some of the most Some ot them you will know and recoginze others are lesser lights yet maked the history of this town Called Apple Valley.
You will remember Clark Gable. and He was an acadamy award winning actor Born 1901 and died 1960. Romance and Rumors about his visits to the Yucca Loma Ranch(a home with a metal sign stands as one of the last remnants of the Yucca Loma Ranch-it is still occupied today) With one Carrol Lombard B1908 -D1942 (she was in over 81 movies a real silver screen actress)
Movies Stars and other celebrates have come to Apple Valley. Here is a list: Chuck Connors(The Rifleman, Branded also a Professional Celtic Basketball player,
Dean Martin (Teamed with Jerry Lewis and sang Thats Amore when the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie)
Desi Arnas(team player with Luci Ball),
Raymond Burr(Perry Mason, Ironside) Anthony Quinn(Zorba the Greek)
, Ceasar Romero(The Joker in the TV Series Batman, Fred MacMurray(My Three Sons, The Shaggy Dog, the Absent minded Professor) , Red Shelton (The Red Shelton Show).
However, perhaps the most famous name associated with the town of Apple Valley is that ofLeonard Franklin Slye in his trade name known as Roy Rogers. With Newt Bast and others he opened the Apple Valley Inn. Real estate in town was associated with his presence. Back in the fifties a name and personality like his was a drawing card for Land and improved purchase.
What will Draw the Stars to Apple Valley Today. Well Cuba Gooding Attended Apple Valley High School, but that was just growing up before he was a star.
Maybe Stars won't come to Apple Valley for escape. But what about you? What are the Reasons you should come to and live in Apple Valley?
Reason #1 The Cost of Living. Plain and Simple you can buy a lot of house for less money than most anywhere else connected to the Riverside, San Bernardino,Los Angeles area. We have plenty of jobs here and more coming to the general area. Jobs= a better economy.
Reason #2 The Quality of Air. Yes it is better on this side of the Cajon Pass. Winds blow. The smog just doesn't come up here as much. You feel better and you breathe better when you aren't fighting air toxins. You skin looks better and you can run the mile in better time.
Reason #3 Your Children. We have a varity of Schools Public and Private. We have Charter schools. We have teachers who want to live here. We have a tax base that is growing and we are attracting new businesses like super WalMart, Super Target, Starbucks, Loews, Home Depot as well as medical centers.
Reason #4 Location and Recreation. Apple Valley is located in Southern California's High Desert region and is part of the Victor Valley in the county of San Bernardino. We are within a 30-minute drive of mountain ski resort or desert hiking area. A two-hour drive puts you at the beach or Disneyland, Los Angeles, Hollywood or Palm Springs. Off roading is in the area. You can Visit a Ghost towns or Camp Kady.
Reason #5 More Scenery. Apple Valley has Wonder Views. A light rain invites a dusting of snow on the mountains. When the desert is in bloom there is a quality of beauty that is delicate and charming. All in all there is more beauty in Apple Valley for you and your family to discover.
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Small House and Sq Footage lies
I listed a house today. 22840 Pahute Road Apple Valley, Ca 92308. For me, it is the smallest house I have listed so far. 853 sq ft. 2 beds 1 bath. lot sq ft 55352. There is no Air Conditioning- just two Evaporative coolers. One on the Roof and One in the Master Bedroom. There is a wall unit for heating, but the real heater of the home is the wood burning stove in the living room. Just add a few pieces of wood and some kindling and you will have a fire hot enough to drive you out of the building. A one car garage- attached with washer and dryer hookups. There is enough room on the property that you can park all the TOYS and RV's you want. What about the View? You have in the distance the Ord mountians and the San Bernardino National Forest.
Now down to the finance! What is the Listing Price $225000. That is a bargain. You are in a nice area of Apple Valley. You are close enough to Churches, Restaurants, Golf Courses and shopping. Very Soon a new Cinema- the first of its kind will be only a half mile away.
So what is the lie? It costs 270 a sq ft for living in this house. You and I would never pay that much a square foot for a 2000 sq ft home. But we will for a SMALL House.
Why is that? Here is one simple way of thinking. The most expensive parts of a Home? The Kitchen and the Bath room usually fit that description. Every house has a bathroom and a kitchen. The other rooms of the house simply cost less to produce. If you are not sure, ask this question- which is cheaper to remodel a bedroom or a kitchen? Which is cheaper to add a kitchen or a bedroom. The answer will always be ( all things being equal) a bedroom is cheaper to add.
So the Next time you are in Apple Valley and you want to see a good buy... DRIVE By 22840 Pahute Road Apple Valley and check out my listing! If you want a virtual tour-- take a look!
http://tours.justsnooping.com/2275259/
Exit Desert Ocean Realty
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Five Day Escrow and the fun of getting it done
Normally in a residential real estate deal, a thirty day, forty-five day escrow is common. It is not uncommon to hear of escrows running for 5-6-7 months if there are contengencies. This last week I took the challenge of a five day escrow. Why? The people selling, wanted to more now. The people buying were going to be out of town in eight days and gone for over 2 months. So with the permission of all parties, we took the step. Here is the outline:
1) I knew the sellers that is the title on the prelim should come up clear.
2) I knew the buyers were going to do cash, had proof of cash and had purchased several properties before.
3) I knew the deal was good for both buyer and seller.
4) I knew my support people in title, escrow, termite, home inspection, etc. If there were snags they would pull together.
I called on Saturday(offer in hand and accepted) checked with a key person about the timing and on Monday with the permission of the listing agent opened escrow with instructions about a 5- day.
Does something happen that you can't control. Yes, Jess Ranch, in Apple Valley there is something that is always unforseen. My first in Jess Ranch- what about HOA's- no problem. What about approval from company on the people buying- Jess Ranch is a secure 55 plus only community. I didn't know that. But no worry. The people buying at Jess Ranch were already owners in Jess Ranch. The little wrinkle would go away.
I have heard of a 3 day escrow. Only heard. I believe I did about the say amount of work on a five day and maybe a little less by being forced to be more efficient.
When will you try one? Get all your Ducks in a Row. Have a good team of support people and then go for it! I have had some response to this blog. Another Agent wrote about a ten day escrow. I have shared with several people at Exit Desert Ocean Realty in Victorville about the escrow. Most of them are amazed. How could it happen so quickly? Well, Knowledge is power and the correct application of knowledge is really powerful. I am still learning and will continue.
Thanks Val
Exit Desert Ocean Realty
World Vision would love your support of a child
Connecting with Other Real Estate Agents
I have a goal in mind. It is a huge level playing field of agents all working for the same purpose. The sale of real estate more effectively through the cooperation of agents. It is interesting to me that in the State of California the sale of real estate is not an adversarial sport. In other words, when you are allowed to represent the buyer and the seller as long as you maintain your ethics and legal matters it is fine. Think about that, it is not adversarial. Now I know that we present it as so. Many of the coaching company teach approaches and dialogues for agents that talk about "protecting your hard earned equity"(you and I know that most equity is pure luck- you happened to be in the right house, in the right market and it went up because of many different reasons, the least of which is that you worked hard). Have you ever double ended a deal? Do you know of any one who has? Did you ever see or hear of the dialogue of protecting the equity of the seller or trying really hard to negotiate the best deal for the buyer? It would be a conversation of talking with yourself. Enough of that! I know that my experience here in the High desert (apple valley, Hesperia, Victorville,Phelan) has been a varied one. Many agents I work with, I only work with once. And so the playing field starts all over again.
What is the purpose of working with an agent?
Here is a list of promises that I make publically to other realtors on many of the websites I create for my clients (check out www.12820rochester.com or www.20829-Sitting-Bull.com for examples)
You ,like me, work with a team of Professionals to provide the quality of service your client desires and deserves. I consider you one of the most important parts of the teamwork.
So here are my promises to you:
1) Put the clients interest first
2)Help you be successful in the transfer of the Property
3)Work hard for a smooth transition(know where the tough spots are or be aware of them when they come up)
4)Always treat you respectfully( I mean it, even when things don't go right)
5)Return your phone calls, faxes, emails in a timely manner
6)Share any ideas that would make you more successful in Real Estate
7)Keep informed about legal matters and correct use of CAR forms.
8) Refer my clients to you, when it is in their best interest to have a local realtor working for them. ( I beleive all real estate is local.other agent?
So with that said, How many agents do I like to connect with? My current count in my Top Producer mass email is about 4,400 agents. It does keep me busy but when there is a deal. It is great. Many agents say they feel like they know me already. (please this is not about me, I am a ego defacing type of person) I also have an independant contractor as an assistant, She personally emails top agents who work for top agencies down in the LA basin. Yes it is worth it to me to pay someone to take the extra step to help in the sale of my clients property.
Thanks for reading
Exit Desert Ocean Realty
Thanks for thinking about World Vision
High Desert and High Trust Selling.
Here are some thoughts on a current author and book about selling. The outline come from the book the thoughts, come from your truly
I recieved this outline from one of my Lenders. It is all about High Trust Selling. This is a book written by Todd Duncan. He has also written Killing the sale: the ten fatal mistakes salespeople make and how to avoid them.
Here are the Six laws of High Trust Selling:
Law 1 - The Law of the Iceberg: The truest measure of your success is invisible to your clients. What you do behind the scenes, the hard work is what makes it look easy in front of the client.
Law 2 - The Law of the Summit : Your direction is a result of your perception.Where are you going, Will you lead by the past or the place in the future that you are going to?
Law 3 - The Law of the Shareholder: Successful sales people buy stock in themselves. Have you invested in yourself. what courses, time, memorization, training, coaching, health, spirituality, emontion determination have you put into yourself.
Law 4 - The Law of the Ladder: The success you achieve is directly related to the steps you conceive.Inch by inch everthing is a cinch. How do you eat an elephant- one bite at a time or invite the whole village to help.
Law 5 - The Law of Leverage: You're less likely to fail when you've told others you will succeed.Put yourself under that positive pressure of announcing your goals to everyone you meet. You are holding yourself accountable and reinforcing the direction of your life. you will also inspire those around your to reach higher and go farther. Who knows they might become your partners in achieving more success than you could imagine.
Law 6 - The Law of the Hourglass: You must make your moves before your time runs out.Do it now, Do it now, Do it now, There is no time like the present, all we have is now. It is too early to quite. Other are depending on you. You have a legacy to leave. Do it now, Do it Now. DO IT NOW! DO IT NOW DO IT NOW
I find that reading and reflecting on ideas in books is a great way to get more information. I will not live long enough to make all the mistakes I need to in order to live this life to the fullest potential. So I am counting of the mistakes of others. I hope they make lots of them and share the lessons of life from them.
When I think about selling real estate, Land, Houses, whether here in Apple Valley, Victorville, the High desert or in Sadona Az where I just got back from. Trust is the most basic element. I fell that trust boils down to three aspects, Character, Competence, and Compatibility. Of the three character is always first. But consider, I know that your character is trustworthy but you are a carpenter by trade and I wouldn't ask you to perform surgery on me. Competence is second and important. But consider, you can operate , you have the seven years of schooling that allow you to practice medicene. However, you are a mean and unkind person. I won't let you touch me if I have anything to say because you are not likeable. It seems simple and is hard. Trust in selling is an art and science and a continual study. Even the Teacher is humble knowing that he doesn't know.
Adelanto and Growth and the High desert
Let me introduce you to ONE of the five most influential High Desert Leaders. He has a vision of what their city should be. He understands that many different forces are impacting the High desert.
For the City of Adelanto: Mayor Charlie Vasper. I heard him speak recently at the High desert Ecomonic Summit. This is a unique event and in it five Mayors spoke. Here is the gist of what Mayor Vasper said:
What would surprise you about Adelanto? It has the top producing State Brothers in all of Southern Calif. That means it is really pulling in business and doesn't have much in the way of competition. I have not confirmed that information however if you physically drive to the town center of Adelanto it will make sense. There are no other major Groceries with in several miles. Stater Brothers is the big box of several other stores. Adelanto expects a 56% population increase aby 2030! They are annexing county land in the North because Lewis builders is building a community there. PFF BAnk is opening a branch there soon. Phaze II of the Market Place is underway with many name-brand stores and restaurants. Target is coming to adelanto. Hanson Pre-cast is coming and will employ 100 People!
It shouldn't surprise anyone that now is a good time to look at Adelanto for investment, or personal home purchase or bringing a business to town.
So at the recent High Desert Economic Summit mayor Charlie Vasper was pretty optomistic.
However, with Kudo's to the mayor, I always think of one thing. The Mayor comes and goes. Who is the City Planner of Adelanto? How long has be been there? How effectively has he carried out the directions of the city council? I don't have answers, just interest. If anybody know the city planner of adelanto- I would appreaciate some information. I am curious about the permit on mobile homes and regular homes. and about resales.
The Follwoing is From a Website on Adelanto
Median household income below state average.
Median house value significantly below state average.
Unemployed percentage above state average.
Hispanic race population percentage significantly above state average.
Median age significantly below state average.
Foreign-born population percentage above state average.
Length of stay since moving in significantly below state average.
House age significantly below state average.
Institutionalized population percentage significantly above state average.
Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher significantly below state average.
Population density significantly below state average for citi
Adelanto currenty has over 400 homes listed
Adelanto is a place where a client recently asked about the value of his vacant land.
Adelanto is close SCLA.
Exit Desert Ocean Realty
Zones Apple Valley, where have all the condo's gone?
From the very start, I will confess some real ignorance at the issue of zoning. Don't get me wrong, I understand that every town, like Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville should/must have a master plan. I know that the primary purpose of the current zoning map and future zoning map as part of a master plan protray the planning commissioners concern for seismic issues, streets, highways, easements, height restrictions,districts and the quality of living with buffer zones parks, and medical and shopping issues.I also know that zoning is the policing power of local government that controls the use of the property. It does not control the ownership of the property.
What I am curious about concerning Apple Valley is the direction of the Growth. Where is the better potential for increased value of property?
Every investor, is or becomes an expert at the issue of the zoning map. Even a person who just flips property,who by nature of flipping is more a speculator than an investor wants to know and understand the zoning map.
Here are some of my zoning map questions. How do you judge the potential future of Apple Valley since we do not have a future zoning map. Does it help to say that the whole and entire of Apple Valley is in redevelopement? (in my mind that is like cleaning and waxing and washing the inside and outside of a car all at the same time-Should there be more focus?) Redevelopement is usually for the purpose of rehabing run down areas. We do consider all of apple Valley Run Down? No. However there are impacts upon the town that benefit with the widening of roads.
In These questions, I am not trying to bring into criticism the current Mayor Rick Roelle or the town council of Apple Valley. I have a simple and particular interest in zoning. Condo Conversion.
On the books/records of Apple Valley since 1988 when it was incorporated there has not been one condo conversion. Think about that... that is almost 20 years. With the prices of home ownership going up and up. It is obvious that affordable housing for entry level, first time buyers is going to be even more scarce. While much of the High Desert is the last real affordable hope for many buyers, Condo's and condo conversion is a real opportunity for meeting need and renovated areas of Apple Valley.
Perhaps checking into a variance would be helpful. Although a variance is commonly used for the purpose of a hardship situation of a private individual. Variances do set a precedent of sorts . A Variance provides a reasonable conformity of the building structures. So take a six plex and make it into a condo. And do not ask for more garaged parking, simply ask for more spaces of parking off street.
Could Spot zoning be used in several small areas to pin point condo conversions that would not adversely affect and in fact might benefit the area? Pride of ownership is still a main reason for caring for the property you dwell in. Incorporated in 1988 and no condo conversions. Am I seeing a possible Gold Mine? If you taken the time to read this and you are an investor and you need someone who has an interest----All the Best Val
Exit Desert Ocean Realty
World Vision Changes Childrens Lives
What is so Special About 29 Palms?
Have you taken a drive out to Twentynine Palms lately? I have. I got what I would consider a guided tour. No fee, informal and highly informative. What a surprise.
In Victorville where I work,we have the remains of the old, closed George air-force base. Yesterday I drove by the military housing. True is has not been maintained for 16 years. But what hit me was the size and quality of the homes. They were what I would call typical housing for military. Yes much better than the galvanized steel of Quansite huts my folks lived in during WWII. However, was I surprised when comparing to the size and quality of the housing that I saw in 29 palms for the military. To say the least the homes for our armed services certainly honors them and changes my perspective on what I thought it would be.
These are nice homes. As a realtor, I would have no problem marketing such a home or such a neighborhood.
But More, Something else surprised me about 29 palms. I recently downloaded and read the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command at 29 Palms 2006 Economic impact statement. ( I did this because I have taken a great ten commercial property listing in 29 Palms) In the report, once I read the Mission and the History, there are numerous details, so to the point. Between the Military, the civilians dedicated to the Marine base and the construction work going on. There is a payroll in excess of $400 million a year. Wow! That is a huge ecomonic engine by any standard.
But there is more and this one I haven't verified but my source but I believe it to be reliable. If you have every driven to twenty-nine Palms and looked at those palms and the water that comes out of the ground at that natural oasis, it might cause you to consider the following: The water Table is about 30 feet, yes 30 feet not 100 or 200 and the water available is measured for 300 to 1000 years. That's years, not acre feet or whatever. That is the water that is there, with not any question of replenishing that water table. I can only imagine that it has sources to be replenished. (In my tour, we drove by the Jimmy Cagney estate and saw a five million gallon water tank.)
Have you taken a drive out to twenty-nine Palms lately? There is more than meets the eye. So ask yourself why is Starbucks, Kragen, Rite Aid, and Walgreens building in 29 Palms? They don't make mistakes with locations of their business.
I had one former resident (military) make a positive comment about my blog. Not the blog itself but about the difference in 29 Palms.
You might consider investing in 29 Palms and catch the wave before the wave begins.
Hope you found this blog interesting
Have you considered supporting a child in World Vision?
Meeting people, San Bernardino County Fair, and Real Estate
Where do people go to talk about real estate in an open atmosphere where you feel carefree and not pressured? Well, just perhaps, at the Diamond Anniversary Celebration of the San Bernardino County Fair. 60 years in the making and still drawing crowds and headliner's. According to the new promotional company TMG Communications this will be a very revved up event-one you don't want to miss.
I have attended the fair for the past few years, because I have worked on a Dairy/Corn-Soybean Farm in Iowa and we went to the state fair. I go for good memories and to make some more. I love to take my family. You know it ends up being kind of a family tradition.
But this one is more, I was invited along with 300 other high desert community leaders to attend the First Annual Region Wide Business networking Reception just this past April 18th. This event was a tremendous success. Quote:"The Fair is definitely going to be something special this year and we certainly encourage you to bring the family, join friends and make some memories."
So who will be at the Fair?
Are you ready to raise your hands and shout out Y M C A with the village people?
Which Group walks the line between comedy antics and some serious r&b/rock music? The Coasters Will be at the Fair. Our high desert local group Phat Cat Sweingers will be the openers for the Coasters. Another Strong american Rock band known for powerful ballards REO Speedwagon will be at the fair. County male vocalist nominee Craig Morgan will crave out a special place in your heart.
Oh Yes, motorized events, and Dj's and demolition derby,and animals: cows, pigs, chickens, lambs and these are simply the best in the place. They are raised with care and displayed with pride.
People from all over Apple Valley, Victorville, Hesperia, Phelan, West Cajon, Adelanto, Lucrene- all over San Bernadino county will come to the High Desert for this yearly event and then....
Elizabeth Hilyard of Exit Desert Ocean Realty is heading up a small army of Realtors from Exit Desert Ocean Realty to be at the Fair. As Elizabeth says " make people feel welcome, talk to them, ask how is it going." If you are lucky you will get to meet Elizabeth yourself. She is an awesome Realtor and person. But you also will get to meet one or two or three of the over 100 realtors of Exit Desert Ocean Realty. Check them out at www.exithomepage.com So if you like the attraction of the fair. If you like to see things that you usually don't get to see. If you like to hear some great perfomers come to the fair. The Diamond Celebration will come only once and it is slated to be a great time.
Who knows you might met someone new and think about buying or selling a house, an investment or a piece of vacant land all while you are at the fair.
Thanks for reading Val
Exit Desert Ocean Realty
Have you consider the impact of World Vision?
Meet the Mayor the City of Adelanto
It is the High Desert, The city is Adelanto Is located next to, Around the 395 corridor. If you have never heard of it, it is okay. But Wait a while and watch the giant that is about to waken. Median age is 26 years young.
I heard Charlie Vasper the current mayor of Adelanto speak about this town and obvious love for it.
Do you know where the top producing Stater Brothers is???? Where does "the Low Price Leader in Your Home Town" rake the dough in? That's right, right in Adelanto. Can you imagine that? The largest employer in San Bernardino has its most successful store in "who ever heard of" Adelanto. That means it is number one out of the 160 full service markets. Leo and Cleo Stater, the twin who started Staters Bros. would be proud. But then so is the current Owner Jack Brown, Ceo.
Adelanto can boast about being the fastest growing city of the Victor Valley in the last decade, achieving an increase of 113% growth in its population.
According to Mayor Vasper, they expect a 56% population growth by 2030! They are redoing El Mirage Road Right now. The piece of crumpled road is an important link between Antelope Valley and Victorville. They are expanding Fire and Police services. Also expanding is the sewer and water supply/capacity.
Annexation is coming. County land north because Lewis is building a community there. Lewis and Stirling propose 20663 homes North of Adelanto to house the coming workers to SCLA.
"President/CEO Kevin McCarthy commented, "PFF Bank & Trust is now extending its branch footprint to our High Desert communities. New branches, already approved in Apple Valley and Hesperia, will join the new Adelanto branch in further developing our deposit and loan franchise in this thriving region."
PFF Bank considers Adelanto a Thriving Region.
In addition, Dairy Queen International, Subway, Chicago Deli, Ultra Mar Gas and Chevron Truck Stop have submitted plans or begun construction
Target is coming to Adelanto. Not just a Target but a super Target.
Hanson pre-cast the nations largest Pre cast provider is coming and will employ 385 to 400 people.
Mayor Vasper had more to say, Like a Father with a new child, he beamed and spoke positively of the future and the present of his beloved town Adelanto.
Much of this information was gleaned at the most recent High Desert Economic Summit.
Thanks For Reading
Val with Exit Desert Ocean Realty
World Vision makes a difference.
Meet the Mayor of the City of Apple Valley
Rick Roelle from Apple Valley gave this speech at the most recent High Desert Economic Summit.
He touched on so many key issues and growth for Apple Valley. However, in case you miss it he gave us a website www.applevalleyprojectfiles.com to look further into what is important and what is happening in Apple Valley.
Highlights Despite the slower housing market, over 8000 lots are in process right now.
Apple Valley is Focused on correcting a Leakage Problem. A Tax Leakage Problem because 70% of the tax revenue is going to other cities. Therefore Apple Valley is focused on retail.
Commercial Growth has increased 150% in the last 3 years.
Big Box Stores: Home Depot, Lowes are coming or are open.
Brand names like Panda express, Apple Bees, Mervyns, Pet Smart, Big 5 will open soon at the Jess Ranch Market Place. But more, Bed bath and Beyond, 24 hour fitness, Red Robin are coming.
Target is building and the current Walmart will morph into Super Walmart. All close to The Civic Center.
Apple Valley Road is now extended to Falchion. There are other bigger jobs that will require the cooperation of local and state governments....
It is an exciting time to be in Apple Valley. Will they encourage you to grow? The industrial area all around the airport is ready for growth... you can pull permits in as little as 120 days! Someone, The council, Rick is cutting the red tape and getting things going.
You might consider getting a Piece of the Apple. This is a place where professionals live. Doctors and Lawyers live in Apple Valley. A home here that costs $500,000 would easily cost $2 million or more in the L A Basin.
Thanks For Reading
Val Rensink Exit Desert Ocean Realty