Chino Hills Real Estate Blog : Announcements

FTC finds an estimated 25.6 million Americans fell victim to fraud in 2011

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:06:00 GMT

The Federal Trade Commission has released a statistical survey of fraud in the United States during 2011, which showed that an estimated 25.6 million adults – 10.8 percent of the adult population – were fraud victims. While fast-growing online...(read more)

Don’t open email falsely claiming to be from FTC

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 02:15:00 GMT

The Federal Trade Commission is warning small businesses that an email with a subject line “NOTIFICATION OF CONSUMER COMPLAINT” is not from the FTC. The email falsely states that a complaint has been filed with the agency against their company....(read more)

Foreclosure settlement cash a few months away

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:52:00 GMT

The Orange County Register Nearly 4 million homeowners will be contacted within the next three months to receive payment under an $8.5 billion foreclosure-abuse settlement between federal regulators and 10 large banks, according to the Federal Reserve....(read more)

American Taxpayers Relief Act signed into law

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:08:00 GMT

Last week, Congress reached an agreement in the “fiscal cliff” negotiations, and President Obama signed the American Taxpayers Relief Act into law last Wednesday. C.A.R. would like to recognize and thank the tens of thousands of C.A.R. members...(read more)

Justice Dept. raises awareness of disaster fraud hotline

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:31:00 GMT

The Dept. of Justice, the FBI, and the National Center for Disaster Fraud remind the public there is a potential for disaster fraud in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Suspected fraudulent activity pertaining to relief efforts associated with natural...(read more)

Waffle-Sandwich Shop Coming to the Shoppes

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 14:27:00 GMT

Just across from the new Dillion's Restaurant at the shoppes in Chino Hills, Bruxie, (Pronounced Brucks-ee) will open it's doors next month. Bruxie originated in Orange County and the Shoppes opening will be its first location in the Inland Empire....(read more)

Consumers warned about paying up-front fees to contractors

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 14:55:00 GMT

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is alerting California consumers who are considering hiring a painter, landscaper – or any other type of construction contractor – that it is illegal to ask for or accept a down payment of more than...(read more)

Chino Hills is Number 34 on Money Magazine's 2012 Best Places To Live!

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 17:13:00 GMT

WINNER Top 100 rank: 34 Population: 74,600 Compare Chino Hills to Top 10 Best Places This ethnically diverse Southern California community an hour outside Los Angeles claims a higher median income than that of Beverly Hills. Excellent schools and safe...(read more)

Short Sale Soundoff: BofA increases relocation assistance payments

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:40:00 GMT

Bank of America has launched a nationwide program that offers delinquent mortgage customers increased assistance with relocation expenses – from $2,500 to $30,000 – at the completion of a qualifying short sale. To qualify for the enhanced...(read more)

New stores to open at The Shoppes in Chino Hills

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:32:00 GMT

Dillion's Irish Restaurant and Pub recently opened in March as well as a hat store... Caps, Untd . Two more retail stores will open this summer at The Shoppes, Charming Charlie , a jewelry and accessories stores, and eCosway , a retailer selling private...(read more)

FHA Fees Rise and Fall

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:29:00 GMT

Talking Points Fees for refinancing into a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan are set to fall, as the upfront mortgage insurance decreases to 0.01 percent of the base loan amount, from 1 percent, beginning June 11. For buyers, the upfront mortgage...(read more)

IRS Tax Scam Warning

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:33:00 GMT

The IRS is warning taxpayers of an emerging tax refund scam in which victims are advised to falsely claim tax refunds. The frequent targets of this scam are seniors, church congregations, or people with little or no income that would not typically be...(read more)

Consumer Protection Working Group launched to Combat Consumer Fraud

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:41:00 GMT

The Consumer Protection Working Group, formed under President Barack Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF), recently convened its first meeting to address consumer fraud, which can financially cripple households and can cause extensive...(read more)

Fraud Altert: Unexpected IRS refund

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:58:00 GMT

If you receive an unsolicited email that appears to be from the IRS requesting that you file a "tax refund request," do not fall victim to this identity theft scheme. Numerous people are receiving unsolicited email informing them that a $9,390.55...(read more)

State targets property-tax payers

Gail Griffin, GRI, e-PRO — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:13:00 GMT

Orange County Register Beginning with the 2012 tax bill (the one due in April 2013), the state Franchise Tax Board will require property owners to break down their property taxes into deductible and non-deductible portions. Read the full story...(read more)