Click on the link in the title above for a tour of our new neighborhood service. Some free security software will be available also which is called EZ ARMOR. By navigating to the link below on or after November 8th, you can transition your Adelphia email account, log in and password. Even if you didn't use your "@adelphia.net" email address, the free software alone may be useful. If you do use it, any mail to that old adelphia address will be forwarded to your new "@roadrunner.com" address for 1 year.
http://www.activation.rr.com/install/splash_faq.asp?flow=Adelphia
Customer Support
24 Hours A Day / 7 Days A Week!
(888) TW-CABLE
Saturday, October 28, 2006
New home price decline is biggest in 35 years
News hit the fan yesterday that new home sales prices in the US had the largest downward movement in 35 years.
Without question, this is one of the most significant events in housing prices in a long time. Probably longer than many reading this have been alive. Therefore, the thing to remember is that this housing downturn is unlike any you have seen before. This is not your average run-of-the-mill 1990's defense spending cuts downturn. This is the real deal.
In fact, Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody's.com is quoted in the article:
"It is going to be painful because there are a lot of price declines to come."
Zandi said he is forecasting that prices of existing homes will drop by 3.7 percent in 2007, which would be the first decline for a full year since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
For those that don't have an appreciation of history, the Great Depression is a period of strong price deflation.
Without question, this is one of the most significant events in housing prices in a long time. Probably longer than many reading this have been alive. Therefore, the thing to remember is that this housing downturn is unlike any you have seen before. This is not your average run-of-the-mill 1990's defense spending cuts downturn. This is the real deal.
In fact, Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody's.com is quoted in the article:
"It is going to be painful because there are a lot of price declines to come."
Zandi said he is forecasting that prices of existing homes will drop by 3.7 percent in 2007, which would be the first decline for a full year since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
For those that don't have an appreciation of history, the Great Depression is a period of strong price deflation.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Associations Control You and Infringe Upon Your Inalienable Rights!
By Sharon Bush - Irvine, California -
They can dictate the color of your home. They can place a lien on your property and foreclose on it. They can tell you the type and height of your fence and when to repair your roof. Imagine an invasive private form of government that can do all of the above and can also tell you whether you can have a basketball hoop over your garage, or even how long you can keep your garage door open. "They" exist. "They" are called homeowners' associations. They are alive and their presence threatens homeowners everywhere.
There are approximately 231,000 homeowners' associations in the United States, which is an increase from a mere 500 in 1965[fn1]. Homeowners' associations control the housing of some 47 million Americans across the country.[fn2] In California, there are more than 32,000 homeowners associations.[fn3] Approximately fifty percent of all new homes built in major metropolitan areas fall within homeowners' associations. [fn4] In south Orange County, located on the coast of California, that number is even higher. There, more than eighty percent of new housing is under association control.[fn5]
They can dictate the color of your home. They can place a lien on your property and foreclose on it. They can tell you the type and height of your fence and when to repair your roof. Imagine an invasive private form of government that can do all of the above and can also tell you whether you can have a basketball hoop over your garage, or even how long you can keep your garage door open. "They" exist. "They" are called homeowners' associations. They are alive and their presence threatens homeowners everywhere.
There are approximately 231,000 homeowners' associations in the United States, which is an increase from a mere 500 in 1965[fn1]. Homeowners' associations control the housing of some 47 million Americans across the country.[fn2] In California, there are more than 32,000 homeowners associations.[fn3] Approximately fifty percent of all new homes built in major metropolitan areas fall within homeowners' associations. [fn4] In south Orange County, located on the coast of California, that number is even higher. There, more than eighty percent of new housing is under association control.[fn5]
Monday, October 23, 2006
Parkridge Communication Form Moves into the 21st Century
Ask and ye shall receive. The all important "COMMUNICATION FORM" is now available on a fancy word type document that can be emailed...just in time for 2007. Email julie@diversifiedrealpropertymgmt.com and request the form. I requested and received one within a day.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Buyers Are Waiting, Expecting Prices To Plummet
The LA Daily News from California. “In a declining real estate market, condo sales were on the downswing last month, with fewer units changing hands than in any September since 1998. Young potential first-time buyers are waiting, perhaps expecting prices to plummet, said Realtor Mike Lebecki.”
“‘They’re very cautious, and I don’t think they’re thinking their caution through necessarily,’ he said. ‘If all their friends are being cautious and not thinking it through, then they’re all doing the same thing, and they’re going to continue to … buy BMWs and pay rent.’”
“In all, only 109 condos were sold last month in the Santa Clarita Valley, compared with 173 in September 2005, according to the Southland Regional Association of Realtors. There were 178 new listings and 679 active listings. The active listings outnumbered those of September 2005 by 423, a change of 165.2 percent.”
“‘This is not the market for anybody to buy something and then expect to sell it next year for more,’ Lebecki said. ‘It’s a traditional market: You buy something and you hold it for five years and sell it for more.’”
“‘They’re very cautious, and I don’t think they’re thinking their caution through necessarily,’ he said. ‘If all their friends are being cautious and not thinking it through, then they’re all doing the same thing, and they’re going to continue to … buy BMWs and pay rent.’”
“In all, only 109 condos were sold last month in the Santa Clarita Valley, compared with 173 in September 2005, according to the Southland Regional Association of Realtors. There were 178 new listings and 679 active listings. The active listings outnumbered those of September 2005 by 423, a change of 165.2 percent.”
“‘This is not the market for anybody to buy something and then expect to sell it next year for more,’ Lebecki said. ‘It’s a traditional market: You buy something and you hold it for five years and sell it for more.’”
Laundry Room
The Proserve plumber told me that the laundry room will not be available until Friday. Your Blogger
I am facing foreclosure.com
I am facing foreclosure.com
I'm a 24-year-old aspiring real estate investor from Sacramento CA. After going to few seminars I bought 8 houses in 8 months across 4 states with no money down. I fixed and sold 2 and then ran out of cash. I am now facing foreclosure on 6 5 houses. I'm learning my lessons, finding solutions and blogging about it. Comments appreciated!
- Casey Serin
I'm a 24-year-old aspiring real estate investor from Sacramento CA. After going to few seminars I bought 8 houses in 8 months across 4 states with no money down. I fixed and sold 2 and then ran out of cash. I am now facing foreclosure on 6 5 houses. I'm learning my lessons, finding solutions and blogging about it. Comments appreciated!
- Casey Serin
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Blog Comments Now Edited
The "comment moderation" feature is now active. I apologize for having enabled those who posted so much hurtful nonsense in the recent past. I hope to see all comments posted and it is obvious what types of comments will not be.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Water Update?
Was there an update or status provided on our water situation at the HOA meeting on Wednesday?
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Craig Park
During the past 15,000 years the Gabriolino mission indian tribe, or "Tongva" used this area of hills and valleys for subsitance hunting and gathering.
In the late 1800's oil was discovered in the Brea area. Oil-Boom conditions existed, the drilling began on what is now Craig Regional Park-Fullerton in the early 1900's. Oil wells and tanks dotted the landscape, peacefully coexisting with grazing cattle and horses. After a devistating and tragic Orange County flood in the 1930's the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the Fullerton Dam (completed in 1941), thus minimizing future downstream flood damage. This"flood basin" later provided an ideal site for a Regional Park.
Craig Regional Park was named in honor of Mr. Ted Craig, a long time public servant in Orange County. Mr. Craig was elected to the Brea city Council in 1928 and served four years, the last two as Mayor. Craig also served in the California State Legislature representing Orange County during the 1930's.
During his tenure, Craig served as Assembly Speaker and Regent of the University of California in 1935-36. Mr. Craig retired after eight years in the State Legislature and was the Orange County Legislative Advocate in Sacramento. He continued to be active in the County projects until his death in 1979.
The first phase of the Park opened in 1974. The second phase, developed as a cooperative project with the US Army Corps of Engineers, opened in 1974. A third phase, also a joint Corps of Engineers/County project, was completed and opened in 1978. A fourth phase was completed in 1980 as a joint Corps of Engineers/County project which added landscape area to the park. A natural area for waterfowl was also established in the area of the park that is frequently flooded by winter storms.
In the late 1800's oil was discovered in the Brea area. Oil-Boom conditions existed, the drilling began on what is now Craig Regional Park-Fullerton in the early 1900's. Oil wells and tanks dotted the landscape, peacefully coexisting with grazing cattle and horses. After a devistating and tragic Orange County flood in the 1930's the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the Fullerton Dam (completed in 1941), thus minimizing future downstream flood damage. This"flood basin" later provided an ideal site for a Regional Park.
Craig Regional Park was named in honor of Mr. Ted Craig, a long time public servant in Orange County. Mr. Craig was elected to the Brea city Council in 1928 and served four years, the last two as Mayor. Craig also served in the California State Legislature representing Orange County during the 1930's.
During his tenure, Craig served as Assembly Speaker and Regent of the University of California in 1935-36. Mr. Craig retired after eight years in the State Legislature and was the Orange County Legislative Advocate in Sacramento. He continued to be active in the County projects until his death in 1979.
The first phase of the Park opened in 1974. The second phase, developed as a cooperative project with the US Army Corps of Engineers, opened in 1974. A third phase, also a joint Corps of Engineers/County project, was completed and opened in 1978. A fourth phase was completed in 1980 as a joint Corps of Engineers/County project which added landscape area to the park. A natural area for waterfowl was also established in the area of the park that is frequently flooded by winter storms.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Deep Buyers Market
A ‘Deep Buyers Market’ In California
Jon Lansner reports from California. “One measure of O.C. home inventory rose significantly this month, says the math of (realtor) Steve Thomas in Aliso Viejo. Thomas calculates how many months it theoretically takes to sell all the inventory in the local MLS for-sale listings at the current pace of pending deals being made.”
“So, by this logic, it would take 7.78 months for buyers to gobble up all homes for sale at the current pace vs. 2.74 months a year ago.”
“Thomas notes that if market time is greater than nine months he considers it a ‘deep buyer’s market’ with pressure on prices. Thus, the latest figures show all homes priced above $750,000 in the county facing ‘deep buyer’s market’ selling pressure.”
“Newport Beach homebuilder William Lyon Homes delivered the latest round of bad news from the new home sector, reporting that its orders fell 40 percent over the summer.”
“The firm’s preliminary statistics, released today, reported that sales fell across all three states in which the developer works: California orders were off 29 percent from the same period a year earlier.”
Jon Lansner reports from California. “One measure of O.C. home inventory rose significantly this month, says the math of (realtor) Steve Thomas in Aliso Viejo. Thomas calculates how many months it theoretically takes to sell all the inventory in the local MLS for-sale listings at the current pace of pending deals being made.”
“So, by this logic, it would take 7.78 months for buyers to gobble up all homes for sale at the current pace vs. 2.74 months a year ago.”
“Thomas notes that if market time is greater than nine months he considers it a ‘deep buyer’s market’ with pressure on prices. Thus, the latest figures show all homes priced above $750,000 in the county facing ‘deep buyer’s market’ selling pressure.”
“Newport Beach homebuilder William Lyon Homes delivered the latest round of bad news from the new home sector, reporting that its orders fell 40 percent over the summer.”
“The firm’s preliminary statistics, released today, reported that sales fell across all three states in which the developer works: California orders were off 29 percent from the same period a year earlier.”
Monday, October 09, 2006
Hopeful said...
I know this may sound crazy...but I'm actually feeling pretty encouraged right now. Its apparent that there many different opinions in Parkridge but despite all of the back and forth arguments and insults, we're actually coming up with some good information here. I now know where to pick up my car if it gets towed, who to call (or not call) if my unit gets flooded over the weekend, and what company can replace my windows. And if something does happen over the weekend, I know I may not hear back from the plumber or Julie, but if I post something up here I'll likely get a response from someone in the know. And it's good to know that there are some residents out there who are frustrated at some of the same things that frustrate me, but that there are also some people who are realistic and hopeful and realize that this whole process of living in community requires some give and take. Thanks everyone for your contribution!
1:32 PM
1:32 PM
Parkridge Blogger
You may have noticed comments being converted into postings. I choose comments to convert that are progressive, informative, thought provoking, funny or just well written. Simple whining will not usually cut it unless recommendations or suggestions for improvement is included. Your, Blogger
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Towed Teen
If you ever feel tempted to park in the red I may have some useful information for you. The phone number for Tows-R-Us is (714) 639-7877. Their address is 621 N. Main in Orange, Ca 92868. Go south down the 57, exit Orangewood and proceed a few blocks to Main. Turn left on Main and find them on the right side of the street. Their storage fee is $22 per day but I don’t believe they pro rate by the hour. Claiming your vehicle on a Saturday morning at about 10am is considered “after hours release” which comes with an additional $35 fee. Don’t put away the calculator yet because the “regular tow” is $82, then I am guessing that my son’s car needed a special dollie which falls under a $35 “tow dollie” fee. Total $174. My dear son’s logic was that he has parked in the red at Parkridge in the past and has not been towed. My advice to you is the same as to my loving son…DON’T PARK IN THE RED! To our Parkridge leadership I say keep towing the cars that don’t belong and those that are not parked properly. If you find there is no available over night parking then park on Rolling Hills. I have parked out there from time to time and have not been ticketed. I know people who have been ticketed...it's a bit of a crap shoot. You may call the Fullerton PD traffic division at 738-5313 to request an exemption. Below I’ve listed the city overnight parking code (2am-5am). Bottom line though, even if your exemption request is granted, you may still be ticketed. This tip was provided by Officer Boller. See code below.
Temporary Exemption
Property owners may be eligible for a “Temporary Exemption” permit for short-term parking deficiencies such as, but not limited to, emergencies, out of town visitors, or short-term construction (driveways, home repair, etc.).
The applicability of the requested Hardship Exemption shall be determined and approved at the sole discretion of the Police Department. Contact the Police Department Traffic Division at 738-5313 for further information.
Temporary Exemption
Property owners may be eligible for a “Temporary Exemption” permit for short-term parking deficiencies such as, but not limited to, emergencies, out of town visitors, or short-term construction (driveways, home repair, etc.).
The applicability of the requested Hardship Exemption shall be determined and approved at the sole discretion of the Police Department. Contact the Police Department Traffic Division at 738-5313 for further information.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Important Numbers/Contact Information
Diversified Real Property Management - Julie Glasser
(714) 544-7755 x112 - (714) 544-7771
180 E. Main St. Suite 101 Tustin, Ca 92780
julie@diversifiedrealpropertymgmt.com
Garage Door Services - Day and Night Door Repairs
(714) 961-1141
Plumbing Services - Ed John
(714) 777-5107
Pro-Serv (714) PRO-SERV
Available 24/7
A to Z
(714) 252-9471
Available 24/7 and appointments
A to Z won't send 3 trucks to fix a faucet like Pro-Serv
Locksmith Services - Precision Lock and Key
(714) 328-5526
Washer Dryer Services - WEB (identify machine by WEB#)
(800) 342-5932
Window Replacement - Energy Gard
(714) 238-9277
Fisher Heating and Air Conditioning has successfully replaced several complete units in the Parkridge, so they know their way around.
(714) 970-0069
Time Warner Cable - Customer Support
24 Hours A Day / 7 Days A Week!
(888) TW-CABLE
(714) 544-7755 x112 - (714) 544-7771
180 E. Main St. Suite 101 Tustin, Ca 92780
julie@diversifiedrealpropertymgmt.com
Garage Door Services - Day and Night Door Repairs
(714) 961-1141
Plumbing Services - Ed John
(714) 777-5107
Pro-Serv (714) PRO-SERV
Available 24/7
A to Z
(714) 252-9471
Available 24/7 and appointments
A to Z won't send 3 trucks to fix a faucet like Pro-Serv
Locksmith Services - Precision Lock and Key
(714) 328-5526
Washer Dryer Services - WEB (identify machine by WEB#)
(800) 342-5932
Window Replacement - Energy Gard
(714) 238-9277
Fisher Heating and Air Conditioning has successfully replaced several complete units in the Parkridge, so they know their way around.
(714) 970-0069
Time Warner Cable - Customer Support
24 Hours A Day / 7 Days A Week!
(888) TW-CABLE
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Conventional Ear
I don't read many blogs because it's hard for me to get past the attitude and digest the relevant content. I was excited to see the Parkridge blog address sheets by the mailboxes. Unfortunately, the tone of this blog reminds me of most blogs I encounter: all black and blue from venting - just basically expressing anger and frustration and not exactly mature. Nothing wrong with that, but I was hoping to find more constructive and enlightened criticism. Or something. Oh, brother - I'm just complaining myself.
I think René has a lot to learn about dealing with people face to face in his new role. I felt a little embarrassed for him a couple months ago at that really long meeting. I think he was being too defensive of his role or something - and not just admitting that he could have handled the situation better, or just apologizing for how things turned out. I'm referring to the people who left the pool area gate open for someone to get back in and how that turned into what seemed like an ugly incident.
But, my gosh, at least there is a system in place for accepting what must be hundreds of complaints, suggestions, ideas, etc. I wish there was an Email version of the communication form - currently, you have to write something out and fax or mail it in, or wait until one of the monthly meetings. That kinda sucks.
As for the expired tags, as I understand it, no one is calling the police, but reminders are being posted or delivered somehow in cases of expired or almost expired tags. When you hear the COMPLAINTS of residents who CAN'T PARK at night, it's seems completely reasonable to me to begin to take this sort of action.
Washing cars. You can wash your car. But if you leave it unattended in the garage area of the driveway, that's against the rules. If you do it a lot, you'll get fined. What's the big deal there?
Dogs. Your dog can get hurt if it's off the leash, by running away, getting swiped by a cat, or by another dog. You have to pick up after your dog - it's no fun to pick up or step in the shit of other dogs, let alone that your own pet. Again, I don't see what the big deal is if you get fined for repeatedly ignoring the rules and regulations.
I am concerned about the competence of those actually processing these notifications and fines. I received one once that was inaccurate - it stated that I had received a notification of violation when I had not. I had to write back and make it clear that the record has to be set straight before anything else. I have heard of others who seem to be receiving notifications of violation that someone else has committed. Maybe if anyone on the board is reading this they can do something about it. Of course, the official response is to fill out a communcation form. I'm thinking about becoming an official communication form completer so that people can just come to me and I'll write out what they're complaining about and send it in. Not everyone is good at filling out forms, even when they have a legitimate complaint.
I sort of understand the Hitler thing, but it doesn't help any of us to look at it that way. Expressing it is your right, but it's pretty annoying to read it, in my opinion. Especially since this board is actually visibly doing things. If they make mistakes, let them know about it. Participate in "the system", because there is definitely one in place now. You can just expect your problem to be solved the day after the meeting, because there are so many problems that people have. I don't think the board created the problems, but they are the only ones stepping up to do anything about it.
I don't know if it's going to work, but the good thing is that there is a system or process in place to participate in, and you can easily point to the board if they don't follow up within the system they themselves are promoting and implementing.
I hope this blog can somehow become a place where people can go to actually learn about how things work, either with the board, with our plumbing which has been causing unacceptable problems for years now, with security, etc. We need to inform each other, not just call Rene names and say we don't like him.
8:16 PM
Conventional Ear said...
Sorry: I meant to write: You can't just expect your problem to be solved the day after the meeting, because there are so many problems that people have.
8:20 PM
I think René has a lot to learn about dealing with people face to face in his new role. I felt a little embarrassed for him a couple months ago at that really long meeting. I think he was being too defensive of his role or something - and not just admitting that he could have handled the situation better, or just apologizing for how things turned out. I'm referring to the people who left the pool area gate open for someone to get back in and how that turned into what seemed like an ugly incident.
But, my gosh, at least there is a system in place for accepting what must be hundreds of complaints, suggestions, ideas, etc. I wish there was an Email version of the communication form - currently, you have to write something out and fax or mail it in, or wait until one of the monthly meetings. That kinda sucks.
As for the expired tags, as I understand it, no one is calling the police, but reminders are being posted or delivered somehow in cases of expired or almost expired tags. When you hear the COMPLAINTS of residents who CAN'T PARK at night, it's seems completely reasonable to me to begin to take this sort of action.
Washing cars. You can wash your car. But if you leave it unattended in the garage area of the driveway, that's against the rules. If you do it a lot, you'll get fined. What's the big deal there?
Dogs. Your dog can get hurt if it's off the leash, by running away, getting swiped by a cat, or by another dog. You have to pick up after your dog - it's no fun to pick up or step in the shit of other dogs, let alone that your own pet. Again, I don't see what the big deal is if you get fined for repeatedly ignoring the rules and regulations.
I am concerned about the competence of those actually processing these notifications and fines. I received one once that was inaccurate - it stated that I had received a notification of violation when I had not. I had to write back and make it clear that the record has to be set straight before anything else. I have heard of others who seem to be receiving notifications of violation that someone else has committed. Maybe if anyone on the board is reading this they can do something about it. Of course, the official response is to fill out a communcation form. I'm thinking about becoming an official communication form completer so that people can just come to me and I'll write out what they're complaining about and send it in. Not everyone is good at filling out forms, even when they have a legitimate complaint.
I sort of understand the Hitler thing, but it doesn't help any of us to look at it that way. Expressing it is your right, but it's pretty annoying to read it, in my opinion. Especially since this board is actually visibly doing things. If they make mistakes, let them know about it. Participate in "the system", because there is definitely one in place now. You can just expect your problem to be solved the day after the meeting, because there are so many problems that people have. I don't think the board created the problems, but they are the only ones stepping up to do anything about it.
I don't know if it's going to work, but the good thing is that there is a system or process in place to participate in, and you can easily point to the board if they don't follow up within the system they themselves are promoting and implementing.
I hope this blog can somehow become a place where people can go to actually learn about how things work, either with the board, with our plumbing which has been causing unacceptable problems for years now, with security, etc. We need to inform each other, not just call Rene names and say we don't like him.
8:16 PM
Conventional Ear said...
Sorry: I meant to write: You can't just expect your problem to be solved the day after the meeting, because there are so many problems that people have.
8:20 PM
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