Did you know that there are tax credits available for home energy systems?   Many people are now exploring alternative energy sources when remodeling or building a home.  Looking toward the future, there are options that can be utilitzed to provide power to your residence.  Some alternatives will afford you a tax credit to help lower the cost of the energy improvement.
 

You can read more about it here:  Energy Tax Credits for Your Home

Have you used an alternative energy source in your home?  Let us know!

When buying a house, or owning a home, you will most likely need and want homeowner's insurance.  The cost of homeowner's insurance can vary between carriers, regions and states, and also depends on different options and coverages (also known as "riders").

We have more information here: Home buying: the Basics of Homeowner's Insurance.

When you need homeowner's insurance, we advise you to shop around, ask a lot of questions, and become informed!

It's part of your real estate life and times.

With the decline in the real estate market has come a byproduct - a decline in the number of realtors both at the California state level and the National level.

Read: Number of real estate agents in California declines

And, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that the total number of member associations and memberships has declined also.  The peak year for membership was 2006, and there has been a steady decline since that year.  You can view a history here:  NAR Membership History

Another sign of the real estate life and times.

In today's economy, the reality of foreclosure is all too common.  It happens to homeowners in all price ranges, and in most neighborhoods - to friends and family.  And, it is a stressful position to be in.

There are resources to help.  Research and knowledge are the keys to dealing with the situation.

Read more and get valuable sources here:

Resources for Avoiding Home Foreclosure

At the end of the year, we do an ad with all of the real estate activity we have been part of during the year.  Here is the ad we did for the end of 2011:

If we can help you with real estate now, or in the future, please feel free to contact us.

Fran and Rowena, Dilbeck Real Estate
Telephone:  (818) 952-0077
Email:  info (at) franandrowena.com
Websites:  
   Southern California Real Estate
   Los Angeles Real Estate

CA DRE #00966791 and #00913659

One of the communities we work in is Pasadena, California.  Aside from the famous Rose Bowl and accompanying Rose Bowl Parade, there is so much to see and do in Pasadena. 

It's neighborhoods offer differing architectural styles from the traditional ranch, to modern, to character homes, with many historical areas and much history.

As a place to live, Pasadena offers wonderful and diverse restaurants, abundant shopping plus wonderful cultural and recreational opportunities.

Fran and Rowena's photos of Pasadena, California on Picasa:

____________________________________________________
All photos are copyright of Fran and Rowena