Want to buy a home, but worried about job security?

I am very pleased to announce that on Thursday, April 2, C.A.R. launched a new program designed to provide peace of mind to first-time buyers who are hesitant to enter the housing market due to concerns about potential job loss, and subsequently being unable to meet their monthly mortgage obligations.

Through the C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program (C.A.R.H.A.F. MPP), first-time home buyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 per month for up to six months to help make their mortgage payments. A qualified co-buyer also can participate in the program, for a reduced monthly benefit of $750 per month for up to six months in the event of a job loss. Program benefits also include coverage for accidental disability and a $10,000 death benefit. C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund is dedicating $1 million to the program this year, and estimates that as many as 3,000 families will benefit from the program throughout 2009.

To qualify for the Mortgage Protection Program, applicants must:
. Be a first-time home buyer – someone who has not owned a home in the last three years
. Open escrow April 2, 2009, or later, and close on or before Dec. 31, 2009
. Use a California REALTOR® in the transaction
. Purchase the property in California
. Be a W-2 employee (cannot be self-employed or military personnel)

First-time home buyers must request an application for the H.A.F. Mortgage Protection Program from their REALTOR®. For applications and other information on this exciting new program, go to www.car.org/aboutus/hafmainpage/ or contact Monica Rodriguez at (213) 739-8380 or monicar@car.org.

The Mortgage Protection Program is a proactive approach by C.A.R. to address consumers’ concerns about the real estate market and their ability to make their mortgage payments should they loose their jobs.

Best deals in the $425k-$550k range

There are a few units left in the Willow Creek Complex. $425k will get you a brand new 900 SF BEAUTIFUL town home w/ 1 car garage, or $535k will get you 3/2.5, 2 or 3-story Brand new Town home w/ 1400 SF and a 2-car garage. Some of the best values on the market with a motivated developer, possible seller financing for a 2nd loan, and best yet, they quality for both tax credits for a total of $18k!

Estimated Monthly payments would be:
2 bed: 5% down--> $2700 (including taxes!) or
20% down--> $2300/mo (including taxes).

3-bed: 5% down --> $3400/mo (including taxes) or
20% down--> $2900/mo (including taxes).

Located 1.5 miles from UCSB and the beach and 6 minutes to Santa Barbara's State/La Cumbre up town area.

Call me for more information on this specific development as well as other great deals in this price range: 805-637-7148.

Click here for more information on Santa Barbara Real Estate

Tax Credits for 2009

Thinking about buying a home this year? There is a federal $8k First time home buyer tax credit and a $10k California New Construction Credit. They can be combined for $18k of tax credits + the extra deductions of owning a home. Call/Email for more info. 805-637-7148 or

FREE CMA for any property my clients want to purchase

One of the services I offer my clients is a comprehensive CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) on any properties they are considering purchasing. This service includes an in depth analysis of the subject property and area as well as a detailed review of the surrounding similar comps (current active, pending, and sold properties). A CMA is kind of a Realtor's version of an appraisal, but with no cost passed on to my client.

Feel free to call me at 805-637-7148 or email me Daniel@ZiaGroup.com any time if I can be of assistance.