The Fed & Mortgage Interest Rates
Although the Federal Reserve influences and sets monetary policy, the fed does not directly set mortgage rates. Interest rates change daily. And in some cases, these rates change several times in one day. Similar to the stock market and stocks, interest rates fluctuate from the buying and selling of bonds and mortgage-backed securities. The Federal Reserve aims to influence the economy, inflation and employment levels through its monetary policy. It is through their policy of buying or selling government securities, such as bonds, that influences the price and trickles down to mortgage rates. But savvy traders are always looking to take advantage of monetary policy in advance of the fed's action. Based on Federal Reserve reports, the market will react prior to any monetary change. Because of this we often times see rates react dramatically in anticipation of expected moves by the fed. It is always a good idea to speak with your local mortgage lender to get an idea of the trend in rates. Your local lending professional can see on a daily basis the trends taking place in the mortgage interest rate market.
Andy Boron of Augusta Financial 291-2242

Stunning Estate in Sand Canyon
You won't want to miss this captivating, grand single-story pool home with an excellent end-of-street location. Boasting a huge lot with RV parking, your new four-bed, four-bath, plus-office home is approximately 4,264 square feet. Gander at the gorgeous classic formal living and dining rooms and then saunter to the game room - complete with a bar! The efficient kitchen features stainless-steel appliances, granite counter tops, pull outs in the cabinets, a double oven, a sub-zero refrigerator, walk-in pantry with sub-zero freezer and so much more. The newer tile is so pretty! Every bedroom has a walk-in closet and secondary bedrooms have their own baths. The fantastic private yard includes a sparkling pool and spa as well as two fabulous fire pits. There are two air conditioning units for your comfort, plus two water heaters, a central vacuum and soft-water unit, too. Bonus: This home has tons of storage throughout the house and garage. You won't be disappointed! Listed at $1,199,000.
Kathy Watterson of RE/MAX Santa Clarita knows that relationships matter. Put her 28 years of experience to work for you. 510-0321

Real Estate Update
There are currently 374 total active properties available in Santa Clarita. In my over 20 years of doing real estate, I can't recall a time when we have had this little to offer buyers. We have less a month's worth of inventory! What we're seeing is good homes coming on the market that are priced appropriately being sold in two days with multiple offers and over list price. There are a ton of buyers who are waiting for more homes to come on the market because interest rates are still great but there isn't anything for them to purchase. That means that this is an incredible time to sell.

Gorgeous Arroyo West Townhome
This extremely-desirable upper two-bedroom-plus-loft model features an upgraded kitchen with granite counters, stainless-steel appliances and wood flooring. Both bathrooms have been remodeled with custom tile showers, newer tile tubs, granite counters and decorative lighting and mirrors. The cozy family room features a fireplace with stone exterior and vaulted ceilings. The unit has plantation shutters, newer HVAC, an open and light floorplan with three separate patio areas, a one-car garage and one additional assigned parking space. The washer and dryer are located in the unit, too. Listed at $380,000
Listed with Mike Hrezo of Hrezo & Associates/RE/MAX of Santa Clarita 212-9900

HOAs & Parking
Parking within an HOA can often be contentious and frustrating. Often times, communities are in a difficult position, as space is limited within the development. No matter how inadequate the space, effective communication and research is important in making parking a success within a community. The key to communication is making sure the community's best interests are in mind. This can be done by keeping the community informed of new parking rules being considered and gathering the community's opinion through surveys or town hall meetings. The key to research involves vetting the right security company that best fits the needs of the community. This can be done by calling references of similar communities and acquiring a Request for Proposal from several security companies. Updating the parking signs, citing the parking code and making sure the governing documents for the community fall in line with what is being enforced ensures that the homeowners and tenants in the community stay informed of changes. Availability of parking attracts new buyers, keeps the current homeowners satisfied, and, in specific situations, may be an income generator for the HOA.
National Property Management Group has over 30 years of experience in parking procedure and is ready to help. 295-5966, extension 102