Featured Classes and Events
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Jan. 3 | Citrus Valley Caravan
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Jan. 7 | CRMLS FREE Training – CVAR HQ
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Jan. 9 | New Member Orientation – All Locations
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Jan. 9 | zipForm® Basic – All Locations
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Jan. 10 | Reverse Mortgage – All Locations
Click here for full calendar of events on CVAR.net
January Product of the Month
Check Your Email for
2019 CVAR Dues Billing!
New & Revised Forms for 2019
C.A.R. and zipForm® released 2 new forms and 32 revised forms for 2019. READ MORE
Tax Tip #6: Tax Gift Exclusion
Don’t squander the tax gift exclusion. Taxpayers can give up to $15,000 to as many people as they wish in 2018, free of gift or estate tax. READ MORE
Fixed Mortgage Rates Decline
The 30-year fixed-rate average dipped to 4.55%, down from 4.62% a week ago, and up from 3.99% a year ago. The 15-year fixed-rate average slipped to 4.01%. READ MORE
6 Master Bathroom Trends to Watch
A survey of more than 1,100 homeowners who are planning or recently have completed a master bathroom renovation reveals show some trends emerging. READ MORE
Fed Hike – The benchmark federal funds rate, raised to between 2.25 and 2.5% on Dec. 19, are at the highest level since 2008. With many indicators show a housing market slowdown, central bank officials now forecast two hikes next year, down from three rate raises previously projected. (CNBC, TheRealDeal)
Housing Starts – November housing starts increased 3.2%, but are down 3.6% from November 2017. Single family starts were down 4.6% from October, and down 13% year-over-year; multi-family starts were up 22% year-over-year. (HUD, US Census)
Sales Down – New home sales dropped 8.9%, marking an almost 2 1/2 year low. Part of the slowdown is due to higher mortgage rates, making mortgage payments more expensive. (U.S. Commerce Department)
See 3rd Quarter market data at CVAR Market At A Glance,
with the latest information for three counties:
Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino.
In Case You Missed It….
Cities Report – Nov.-Dec. 2018
Final Election Results and more in this month’s Cities Report compiled by CVAR’s Government Affairs Director, Bill Ruh. READ MORE
Client Tip: No Longer Tax Deductible
Now’s a good time to understand the changes in tax deductions. Learn about personal exemptions and much more. READ MORE