San Diego Real Estate and Coastal Homes for Sale

Middleton & Associates' number one goal has always been first and foremost helping their clients and satisfying their needs. Middleton did not get into the real estate profession in search of quick real estate sales commissions--the company is in it for the long haul.

"We want to build relationships and please our clients with unmatched levels of professionalism and customer service. "We know if we treat you right youll come back to us and refer others to the company."

"When I go see clients in their new home, and their five-year-old tugs on my hand saying, 'Come see my new room like its the greatest thing on this earth...thats when I feel I have the greatest job in the world." - Peter Middleton

Middleton & Associates is proud to be part of Keller Williams Realty, the fastest growing real estate company in the United States. At Keller Williams, each transition is treated with the utmost in professionalism because we know its all about our clients. With over 80,000 associates and 650 offices, Keller Williams is now the fourth largest, and fastest growing, real estate company in the world. Our prestigious U.S. and international status offers you a strong network of referring agents and significant internet presence.

Legislation to prevent the state from taxing forgiven mortgage debt cleared the state Assembly early Monday, offering potential tax relief to thousands of Californians who lost their homes in 2009.

"The feds don't do it and we're not going to do it, either," Assemblyman Charles Calderon, D-Montebello, said Monday before a 47-27 vote that sent the measure to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Schwarzenegger's office signaled later that he may veto the measure. The governor opposes an unrelated provision in SBX8 32 concerning tax refunds sought by corporations.

"Our position hasn't changed," said Schwarzenegger spokesman Mike Naple.

The Assembly vote ratified earlier state Senate approval of a measure that aligns many California tax codes with those of the federal government. One clause would eliminate state tax penalties for those who received loan modifications last year or did short sales. In loan modifications, lenders sometimes forgive a few months of payments. In short sales, they agree to sales prices below what they're owed to avoid foreclosing. The differences in both are considered forgiven debt for the homeowner and typically taxed as extra income.

Vacaville homeowner Mark Mosley said Monday he received a $21,000 tax bill last week for a $59,000 loan modification he received in 2009. He said his lender notified him he owes $13,000 to the federal government and $9,000 to the state.

It's almost certain, however, that Mosley doesn't owe federal taxes. The federal government has banned the IRS from taxing forgiven mortgage debt through the end of 2012. The state government had similar bans in place for the 2007 and 2008 tax years. But it hasn't yet extended the ban to the 2009 tax year.

While every homeowner's case can be different, typically those who live in the homes they own can avoid being taxed for forgiven debt. Lawmakers called it a fairness issue Monday, arguing that people having mortgage hardships shouldn't also get hit with a big state tax bill.

"We should provide relief to those who are struggling and at risk of losing their homes," said Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, D-Davis.

Schwarzenegger opposes a clause that penalizes businesses for seeking some tax refunds. Businesses say it's often hard to calculate what they owe the state, and thus, overpay to avoid stiff penalties. But Democrats say some companies unfairly seek state tax refunds that they aren't owed.

Vacaville homeowner Mark Mosley said Monday he received a $21,000 tax bill last week for a $59,000 loan modification he received in 2009. He said his lender notified him he owes $13,000 to the federal government and $9,000 to the state.

It's almost certain, however, that Mosley doesn't owe federal taxes. The federal government has banned the IRS from taxing forgiven mortgage debt through the end of 2012. The state government had similar bans in place for the 2007 and 2008 tax years. But it hasn't yet extended the ban to the 2009 tax year.

While every homeowner's case can be different, typically those who live in the homes they own can avoid being taxed for forgiven debt. Lawmakers called it a fairness issue Monday, arguing that people having mortgage hardships shouldn't also get hit with a big state tax bill.

"We should provide relief to those who are struggling and at risk of losing their homes," said Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, D-Davis.

Schwarzenegger opposes a clause that penalizes businesses for seeking some tax refunds. Businesses say it's often hard to calculate what they owe the state, and thus, overpay to avoid stiff penalties. But Democrats say some companies unfairly seek state tax refunds that they aren't owed.

Despite signs that the real estate market might be lurching forward, prices are expected to fall further this year and next.

The average home price in the United States will fall by about 6% by September 2011, according to a joint report between Fiserv and Moody's Economy.com. And that's after plunging more than 27% in the past three years.

Most of the projected home price decline will occur during the usually slow summer months of 2010. After that, prices should begin to stabilize, according to Fiserv, and stay almost flat through fall of 2011.

The main reason for continued decline, according to Mark Zandi, economist and co-founder of Economy.com, is foreclosures -- the same thing that's plagued markets for the past three years.

"Foreclosure sales will pick up this spring as mortgage servicers figure out who can qualify for a modification and who can't," said Zandi.

He figures there are at least 4.5 million mortgage loans either in foreclosure or clearly headed in that direction. When that additional inventory hits the market, it will provide numerous choices for buyers and encourage sellers to drop their listing prices.

Check the home price forecast in your city

The end of two federal programs, which have been propping up markets, will also tamp down prices.

The Federal Reserve has been purchasing mortgage-backed securities since early 2009, scooping up as much as $1.25 trillion worth. That has dampened rate increases by providing a ready market for the securities. But the Fed's program lapses on March 31, when it cedes the playing field to private investors, who will almost surely demand higher rates.

Any resulting rise in rates will cause some buyers to withdraw from the market and others to look for lower priced homes. Either way, demand for homes drops and so do prices.

A month after the Fed bows out of the mortgage-buying market, the homebuyer tax credit will start to expire. To qualify for the $8,000 credit, homebuyers must sign a contract before April 30 and close by June 30. When the first date passes, many buyers are expected to vacate the market, weakening the demand for homes.

In a broader sense, home prices are ultimately decided by employment. "If [the job market] improvement is stronger than expected, prices will get better. If it's weaker than expected, prices will be worse," Zandi said.

Worst of the worst

The worst performing market will be Miami, Fla. Moody's projects prices there to drop a heart-stopping 29.2% by Sept. 30. That follows a 47.7% decline the metro area recorded in the past three years. Grand total: 64% drop.

Other disastrous performances will be turned in by the Hanford, Calif., metro area, where prices are projected to plummet 27.2% through Sept. 30, 2010 following their 36.9% drop for the previous 36 months. Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm will also register steep drops.

There's some good price news coming out of California's Central Valley for a change; prices will begin to emerge from their free fall toward the end of this year.

In Merced, for example, which crashed and burned by 71.8% in the past three years (through last September), they'll only fall only another 6.2% in the next six months before bouncing back with a rise of 10.1% by Sept. 30, 2011. 

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh is saying adios to the Big Apple and selling his Fifth Avenue penthouse, asking almost $14 million.

Limbaugh bought the 10-room condo at 1049 Fifth Ave. in 1994 under the name of R H Trust, according to city property documents. The pad sprawls across nearly 5,000 square feet and two of its terraces overlook Central Park and its famous reservoir.

The pre-war property features a double living room; a wood-paneled library; four terraces; enormous baths; and a maid's room. But it's not for the faint of heart -- or those afraid of a big renovation. The general appearance can be described as, well, ornate, with trompe l'oeil ceilings and mural-covered walls.

Other lavish features include gold leaf moldings, mahogany floors, upholstered walls and an Italian marble foyer.

Luxury broker Corcoran Group is listing the property, but the firm chose not to release photos or confirm the celebrity resident. Limbaugh was not available for comment.

So what's all that worth? Limbaugh hopes to get $13.95 million for his home. For the tax rolls, the city values the property at $1.56 million and says property would rent for more than $26,000 per month.

Limbaugh, host of "The Rush Limbaugh Show," has been a major voice in the conservative media arena for decades. In 2009, the pundit said he would sell his property after New York governor David Paterson proposed a so-called "millionaire's tax" on residents who make more than $500,000 a year. 

A spectacularly elegant and sprawling piece of property of the La Jolla Coastal Real Estate has already been sold for an impressive $2,400,000. This truly remarkable house that is situated in the highly in demand neighborhood of Muirlands in the city of La Jolla in California is part of the many San Diego Coastal Homes for Sale. This magnificent property is surrounded by countless other valuable homes and fantastic neighborhoods that make this highly coveted estate quite a steal.

The magnificent house has an estimated square footage of 4,056 and has a total of five considerably large bedrooms and four full bathrooms. The exterior of the house is made from stucco and the roofing is made from high quality tiles and clay. Beautiful landscapes and spectacular trees surround the house that is included in the list of many La Jolla Coastal Homes for Sale, making it fairly secluded and conveniently situated far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are a total of four garage spaces on the site and the excellent location provides the residents with spectacular views of the hills, mountains, and the evening lights.