S&P/Case Shiller Home Prices – Best Increase Since 2006
Home Prices Increase
The just released S&P/Case Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas gained 1% in January on a month-on-month basis. But, the big news was that the 20 cities index climbed 8.1 % on a year-over-year basis! Read more 
San Diego Home Prices Increase
San Diego Home Prices
The San Diego Association of Realtors just reported that San Diego County home increased 14% — from $360,000 to $410,000 – between February 2012 and February 2013. This is the first time in two years that the median price of a home in the San Diego area crossed the $400,000 level.
San Diego condominium prices Read more
First Fair Housing App
Fair Housing App
HUD launches first fair housing app
The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently launched the first housing discrimination mobile application (app) for iPhone and iPad. Developed by HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) and Hewlett Packard (HP), the app uses the latest technology to provide consumers with a quick and easy way to learn about their housing rights and to file housing discrimination complaints, and inform the housing industry about its responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act. Read more
Real Estate Tax Free Exchanges – Section 1031
Real Estate Tax Free Exchanges
If you own investment property. There is a very popular alternative to just selling the property and paying the taxes due. This is called a 1031 exchange. The 1031 is referring to the section of the tax code that deals with these types of exchanges. Now, I should say that being a real estate broker, I am not allowed to advise clients on legal or tax matters concerning the sale of any real estate. But, what I am allowed to advise is that if you own investment type property rather than do an outright sale, it would probably be well worth the consultation fee to first talk with your certified public accountant and or legal advisor as to whether or not a 1031 tax-free exchange would it be appropriate in your particular circumstance. Read more