Blog - Stovall Team, Fountain Valley, CA, Real Estate

Beware of COVID-19 scams: Officials are NOT going door-to-door offering tests

By Micah Stovall | Published: March 22, 2020

Coronavirus scams: What the FTC is doing

Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus.

Avoid Coronavirus Scams

Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay:

Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead.
Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus. Visit the FDA to learn more.
Fact-check information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources. Visit What the U.S. Government is Doing for links to federal, state and local government agencies.
Know who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they don’t.
Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.

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VISIT OUR OPEN HOUSES on FACEBOOK LIVE!

By Micah Stovall | Published: March 14, 2020

Do not panic, stay informed, and use your best judgement.

The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has impacted us in ways both small (don’t touch your face!) and large (cancellations of public events, public school closures, and so on). And for those residents who are interested in selling, or buying a home, the new reality—in which social distancing and reducing your exposure to as many people as possible is the norm—has made typical real estate searches a bit of a challenge.

In response, Stovall Team is offering many ways to view the homes we currently have listed. We invite you to view the properties in person or remotely. Visit https://www.facebook.com/micahstovall

Those able to enter the housing market have the benefits of low rates- and the wisdom of those who bought during the last crisis. Everyone needs someplace to live, and here is another thing that probably will not change: in our area the housing stick or sale is more attractive to many than what is for rent. Much of the current inventory has come from people who are moving up or on and will themselves need to buy a property. Everyone has to make those decisions for themselves, but don’t let the sound of opportunity knocking lull you into undue risk.

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These OC districts are offering grab-and-go meals at a campus near you

By Micah Stovall | Published: March 14, 2020

To help curb the spread of COVID-19, Orange County public schools are on an extended hiatus, but that doesn’t mean students don’t have access to healthy meals.

In fact, most local districts are offering grab-and-go meals at no cost to any student 18 years and younger, regardless of where they go to school.

Here’s a look at the school districts offering meals in our area.

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Cypress School District

CAMPUSES CLOSED: Until it is deemed safe for students to return
GRAB-AND-GO SERVICE: Breakfast and lunch offered to all children 18 years and under. No sign-up required. May pick-up from any school.
DISTRIBUTION DAYS:
March 23 – 27 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
Starting March 30 Monday, Wednesday and Friday
TIMES: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LOCATIONS: All six elementary school sites

Fountain Valley School District

CAMPUSES CLOSED: Through April 17
GRAB-AND-GO SERVICE: Lunch offered to all children under the age of 18 at three school sites starting March 18. Meals will be handed to cars, and children must be present.
TIMES: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
LOCATIONS:

Cox Elementary, 17615 Los Jardines East, Fountain Valley
Tamura Elementary, 17340 Santa Suzanne St., Fountain Valley
Oka Elementary, 9800 Yorktown Ave., Huntington Beach

Garden Grove Unified School District

CAMPUSES CLOSED: Through April 10
GRAB-AND-GO SERVICE: Breakfast and lunch are offered to all children age 18 and under, as well as individuals with developmental disabilities who are age 21 and younger and enrolled in an institution or regional center program. All children and adults must be present to receive meals.
TIMES: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
LOCATIONS:

Alamitos Intermediate
Bell Intermediate
Fitz Intermediate
Irvine Intermediate
Ralston Intermediate
Peters Elementary
Bolsa Grande High
Garden Grove High
La Quinta High
Los Amigos High
Pacifica High
Rancho Alamitos High
Santiago High

Huntington Beach City School District

CAMPUSES CLOSED: Through April 17
GRAB-AND-GO SERVICE: Meals offered to all children 1-18 years.
TIMES: 11 a.m. to noon
LOCATIONS: Peterson Elementary School

Huntington Beach Union High School District

CAMPUSES CLOSED: Through April 17
GRAB-AND-GO SERVICE: Meals offered to students. No paperwork or ID required. Students must be present.
DISTRIBUTION DAYS: Monday through Friday
TIMES: Noon to 1 p.m.
LOCATIONS:

Ocean View High, 17071 Gothard St., Huntington Beach
Westminster High, 14325 Goldenwest St., Westminster

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A Good School District = Home Value Stability

By Micah Stovall | Published: March 11, 2020

Homes can go up or down in value based on macro-volatility or local area changes, but a great school district can act as the lynchpin for strong values in a given area. Spring is right around the corner, so flowers are starting to bloom, and many potential homebuyers are getting ready to step into the market When buying and selling a home, there is a lot to take into consideration. For example, Huntington Beach City School District announced last month that it would move to a community-funded district, as part of this decision will immediately stop accepting student transfers from outside as well as within the district. All other out-of-district transfers will need to leave the district for the 2020-21 school year. The district currently has more than 800 transfer students from outside its boundaries enrolled in its nine schools. This will have an impact on home prices and demand in the immediate and surrounding areas. Our intimate knowledge of the communities and schools allows the Stovall Team to guide clients as buyers and create strategic marketing for sellers. Call us today to discuss your real-estate needs at 714.343.9294 [email protected] and Visit StovallTeam.com

More Information about local districts:
Huntington Beach City School District

Fountain Valley School District

Westminster School District

Oceanview School District

Newport Mesa Unified School District

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Impact of the Coronavirus on the U.S. Housing Market

By Micah Stovall | Published: March 9, 2020

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused massive global uncertainty, including a U.S. stock market correction no one could have seen coming. While much of the news has been about the effect on various markets, let’s also acknowledge the true impact it continues to have on lives and families around the world.

With all this uncertainty, how do you make powerful and confident decisions in regard to your real estate plans?

If you’re considering buying or selling a home, it is key to educate yourself so that you can take thoughtful and intentional next steps for your future.

For example, when there’s fear in the world, we see lower mortgage interest rates as investors flee stocks for the safety of U.S. bonds. This connection should be considered when making real estate decisions.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB):

“The Fed’s action was expected but perhaps not to this degree and timing. And the policy change was consistent with recent declines for interest rates in the bond market. These declines should push mortgage interest rates closer to a low 3% average for the 30-year fixed rate mortgage.”

This is exactly what we’re experiencing right now as mortgage interest rates hover at the lowest levels in the history of the housing market.

Bottom Line

The full impact of the Coronavirus is still not yet known. It is in times like these that working with an informed and educated real estate professionals at Stovall Team will make all the difference in the world. Call Micah Stovall today at 714.343.9294

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Entry-Level Homeowners Are in the Driver’s Seat

By Micah Stovall | Published: February 25, 2020

One thing helping homeowners right now is price appreciation, especially in the entry-level market. In the latest Home Price Insights report, CoreLogic reveals how home prices increased by 4% year-over-year and projects prices will rise 5.2% by December 2020. Today there are fewer than 70 single-family homes on the market for under $1M in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa and Westminster COMBINED. If you’re considering moving out of an entry-level house, you are going to be in the driver’s seat as a seller.

Our commitment to seamless service means the only thing you have to do is contact us. We’ll do the rest. Call me today at 714.343.9294

Why is this good news for the homeowners? When prices appreciate, homeowners gain equity. In addition, those planning to sell this year, especially in the entry-level market, can potentially earn a substantial profit. Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, says: “Moderately priced homes are in high demand and short supply, pushing up values…Homes that sold for 25% or more below the local median price experienced a 5.9% price gain in 2019, compared with a 3.7% gain for homes that sold for 25% or more above the median.”

As Dr. Nothaft indicates, the lack of inventory continues to drive home price growth. This means there’s a high demand for homes in this tier of the market, making it a great time to consider using your equity to move up to a bigger or more premium home.

When you upgrade your home, you may be able to find the amenities or features you’ve dreamed of – such as a yard to plant or garden in with your family this spring, or more outdoor space for entertaining this summer. Maybe it’s the master bath you’ve always hoped for, or a garage to finally park your car inside.

If you’re moving out of an entry-level house and working with Micah Stovall, you’re going to be in the driver’s seat as a seller.

If you’d like to own a bigger home, sit down with Stovall Team today to discuss your situation. You may be surprised by the current value of your home and the equity you’ve gained. Call me at 714.343.9294.

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