Featured Classes and Events

• Jan. 3 | Citrus Valley Caravan

• Jan. 7 | CRMLS FREE Training – CVAR HQ

• Jan. 9 | New Member Orientation – All Locations

• Jan. 9 | zipForm® Basic – All Locations

• Jan. 10 | Reverse Mortgage – All Locations

 

Click here for full calendar of events on CVAR.net

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January Product of the Month

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Check Your Email for
2019 CVAR Dues Billing!

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New & Revised Forms for 2019

C.A.R. and zipForm® released 2 new forms and 32 revised forms for 2019. READ MORE

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

 

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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)