REAL ESTATE NEWS AND HOMEOWNERS TIPS
NOVEMBER 2007
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Time to Take Action and Move Ahead


This article recently ran in the Ventura County Star. The reason we’re including it in the Community Report is because we want to make certain that everyone is aware of the genuine state of the real estate market. We’re very proud that Bob Majorino will be running an ongoing column called, “The Real Deal” in The Star. The success of Prudential California Realty is no coincidence. Mr. Majorino consistently and genuinely has his finger firmly on the pulse.

Time to Take Action and Move Ahead
By Bob Majorino
Broker/owner, Prudential California Realty

There has been a lot of negative buzz lately regarding the state of the current real estate climate. This market certainly offers challenges, but it also offers a lot of opportunities. This is NOT the time to band together and simply do nothing because everyone else thinks that now is not the time. If you have a knowledgeable Realtor on hand to listen to what you wish to accomplish and go to work on your behalf, you can make substantial gains in your asset base. This is because the market is more competitive and the interest rates are still favorable. Also, time is money, too. If one waits for an unknown set of circumstances to come into view, one will find that they would have moved far ahead by not waiting around for a time when all their friends thought it was a good time to do something in real estate.

Most everyone I know who has been around awhile has made a good purchase during a "real" market in which actual trading takes place and deals are made based on a number of factors. These do not exist in a super-heated market. During the latter, one pays the price and not much negotiation is involved. This is a time when a sharp real estate agent can truly make a difference in the quality of the transaction, and the net result of signing one's name to a purchase or sale contract. Those who do will someday look back and say, "When all of my friends were standing around the water cooler commiserating, I took action and moved ahead." It makes you feel pretty smart!


This newsletter is not a solicitation for already-listed properties. Prudential California Realty is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
From the desk of...

The M & M TEAM
Hello Family and Friends,

We hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween! Now that your ghoulie youngin's are out of their costumes and you've finally decided to take down your "Boo!" decorations, don't get too settled. Thanksgiving is just around the corner! On that note, The M & M Team would like to thank you all for being such devoted readers of our Community Report. Your support has been truly amazing! We welcome any suggestions, comments, questions, and always, your referrals.

Warmly,
Ryan and Linda

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Activity


 
JUST SOLD
1654 Sweetleaf Lane $515,900
5411 Honeyman Street $470,000
1366 Vista Court $600,000
1787 Woodscent Lane $500,000
885 Fowler Avenue $629,999

The Speedy Gourmet
Great Recipes for Busy People

Creative Shrimp Cocktail


2 Lbs. Large Raw Uncooked Shrimp, Tail On, Thawed*
4 Tb. of Old Bay Seasoning or other “Crab Boil”
2 Tb. of Cajun Seasoning
Cocktail Sauce

Directions:
Fill a large pot about 2/3 full of water. Add seasonings and bring to a boil. Stir and taste the broth (careful – don’t burn your tongue). It should be very zesty! If it isn’t, add more of the above ingredients. If you can’t find Old Bay or other crab boil, just experiment with other spicy ingredients such as hot sauce, pepper, etc. When the broth is full of flavor and back at the boil, put all of the shrimp in the pot. At this point, the whole process goes VERY swiftly. Even if the water does not return to a full boil (if the shrimp are thawed but chilly), don’t overcook them. Stir. When they are opaque, drain the shrimp and seasonings into a big strainer. On a large platter, place a bowl of cocktail sauce in the center. Place the cooked seasoned shrimp around the bowl on the platter. Serve warm or chilled. I prefer warm…it’s a quicker timeline. Because these shrimp have tails, you don’t need toothpicks. You will need a side plate for the tails. I cook the big batch because they are VASTLY popular! If you have any left over, they are even better the following day because by then, they’ve soaked up more of the spices while in the fridge. About the cocktail sauce…if you want to kick it up a notch, try adding some horseradish and perhaps some Dijon mustard. Be creative – that’s why we call it Creative Shrimp Cocktail!

*I buy my frozen bags of shrimp at Costco and they weigh 2 pounds. If they’re frozen when you start this recipe, follow the bag instructions for a quick thaw. They should be ready by the time the water boils.

Recipe courtesy of Victoria Wood,Publicist, Prudential California Realty
VIDEO TOURS
Be on the lookout for The M & M Team's latest service!

Did you ever wanted to see a property or neighborhood, but you just didn't have enough time in your day? That's where we can be of service. We will take the time to video record a property or neighborhood and provide you with a link so you can view it online. You can see the positives and negatives of any property without leaving your home. We'll also provide a detailed narrative on the video so it will acutally resemble us taking you to the property in person.

Please be on the look out for our newest service on our website. We'll be announcing it via email, shortly!

In the meantime, if you would like us to get started on a property or neighborhood, please provide some details HERE.
Interest Rates
30 Year Fixed Conforming6.00%
30 Year Fixed Jumbo6.50%
7 Year Fixed/1 Year ARM Conforming5.875%
7 Year Fixed/1 Year ARM Jumbo6.375%
5 Year Fixed/1 Year ARM Conforming5.625%
5 Year Fixed/1 Year ARM Jumbo6.00%
Source: Countrywide Home Loans. Rates are based on 1 point and are subject to change without notice.
Median Sale Prices

Here are the median sales prices recorded in August for single family homes, condos and new construction in the following communities:
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Agoura Hills $577,500
Source: Data Quick
Calabasas $1,485,000
Camarillo $560,000
Fillmore $475,250
Moorpark $625,500
Newbury Park $623,000
Oak Park $802,500
Oxnard $523,500
Santa Paula $489,800
Simi Valley $515,000
Thousand Oaks $663,000
Ventura $518,250
Westlake Village $870,000
Woodland Hills $734,500
ARCHIVES
October '07
September '07
August '07
July '07
June '07
May '07
April '07
March '07
February '07
January '07
December '06
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Please click your neighborhood below to view the recent activity in your neighborhood. ***Be sure to click the "SAVED" tab on each new page.***
 
Racquet Club Villas, Thousand Oaks
Old Meadows, Thousand oaks
The Pinnacle, Camarillo
Carriage Square, Thousand Oaks
Copperwood, Thousand Oaks
North Ranch Meadows, Westlake Village
Parklane, Simi Valley
Stoneybrook, Westlake Village
More
 
Would you like to add your neighborhood? Just email us and we will include it in the next Community Report. Check out our website from time to time for new updated neighborhoods.
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"Business is doing well, and it's important for you to know that we have the time for you, your family members or your friends that you would like to refer our services to."
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