Page 10 - February 09, 2012


‘Chuckles’ Cont. from Page 7


rifying conclusion. Her theo- ry was right. The parking lot was empty.


I immediately called the police. I gave them my loca- tion, confessed that I had left my keys in the car, and that it had been stolen.


Then I made the most diffi- cult call of all, “Honey,” I stammered. I always call her “honey” in times like these.


“I left my keys in the car, and it has been stolen.”


There was a period of silence. I thought the call had been dropped, but then I heard Diane’s voice. “Ken,” she barked, “I dropped you off!”


Now it was my time to be silent. Embarrassed, I said, “Well, come and get me.”


Diane retorted, “I will, as soon as I convince this policeman I have not stolen your car!”


See you next week with more Chuckles!


Understanding Your Real Estate Options


Chester is a wonderful blend of the best of a Westie and a Chihuahua. They call them Chesties … small, light, fun, durable and very healthy. He is full grown at 4.5 pounds and only a year, if that. He is crate trained and loves to sit with you. His hair is very easy to brush so rarely needs an expensive groomer.


He has been neutered, all vac- cines and rabies up to date and has a microchip. He will come with a full safety package … col- lar, harness, leash and ID tag. He will also bring his own food to help with his integration.


To see more pictures or to con- tact us, please go to our website at www.forgottenpaws.org.


by Cherrie Giles


Certified Property Manager Giles and Company


Residential & Commercial Real Estate, Leasing and Property Management


ARE YOU A SENIOR THINKING OF DOWNSIZ- ING YOUR HOME?


The U.S. Census calculates that there will be some 82 million Americans 65 and older living in this country by the year 2050. That is an impressive 137% increase from now! Real estate is the largest single asset class owned by those 65 and older. And yet, if you are a senior, you may have unique needs when you decide to down-


size. For example, is your new home close to good pub- lic transportation in case you are no longer able to drive? Also, it may be important to be near a quality medical cen- ter or recreational facility. Or, you may want to move closer to a family member who can assist you if you need help.


Transfer Your Property Tax-Base Year Value to Your New Home


Have you ever said to your- self, "I would love to sell my house and get into a nice new one, but if I do I'll have to pay property tax on the new pur- chase price" Well, good news. That may not necessarily be the case. If you meet the qual- ifications,


California


Propositions 13 and 60 might just solve your problem. Proposition 13: One of the main reasons California passed Proposition 13 was to protect home owners from rising property taxes as the value of your property increased. It established a base year value that could not go


Big Mama is a 3-1/2 year old, 60 pound, spayed, female, Hound and Boxer mix. She arrived at Rancho Coastal Humane Society through the FOCAS program.


Mama is big...but not huge. And now that her kids have left the litter she's looking for a new family that will take her for walks, to the dog park, to the beach, or spend quality time on the couch with their favorite new dog. Her adop- tion fee of $125 includes spay, up to date vaccines, veterinary exam, and microchip.


Mama is available for adoption at Rancho Coastal Humane Society, 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas. Adoption hours are 11 am to 5 pm Wednesday through Monday. For more information call 760-753-6413 or log on to www.sdpets.org.


up by more than 2% per year. Proposition 60: If you are 55 and older, Proposition 60 allows you to sell one home and buy another home of equal or lesser value and transfer your original base year to the new home. An example of this would be: Joe and Joan want to sell their four bedroom home now that their children are grown. They have lived in their current home for decades and their base year value of $40,000 grew to $66,000 by 2002. They pay property taxes of approximately $700 per year. Today their home is worth about $400,000. Joe and Joan have found a new small home for $370,000 but don’t want to make the move because under Proposition 13 the change in ownership will set a new base year value for the new home. Based on the pur- chase price, their tax bill will jump from $700 to approxi- mately $3,700 per year. However, because Joe and Joan are over 55, they can take advantage of Proposition 60 and move to the new house and still pay the $700 per year in property taxes!


Domino is a 6-year-old neutered male Chihuahua mix, ID 60525. Domino has a very happy-go-lucky personality. This charming, sweet guy effortlessly wins over just about every human he meets. He also gets along great with other small dogs, so he would enjoy having a canine companion in his new home. At just 9.5 pounds, Domino would be a wonderful addition for a family that lives in an apartment or condominium. Domino is cur- rently living in a private foster home and is available for adop- tion from the Escondido Humane Society, 3450 E. Valley Parkway. His $85 adop- tion fee includes neuter, microchip, up-to-date vaccina- tions and vet exam. For more information, or to set up an appointment to meet Domino, call Adult Dog Foster Care Coordinator Julie Herman at (760) 594-7605 or log on to www.escondidohumanesoci- ety.org.


There are also the emotional issues that must be dealt with. Often, when a senior citizen opts to sell a family home in order to downsize, it means giving up a place of cherished memories. This needs to be recognized and dealt with openly and honestly.


If you’re a senior and in the midst of considering a move, please consult with a Realtor who understands your specif- ic concerns. I would be happy to work with you and help answer your questions about Prop 13 and 60, and how it may save you a bundle!


Please call our office at 760- 746-1234. We are located at 1882 A West El Norte Parkway, Escondido 92026 in the Escondido Country Club area in the Country Club Plaza next to 7-Eleven and Cenote Grill.


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