Tuesday, October 12, 2010

MELLO-ROOS

In purchasing your new home, your future monthly payments will be made up of principal, interest, real property taxes and insurance, but what is the tax for the Community Facilities District, otherwise known as a Mello -Roos District? The CLTA has answered some of the questions most commonly asked about the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act.

Q. What is a Mello-Roos District?

A. A Mello-Roos District is an area where a special tax is imposed on those real property owners within a Community Facilities District. This district has chosen to seek public financing through the sale of bonds for the purpose of financing certain public improvements and services. These services may include streets, water, sewage and drainage, electricity, infrastructure, schools, parks and police protection to newly developing areas. The tax you pay is used to make the payments of principal and interest on the bonds.

Q. Are the assessments included within the Proposition 13 tax limits?

A. No. The passage of Proposition 13 in 1978 severely restricted local government in its ability to finance public capital facilities and services by increasing real property taxes. The "Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982" provided local government with an additional financing tool. The Proposition 13 tax limits are on the value of the real property, while Mello-Roos taxes are equally and uniformly applied to all properties.

Q. What are my Mello-Roos taxes paying for?

A. Your taxes may be paying for both services and facilities. The services may be financed only to the extent of new growth, and services include: Police protection, fire protection, ambulance and paramedic services, recreation program services, library services, the operation and maintenance of parks, parkways and open space, museums, cultural facilities, flood and storm protection, and services for the removal of any threatening hazardous substance. Facilities which may be financed under the Act include: Property with an estimated useful life of five years or longer, parks, recreation facilities, parkway facilities, open-space facilities, elementary and secondary school sites and structures, libraries, child care facilities, natural gas pipeline facilities, telephone lines, facilities to transmit and distribute electrical energy, cable television lines, and others.

Q. When do I pay these taxes?

A. By purchasing an interest in a subdivision within a Community Facilities District you can expect to be assessed for a Mello-Roos tax which will typically be collected with your general property tax bill. These special tax payments are subject to the same penalties that apply to regular property taxes.

Q. How long does the tax stay in effect?

A. The tax will stay in effect until the principal and interest on the bonds are paid off along with any reasonable administrative costs incurred in collecting the special tax or so long as it is needed to pay the expenses of services, but in no case shall exceed 40 years.

Q. What happens if a general tax payment is not made on time?

A. Because the Mello-Roos tax is typically collected with your general property tax bill, the Facilities District that obtained the lien may withdraw the assessment from the tax roll and commence judicial foreclosure.
Q. What is the basis for the tax?

A. Most special taxes levied on properties within these districts have been structured on the basis of density of development, square footage of construction, or flat acreage charges. The act, however, allows for considerable flexibility in the method of apportionment of taxes, and the local agencies may have established an entirely different method of levying the special tax against property in the district in question.

Q. How much will the Mello-Roos payment be?

A. The amount of tax may vary from year-to-year, but may not exceed the maximum amount specified when the district was created. In the case of the purchase of a new house within a subdivision, the maximum amount of the tax will be specified in the public report. The Resolution of Formation must specify the rate, method of apportionment, and manner of collection of the special tax in sufficient detail to allow each landowner or resident within the proposed district to estimate the maximum amount that he or she will have to pay.

Q. How is the special tax reflected on the real property records?

A. The special tax is a lien on your property, essentially like a regular tax lien. The lien is recorded as a "Notice of Special Tax Lien" which is a continuing lien to secure each levy of the special tax.

Q. How are Mello-Roos taxes affected when the property is sold?

A. The Mello-Roos tax is assessed against the land, but is not based upon the value of the property, therefore, the possible increased value of the property does not affect the amount of the tax when property is sold. The amount of the tax may not exceed the original maximum amount stated in the Resolution of Formation. Any delinquent payments must be satisfied before the sale of the real property since the unpaid amounts are a lien against the property.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Homes for Sale Whittier are Attracting Attention

Homes for Sale Whittier are Attracting Attention


Homes for Sale Whittier have options abound, and with such a plethora of amenities, it is no wonder that this city is securing the consideration of savvy home buyers. Whether you are longing for an investment house, are a first-time buyer, or are in need of a more low-maintenance abode so you can fully enjoy your golden years, Whittier, CA, has it all. At this moment, there are numerous homes available in Whittier, CA. Our MLS and helpful realtors can help you unearth what so many Whittier, CA, residents already have — once you move here, you'll never want to leave!

Whittier Real Estate Includes Low-Maintenance Homes


From active adults to young professionals, our no-charge MLS is easy to use, and can help your quest for the ideal home in Whittier, CA. Properties which may appeal include Three-Bedroom Houses and La Mirada CA Foreclosed Real Estate. Also, Condominiums for Sale in Cerritos CA can be a energy-efficient and cost-effective option, so look through our MLS to find a home you like. When you are ready to take the next stride towards home ownership in Whittier, CA, our professionals will cheerfully guide you.


There Are Plenty of Options in Whittier, CA: Find Your Favorite

Our MLS directory and skilled professionals are a wonderful combination! We can help you find the ideal Whittier, CA, property with the features you want. From Five-Bedroom Homes to Foreclosed Homes for Sale in Norwalk CA, our categorized online database has the homes you are looking for in this part of the beautiful state. The listings also incorporate Foreclosed Homes. Surf the complete MLS today, and then contact Claudia Guzman. Whittier, CA Homes for Sale is in your future!

Scenic Homes for Sale in Chino Hills CA

Scenic Homes for Sale in Chino Hills CA Provide a Marvelous Environment


Purchase one of the many available Scenic Homes for Sale in Chino Hills CA, and you’ll be treated to a magnificent way of life. Get in touch with David Hood as soon as possible at 877-380-7992 to hear more about how you can have the pleasure of owning a property with scenic views in Chino Hills, CA. Maybe you’ve always wanted to buy a house with a fabulous downtown view or an incredible lakefront view. Rejoice in the fact that it’s entirely possible. Take a moment to log onto our complete database of MLS listings, and search for homes whenever it fits into your schedule. Search absolutely free, and you’ll never be asked to share your personal data. Just relax and view numerous fine available properties in your area. Then, we’ll assist you with all aspects of the buying process. As of today, there are homes with views available for as little as $139,900!

Chino Hills CA View Homes for Sale Will Also Thrill Your Guests


If you can’t locate a home on a lakefront, you can always find a property with a private pool! When you settle into one of the numerous Chino Hills CA View Homes for Sale that are currently listed on the MLS, you’ll be thrilled to invite your family and friends to a back yard pool party. Invite them to take a refreshing dip in the pool, and you will all delight in your property’s magnificent scenery. Your home will quickly become the envy of all who behold its beauty. It will be wonderful to share your excitement with them. When you’re not relaxing at home, you’ll love exploring your surrounding area. You’ll delight in fabulous shopping, dining, and unique entertainment. Simply put, you will enjoy an incredible lifestyle.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Million Dollar Homes in Downey CA

Million Dollar Homes in Downey CA: Live in Comfort


There are so many appealing single-family home options available, so why not check out the options of Million Dollar Homes in Downey CA? You adore your family members, and you know they deserve the best living environment. While you want to give everyone enough room, you also want a Downey, CA estate that can give you the lavishness you’ve always wanted! Whether you are making the move to a luxury home or are used to the opulence that high-end real estate delivers, the MLS should be your first step. These properties homes range in price, from $885,000 to $1,647,777. From sprawling floor plans to beautiful private pools, you can discover the high-end features in Downey, CA.

Skim the MLS for Multi Million Dollar Homes in Downey CA


After a quick glance at the no-registration Multiple Listing Service, you’ll see that Multi Million Dollar Homes in Downey CA have the properties you are after. With so many posh options in Downey, CA, you need our one-of-a-kind combination of modern MLS technology and Downey, CA real estate know-how. Simply call Claudia Guzman at 877-380-7992 to learn more. The dream of owning a luxurious estate that accommodates the needs of your whole family is just around the corner, so get started right now.


Claudia Guzman
Broker of Record
Claudia@AdoreRealty.com
Adore Realty,Inc.

Foreclosure or Short Sale: Understand the Differences

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have devoted my career to helping homeowners who face difficult situations, taking them from uncertainty to resolution. Lately I've found a lot of conflicting information going around, especially concerning short sales, which you should know about.

A short sale occurs when a lender accepts the selling price of a home, even if it is less than the full amount owed on the mortgage. For particular homeowners, this can be the best option to foreclosure. Yet, I still hear people suggest that short sales are basically the same as foreclosure.

This is absolutely wrong!

You need to have the CORRECT information. That’s why I'm glad you're here. To help, I’ve prepared a free report—just for you—that compares the realities of foreclosures and short sales side-by-side. Simply provide your information below, and I'll send you this report.

If you have any additional concerns about this issue, or your circumstances are urgent, please feel free to give me a call. I can help you evaluate your options and get you back on track to a secure financial future.

Maria Gracian
Adore Realty, Inc.
951 367-5180
877-380-7992