Xtend Barre Carlsbad is located in Carlsbad Village Faire, upstairs across from Vinaka Cafe.  Your first class is always free to try it and see what everyone’s talking about.  For first time clients, there are two current specials running… one month unlimited for $125 or three months unlimited (to REALLY get that bikini body) for $400.

Come take a class.  See what everyone’s talking about.  It’s hard, fun, and WORKS!  I truly believe that if every girl in Carlsbad knew something could work like this, every girl in Carlsbad would be doing it!

It has tons of upgrades to make it one of the most sought after homes in La Costa Oaks.

• Custom Hard Wood Floors – with Beautiful Entryway Medallion
• A Spiral Staircase, Overlooking the Foyer
• Gorgeous White Cabinets
• Stunning, Neutral Granite Counters
• Professional Grade Stainless Appliances
• Double Oven
• Mini Television in the Kitchen
• Luxurious Master Bath
• Three Car Garage

If you would like to see this La Costa Oaks home, please contact Mike Mewborn at (858) 205-2000 to schedule a time.  If you are interested in other La Costa Oaks homes, please contact The Mewborn Team.

Every month we at the Mewborn Team get out into our local community to partner with local businesses to bring you value and also give them free exposure.

This month we would like to welcome Yogurt Dream in the Henry’s shopping center to our family..!  If you bring in our March newsletter you will receive a free 8oz frozen yogurt treat.  Yogurt Dream is located at: 3263 Camino de los Coches Carlsbad, CA 92009.  Their number is 760 944-7073.

For a copy of this month’s newsletter, feel free to download the attached:

LCO Newsletter – MAR 10

Last month we partnered with La Costa Grill for 20% off of your entire bill including beverages.  The promotion goes through the end of this month.  For copies of back issues, please contact us and we’ll be happy to drop one off.

In the coming months look for more great values from partners like Jazzercise, Enoteca Zin and Casa de Bandini.

Mike & Amy

Is it enough to really encourage the banks to be more cooperative in a short sale environment?  Probably not.  Will it encourage more homeowners to attempt to short sell their house versus a foreclosure – maybe. 

In a Carlsbad short sale, the homeowner normally can not afford to keep making the payments.  Maybe they have contacted the lender and asked for a modification and the lender couldn’t help them.   So, rather than walking away from the property and letting it go to foreclosure, they attempt to sell the property for less than is owed on it.  They normally live in the property (payment free) until the sale is completed.

This is beneficial to the lenders because vacant foreclosures are often ransacked – by angry property owners, or vandals, bringing down the price of the home even further.  It is beneficial to the homeowner because it reports more positively on their credit report. 

For More Information on Carlsbad Short Sales vs. Carlsbad Foreclosures…

The second part of the list would be things you don’t necessarily need but want – a garage, an updated kitchen, or an extra room for an office. By setting the expectation that there probably is no such thing as the perfect house, you will recognize that house that gives you everything you need, and most of what you want, all within your budget.

If you have any questions, please contact The Mewborn Team.  We are always happy to help you refine your criteria or steer you in the right direction.

Use professional help

But your home purchase is so much more than getting online and finding your home.   Your agent has access to what is currently for sale, as well as what is currently under contract or recently sold.  Your agent will be able to take this information and schedule time to see the properties, determine pricing, and negotiate on your behalf.

Your home purchase will be one of the biggest investments you will ever make.  Your agent is someone who knows the contract, has experience negotiating, and will walk you through the entire process to ensure that your transaction closes, and you get the house you want!

Know how much you can afford
If the housing crisis proved anything, it’s that just because a lender says you can afford something, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can.  No one can be responsible for your finances but you. To avoid this mistake, create a budget, and try to stick to it.  A good rule of thumb is to devote no more than a third of your monthly household income to housing costs (which include mortgage principal, interest, taxes, and insurance).

In addition to your monthly budget, be sure to keep in mind that there are closing costs, appraisal fees, homeowner’s insurance, utilities, and repairs, and maintenance.  Keep in mind these expenses before you commit to more than you can afford.

Getting Preapproved
After you’ve cleaned up your credit as much as possible, it’s time to contact a lender and determine how much you can afford. You will have to provide your credit report, your W-2’s pay stubs, and bank, and investment statements. By getting preapproved, you will save yourself the time and disappointment by looking at homes you know you can afford, rather than getting your heart set on that “perfect” home that is our of your price range. Also, it will put you in a better position to negotiate when you find that right home.

If you have any questions, please contact us. We are always happy to answer your questions or point you to a professional who may be able to help you in your individual situation.

This week will be a series of five things you can do to be prepared to buy your first home.

Check your credit report and score
You’ve spent hours online looking for the perfect house.  You’re ready to get out and walk through an open house.  But before you set aside time to start touring homes, get your credit report – a full one that includes your score.  You can access your credit report once every 12 months at www.annualcreditreport.com.  But even if you have to pay for a credit report, that $10 could save you thousands of dollars over the course of your mortgage.  In 2010, you need a credit score of over 700 to qualify for the best mortgage rates.  By reviewing your credit report a few months ahead of time, you can correct any mistakes, increase your score, and reduce your mortgage payments!

Carlsbad, CA

In today’s real estate market, more and more people are looking foreclosure out of both necessity and financial strategy.  If you give back your house, they can’t still hold you accountable for the loan, can they? 

Although California is a non-recourse state that typically says no – more and more banks are finding themselves successful in recouping losses from borrowers who refinanced their homes and used the funds for things other than improving the home itself!

In addition to the more severe credit penalties, a debt on a house you don’t even own anymore is really making foreclosures less desirable.  If you can not afford to make the payment on your home, you really may want to talk to a real estate professional about the possibility of a short sale instead.  In a short sale, you actually sign documents with the lender, releasing yourself from the obligation of the loan.  If you have any questions at all about your possibilities of a foreclosure or short sale, please contact The Mewborn Team.  We would be happy to schedule a no obligation marketing consultation.