Christmas Tree Fire Hazards for those who still have a tree in their home.

A festivity tree is a beautiful thing but, when not cared for properly you might be at risk for a house fire. Here is a website I found that gives you tips and even shows you a video on how fast a tree can go up in flames. Please be safe during the rest of the Holiday season and pass this information to your friends as well.

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/treefire.shtm



Have a great New Year!!!

FHA Mortgage Loans sink fast; what does this mean for the tax credit extension?

The New Homebuyer $8,000 Tax Credit certainly stimulated the economy and raised new home buyer hopes of finally being able to afford a home but will the tax credit extension still enable the great American Dream? It’s not likely.

Just a few weeks ago we were elated that Congress was in talks to vote for a tax credit extension; it meant more new homebuyers could get their hands on the extra funds for down payments, closing costs and other expensive fees. Combined with low mortgage rates this sounded like another windfall for those looking to move from renter to homebuyer; and now the other shoe falls – problems with FHA loans.

An FHA mortgage loan allows the homebuyer to make a modest down payment (3.5% of the purchase price) and qualify with less stringent credit requirements – that is until now. It’s been reported that 1 in 5 FHA mortgages default and tightening of the strings will surely follow - again.

When we first delved deep into the recession, FHA loan requirements were still pretty relaxed and credit score requirements still hovered around 630ish and now we’ve moved up much closer to 680-690ish. With the recent FHA report and outlook for next year, it’s more than probable FHA loan requirements including credit, job and stability will be scrutinized more efficiently.

The government cannot stand to sit by and lose more money, month after month; therefore once again they must tighten up on the loan requirements. So while that new homebuyer tax credit extension looks promising it’s going to bypass many people who thought they would be in a new home soon.

Many people look at low credit scores as a bad bruise, no longer just a blemish. But take into account of all the jobs lost and how many credit scores suffered those after effects.

The mortgage industry will never be the same.

The perfect gravy for Thanksgiving mashed potatoes

This is an awsome Cajun gravy!

You might think you have tried something very similar & maybe you have.

I won't tell you where, so it's your turn to try it and figure it out.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 chicken gizzard

2 tablespoons minced green bell pepper

2 1/2 ounces of ground beef 1/4 cup

2 1/2 ounces of ground pork 1/4 cup

2 cups water

1 can beef broth 14 oz.

2 tablespoons of cornstarch

1 tablespoon of flour

2 teaspoons milk

2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon coarsley-ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon onion powder

1 dash dried parsley flakes

Heat veggie oil in large saucepan over mdium heat. saute chicken gizzard in the oil for 4-5 minutes until cooked. remove gizzard from pan and let it cool so that you can handle it. finely mince the chicken gizzard.

combine ground beef and ground pork in a small bowl. smash the meat together with your hands until it is well mixed. add bell pepper to the pan and saute it for 1 minute. add ground beef and the pork to the pan and cook until it is brown. Use a potato smasher to smash meat into tiny rice size pieces as it browns.

Add water and beef broth to the pan. immediately wisk in cornstarch and flour.

Add remaining ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gravy for 30-35 minutes or until thick.

MAKES 3 CUPS

Palos Verdes Perfect Turkey Gravy

For the next couple of weeks I will be posting several recipes to prepare you for your Thanksgiving Holiday. I have tried to find some of the easiest and tasty looking recipes so they can apply to those who aren't always in the kitchen. Collect them all in all of my different city blogs! Enjoy!
Make the holidays extra special with Perfect Turkey Gravy. Great flavor and no lumps. For a change of pace, try one of the Flavor Variations listed below.

Makes 15 (1/4-cup) servings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

• 2 packages of McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix
  
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup turkey pan drippings or turkey broth
• 1 cup chopped cooked turkey giblets (optional)

1. Mix Gravy Mix and flour in large saucepan. Gradually stir in water and turkey drippings with wire whisk until smooth. Stir in chopped turkey giblets, if desired.

2. Stirring frequently, cook on medium-high heat until gravy comes to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. (Gravy will continue to thicken upon standing.)

tips-

Flavor Variations for your families:

Herbed Perfect Turkey Gravy: Prepare as directed. Stir 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Rubbed Sage or 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Poultry Seasoning into Gravy Mix.

Hearty Sage Turkey Gravy: Prepare as directed, decreasing water to 2 cups. Stir 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Rubbed Sage into Gravy Mix. Makes 12 (1/4-cup) servings.

Hearty Herbed Turkey Gravy: Prepare as directed, decreasing water to 2 cups. Stir 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Poultry Seasoning into Gravy Mix. Makes 12 (1/4-cup) servings.

Apple-Sage Turkey Gravy: Prepare as directed, decreasing water to 1 cup and adding 1 cup apple juice. Stir 1 teaspoon McCormick® Rubbed Sage into Gravy Mix. Makes 12 (1/4-cup) servings.

Garlic and White Wine Turkey Gravy: Prepare as directed, decreasing water to 2 cups and adding 1/4 cup white wine. Stir 1/4 teaspoon each McCormick® California Style Garlic Powder with Parsley and McCormick® Thyme Leaves into Gravy Mix. Makes 12 (1/4-cup) servings.

Mushroom-Onion Turkey Gravy: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large saucepan on medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms and 1/4 cup chopped onion; cook and stir 5 minutes or until tender. Mix 2 packages McCormick® Turkey Gravy Mix, 1 1/2 cups cold water and 1 cup turkey drippings. Add to saucepan; mix well. Continue with Step 2 as directed above. Makes 8 (1/4-cup) servings.

Cinnamon-Chipotle Turkey Gravy: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan on medium heat. Add 1/4 cup chopped red onion; cook and stir 5 minutes or until tender. Mix 2 packages McCormick® Turkey Gravy Mix, 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon each McCormick® Ground Cinnamon and McCormick® Gourmet Collection™ Chipotle Chile Pepper, 2 cups cold water and 1 cup turkey drippings. Add to saucepan; mix well. Continue with Step 2 as directed above. Makes 12 (1/4-cup) servings.

Palos Verdes Farmers Market! Dont miss the Freshness

Don’t miss the Palos Verdes & Rolling Hills Estates Farmers’ Market on Sundays at the Peninsula Shopping Center parking lot from 9:00 am to 1:00 noon.




Location:
Peninsula Shopping Center In Rolling Hills Estates

Top FAQ's for Buying, Selling, and Renting

1. Q: Help! What can I do to rent out my home quickly?

A: When trying to rent out your home the best thing to do is first, allow a real estate agency to handle your showings. Why? Because you’ll know those prospective clients that come to see your home are really interested versus individuals flipping through the average newspaper ads that are “just looking around” to get a feel of what’s available. Next, remember less is more; try and move out as much furniture as possible; steam clean or replace the carpet, if any; and a fresh coat of white or cool platinum paint will brighten all the rooms. Nothing rents quicker than an empty place that looks roomy and spotless.

2. Q: How Can I Negotiate My Closing Costs?

A: Review your pre-settlement sheet that will contain all of your good faith estimates; there is always room for negotiation. Discount points can be negotiated, Pre-paid items may be reviewed for discrepancies like how many months in advance are you paying for real estate taxes, HOA fees, etc. Try to get your settlement date as close to the end of the month as possible. Each day you actually are living in the home you’re paying an agreed upon prorated price until your mortgage payment begins. Move in your new home Aug. 15th and you’ll pay 16 days, prorated for living in the home from the 15th until the 31st.

3. Q: Is there any strategy to delay the closing on my home? I’m suppose to close on the 5th of the month but I would like to save money and close towards the end of the month.

A: First, take a look at your contract and see if there is any statement about the settlement date. If the seller has stated any dates or clauses about when you go to settlement and you’ve signed that contract then you have no recourse, unless you can find something wrong. Is everything in the home complete? Exterior and Interior? You can also have an inspector with you during the walk-thru to see if there are any issues with the home that might delay your settlement date. Take your contract with you and note any issues you find that the seller is responsible for; Are styles, types and dimensions correct? Landscaping in order? If the seller has forgotten anything you must let them know and hope it is enough to delay closing, otherwise you’re obligated by that contract to proceed. Everyone wants to save money when purchasing a home but the time to think about this is during the initial contract phrase, not during those crucial days before your settlement. Have more questions about real estate? Feel free to call us for all of your real estate questions and needs.

PV Estates Elegant French Dining

LA RIVE GAUCHE
This Restaurant is an elegant French dining in a warm romantic atmosphere on the Palos Verdes Peninsula that has been running since many years ago. Also, With an extensive wine list and full bar your bound to have a wonderful time. They have been Spectator Grand Award winners since 1984. Get the taste and feeling of an international dining experience here in South Bay.

Lunch- 11a.m.-4 p.m.
Thurs- Sat- Dinner 4-10p.m.

LOCATION:
320 Tejon Place
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
(310) 378-0267
www.chowbaby/com/LaRiveGauche/

Golf Courses in Palos Verdes

I wish I had more time to try and golf and explore the new courses but, you know I am a very busy man at work. I love doing what I do and it makes it all worth the time. Here are some Courses in the Area You might enjoy visiting.

Ocean Trails Golf Course
our newest public course - located on Palos Verdes Drive South in Rancho Palos Verdes – 310-265-5525. There are 2 excellent restaurants to enjoy. Designed by Pete Dye, the golf course has panoramic ocean views from every hole. Truly an amazing experience.
Location:
Palos Verdes Golf Club – semi-private course – 3301 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates – 310-375-2533.


Rolling Hills Country Club
private course in the beautiful private city of Rolling Hills
27000 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rolling Hills Estates – 310-326-4343.


Los Verdes Golf Course and Country Club
This is a public course for anyone
Location:
7000 W. Los Verdes Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes – 310-377-7888. It has a beautiful view of the ocean.

Things to do in Palos Verdes no.2

Take a look at the talking flower clock, what is that!!!!
Located:
Silver Spur Road between Crossfield Drive and the Avenue of the Peninsula. Flowers change with the season and it is one of the few in the Country. So if your in the area dont forget to come look at this very cute one of a kind clock.

South Coast Botanic Gardens on 26300 S. Crenshaw blvd is a 87 acre space on a landfill filled with flowers. Lectures, Flower Shows, Concerts, car shows and Shakespeare festivals are held all year round. You may also enjoy a bird walk that takes place the 1st Sunday and 3rd Wednesday of the month. make an appointment for admission and tram ride availability.


Enjoy the Sun and don't forget to let me know if you visit any of the places I blog about. I love to hear about fun experiences.

Things to do In Palos Verdes no.1

As a Real Estate Specialist in the area I would like to show you what kind of things there are to do in the beautiful city of Palos Verdes. It is a great place to relax and have fun. I will be posting some destinations you might consider visiting. Also Check out my other blogs about near by cities.

1. Malaga Cove Plaza
This plaza began as early as 1925 where you will still find the Spanish Renaissance plaza having shops, offices, a food market, a flower stand and a small restaurant. In 1930 the Neptune Fountain was a gift to the Palos Verdes Community. It is a two-thirds size copy of the fountain in Bologna, Italy. If you are thinking of taking a drive around the peninsula this is a great place to start. You can also stock up on snacks incase your on your way to a picnic.

Located Behind the Plaza:

2. Farnham Martin Park & Malaga Cove Library
Directly behind there is a lovely stone wall and fountain with steps on both sides leading up to a lawn and the library. They both opened in 1930 and the lawn is sometimes used as a setting for free concerts in the summer and a home to the peacocks that reside in many areas of the peninsula and parts of San Pedro. The library is filled with peninsula history. If you live in the city go check it out and see what was here many years ago.