Ron Marvin Realtor

From The National Association of Realtors 

1. Appreciation. Real estate has a long-term, stable growth in value and serves as a good hedge against inflation. Census data shows median home prices increased more than 6% per year on average from 4th QTR 2000 to 4th QTR 2003.
2. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but paying your mortgage year over year lets you build equity ownership interest in your home.
3. Tax benefits. If you itemize deductions on your federal tax return, the U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes (up to $10,000 according to current tax law), and some of the costs involved in buying a home. 
4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) of gain without owing any federal income tax. The IRS provides guidance on how to qualify for the exclusion.
5. Predictability. Unlike rent, fixed-rate mortgage payments don’t rise from year to year. So, as a percentage of your income, your housing costs may actually decline over time. However, property taxes and insurance costs may increase.
6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can update, remodel, and/or decorate any way you want and make choices that appeal to your lifestyle.
7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood allows you to build lasting connections and familiarity within the community. 

Southern California is one of the most popular retirement and 'snowbird' areas in the country, with a variety of 55+ communities to choose from, both gated and non-gated. With the sheer number of communities there is one to suit every preference and budget, from single family homes, to condominiums, to mobile/manufactured properties. Many, but not all, are resort communities with a variety of amenities. There is also a wide range of HOA or land lease fees to consider. Other factors to consider are climate, culture, transportation, and accessibility to medical facilities and/or conveniences.

If you're searching for a senior community as either a year-round residence or for a second home, my goal is to help you sort through all the options to find the best fit for your budget, lifestyle, and preferences. With my territory reaching from the coastal cities of San Diego County to the desert cities of the Greater Palm Springs area, I can guide and advise on a wide range of areas and communities.

Are you thinking about purchasing vacant land or a home with acreage? Here are some helpful tips and things to consider:

• What are the zoning codes, building codes, and ordinances and do they fit your purposes for the property. Choose the right lot and location for your purposes. 
• Are there covenants, use restrictions, or special designations made by the city or county. 
• Are you in a fire or flood zone. Is there vegetation that may require state or county mandated fire hazard prevention efforts. What is the topography like and will the land require grading, and how does runoff water move on the property. 
• What type of access roads or easements are provided and are they developed or non-developed. What type of maintenance will be required and are those shared costs with other property owners. 
• How close is the property to power, water, sewer, or gas lines and what costs are involved in running and connecting those utilities to the property. Is there a well or can one be installed and at what cost. Is there a septic system and if not, what are the costs for the soil testing and installation. 
• What are your financing options and can you obtain a loan. Land loans sometimes require higher down payments and can be difficult to obtain if there are any unpermitted structures.
• Are boundary lines clearly documented and/or marked. Is a land survey needed and at what cost.