In Memory of Jeff Johns...

Jeffrey Lamel Johns
1981 - 2009

Jeff Johns, beloved son, grandson, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend unexpectedly slipped quietly into heaven in the early morning hours on Sunday, March 1, 2009. Jeff was a first cousin to John and Greg Balfanz as well as our preferred lender through Countrywide Home Mortgage. Jeff died in the trauma center at Kern Medical Center from injuries suffered in a tragic accident a few hours earlier. He was surrounded by family and friends who had come to say their final goodbyes to a vibrant young man who was deeply loved and whom will be forever in our thoughts and prayers. Jeff was born in Bakersfield, on July 29, 1981 to parents Lori and Tom Johns. He attended Norris Elementary and Middle School and graduated from Garces Memorial High School in 1999. A gifted athlete, he played both baseball and football. He followed in the footsteps of his big brother, Drew, playing quarterback and earned MVP honors. He briefly attended college but after a year, he returned to his home in Bakersfield. Jeff entered the real estate appraisal business where he was mentored by his father Tom. He subsequently entered the mortgage business and became a successful loan officer for Countrywide Mortgage. His entrepreneur skills became evident at a young age. He had recently embarked on a project of rehabbing distressed homes in partnership with his Dad. Jeff was a real "life of the party." His outgoing, fun-loving personality drew others to him and once inside his circle, he made sure to keep you there. In his spare time he played golf, went snowboarding, loved hanging out with Kelly and friends and was an avid pro and college football fan. His favorite teams were the teams that covered; except for the Bengal's, his true favorite, which he never bet on. Jeff is survived by his mother and stepfather, Lori and Bob Malkin, father and stepmother, Tom and Christie Johns, grandparents Lamel and Boots Johns, brother and sister-in-law, Drew and Jenny Johns his precious nieces Kate and Abby, stepbrother Brian Malkin, stepsisters Brittany and Brooke Malkin, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and the love of his life, Kelly Sorrow. As an organ donor his sparkling brown eyes will see sunrises and sunsets. His young and strong heart will continue to beat in the chest of a fortunate person whose life hopefully will be extended for many years. Forever his boyish and infectious smile will be a cherished memory.

Jeff will be missed by everyone at John Balfanz Homes.

California wants you to buy a NEW home today!

After a long and grueling process to pass a budget, our state legislators have included a lucrative tax credit available only for buyers of brand new homes.


Here is what is available to YOU:

A $10,000 State Tax Credit

The state tax credit is for $10,000 or 5 percent of the purchase price of a newly built home, whichever is less. The home must be the principal residence of the buyer, and the sale must close between March 1, 2009 and March 1, 2010.


How does it work?
The credit will be provided in equal amounts (up to $3,333) per year, over three successive tax years, beginning with the year the purchase is made.


Will I receive the credit if I buy an existing home?
The credit is only for the purchase of a newly built home that has never been occupied. That is because building a new home generates more tax revenues than the credit will cost the state.

Are there any other restrictions?
The taxpayer must live in the home as their principal residence for at least two years. If he/she does not, he/she will have to repay the credit.

How much money is available under the program?
The law limits the total amount of credits that can be claimed to $100 million. Credit reservations will be allowed on a first-come, first-served basis. It is likely that the full amount will be exhausted this year, so prospective buyers should move quickly.

Can the credit be used in conjunction with the recently enacted federal tax credit?
Yes. If you buy a new home between March 1 and Dec. 31 and are a first-time home buyer, you can take advantage of both the $10,000 state credit and the $8,000 federal tax credit.