Hi Friends, Paul Weir and I are putting on a new all day pond class next month. It will be the first of the new year. It will be held onsite at a local teaching ranch. Are you struggling to evict scum from your pond? Weeds and algae getting the best of you?  Have your fish been failing to thrive? Planning to build a small pond (1/4 to 20 acres in size) on your property? Need to know how to bring your pond back into balance? If you said yes to any of the above, than this class will help you for sure! We will be discussing . . . Individual and /or multipurpose ponds; i.e., fishing, irrigation, swimming, and use as fire protection. Physical characteristics of a good pond, depth, islands, aeration and proper side slopes We will discuss how to test for a leak and how to seal a leaky pond Lea... 01/28/2010

I love it when I turn on my computer in the morning and find a short sale approval letter sitting in my inbox. Sort of sets the mood for the day. And even though I get up at 5 AM most mornings, those banks on the East Coast are still ahead of me. The approval letter I received this morning is for a short sale in West Sacramento. Here is a short sale in Lincoln, California. It's a KB home in Lincoln Crossing. Except for the home to its immediate left, every other home on the street appears to be a two-story. This and the home next door are the highly desired one-story model. It has a stucco exterior, built in 2004, with a tile roof. You'll get the typical 3 bedrooms / 2 baths, but it has an open feeling, which can make a home appear even more spacious than the 1,835 square feet the asses... 01/07/2010

If you are looking to buy a foreclosure or short sale home in Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite bay, or any portion of Placer County or Sacramento County, then you have come to the right place. While foreclosure proceedings continue to remain at low volumes, there are many great deals out there. Being a specialist in foreclosure and short sale homes within a tri-county area, I have a list of available homes. Many times I have the insight on a bank owned home, well before it is listed on the MLS. I work with first time home buyers, investors and move-up buyers. If you need to be placed in good hands, then Don't hesitate to call me or email me. Or Click on this link for more information John A Taylor (916) 295-7299 Realtor, Coldwell Banker, Sun Ridge Real Estate DRE# 01437241 12/23/2009

If you are looking to buy a foreclosure home in Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite bay, or any portion of Placer County or Sacramento County, then you have come to the right place. While foreclosure proceedings continue to remain at low volumes, there are many great deals out there. Being a specialist in foreclosure and short sale homes within a tri-county area, I have a list of available homes. Many times I have the insight on a bank owned home, well before it is listed on the MLS. I work with first time home buyers, investors and move-up buyers. If you need to be placed in good hands, then Don't hesitate to call me or email me. Or  visit http://www.placercountyshortsale.com for more information John A Taylor (916) 295-7299 Realtor, Coldwell Banker, Sun Ridge Real Estate DRE# 01437241 12/23/2009

    With everyone becoming more aware of the environment and wanting to be more ‘green’ what better way then to get a living potted Christmas tree this year.  In our area trees can be found at our local nursery ranging in size and price from tabletop at $12 to $150 for a giant tree. Popular varieties are the Dwarf Alberta Spruce or Fat Albert a type of blue spruce.   Natural live trees are kind to the environment, they give off a wonderful fresh scent while in your home, are cheaper in the long run then a artificial tree which can costs up to $500 and will eventually end up in a land-fill. Artificial trees are also not fire proof as most people think, in fact once the plastic PVC starts to smoke it can give off toxic gasses. No tree is fire proof so examine your lights carefully before ... 12/20/2009

Literally, take this opportunity during the holiday season to make a little something to pass out to your clients, vendors or friends. There’s nothing more thoughtful then giving out something you’ve made to show your appreciation. Make a double batch and place several pieces in a small box or holiday tin and hand them out, people will love the candy treat and remember the nice gesture.  This simple recipe is a recipe for success, for now and the future, this holiday season. Enjoy!  HAZELNUT COFFEE CRUNCH Melt 8 oz. good quality dark chocolate in a microwave on high for 1 minute, stirring every 15 seconds; set aside. Spread on wax paper lined baking sheet to a thickness of about ¼”. Top with ½ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts and ¼ cup coarsely crushed coffee beans. Let cool over night. B... 12/16/2009

Check out this stunning home with a great sunset view!! This wonderful Dell Web Community is perfect for your buyers that are 55+! The open main living area is superb for entertaining! Price Reduction!! - $599,900 214 Mariemont Ct., Lincoln, CA 95648 View Map This wonderful home is full of many extras, not to mention its grand view of the sunset. You will want to see this property in this 55+ quiet community. It is nestled on a cul-de-sac and boasts a gigantic master suite. The Silestone counters are gorgeous and compliment the many kitchen amenities. For your private showing today, please call: Stacy Moffat, RE/Max Gold at 916.243.9044 or email her at agtmoffat@aol.com Details Asking Price: Reduced to $599,900 MLS: 90049947 Sq. Feet: 3073 Lot Size: 0.338 Bedrooms: 2-3 Bathrooms: 3 (2 1... 12/12/2009

12/10/2009

Buy in Lincoln, Roseville, Rocklin, Sacramento foreclosures, REO's and short sales at great deals. Our real estate team works with many banks, asset managers and homeowners of short-sales. Get that bank owned home or short sale at a great price! We have an inventory of all homes, as well as a lender to work with you. It is important to find a Realtor that is committed to providing you with the level of service which you need. Our agents are highly trained, great listeners and posess excellent communication skills. You do not become "just a Client". You become a friend, and you are treated with the honsety and sincerity which you deserve. Whether you know exactly what you are looking for, or would like us to implement a customized MLS search, as well as our inventory, you are in good han... 11/22/2009

Hi Neighbors, Some of my home buyers have used this energy credit.  Often the tax credit can be used along with other rebates offered by PG&E and SMUD. Here's an article published by RISMEDIA with more details: As the weather turns chilly in many parts of the country, homeowners are looking at improvements to help them keep their energy costs down-and the government can help with part of the bill.  Upgrade your insulation, windows, doors, roofing, heating and air-conditioning system or water heater, and you could qualify for a federal tax credit for 30% of the purchase price of the product-up to a $1,500 maximum credit. The credits can be claimed on a homeowner's income taxes for 2009 or 2010, whatever year the improvements were purchased. With a credit, the amount comes off any taxes y... 10/19/2009

Catta Verdera Country Club - Lincoln, California (Placer County, CA) Catta Verdera Country Club is a gated golf course community in the city of Lincoln, located in Placer county, California. There are actually three different gated areas all within the Catta Verdera Country Club: 1. Custom homes & lots - Camino Verdera, Paseo Tranquilo, Senda Roble, Via Vistoso, Rua Esperanza, Prado Vista, Corte Sendero, Corte Ocaso, Vista de Madera. Verdera by JTS Communities and Campagna by Richmond American Homes - Monteverde Drive, Monteverde Lane, Feliz Way, Estrella Court, Estrella Place, Bella Circle, Cresta Court, Fuente Way. 2. Monticello by Centex Homes - Ladera Drive, Yerba Way, Valle Court. 3. Monte Azul by Greenbriar Homes - Camino Cielo. The Catta Verdera Country Club has 24-hour roaming s... 10/18/2009

2006 All America City - Lincoln, California (Placer County, CA) Lincoln is located in southwest Placer County, California. The City of Lincoln was established on August 18, 1890 and the population as of July 2008 was approximately 43,602. Gladding, McBean & Co. (a manufacturer of clay pottery, roof tiles, sewer pipe and other clay products) is a famous landmark in Lincoln, as well as Thunder Valley Resort, the first casino in the Sacramento area. In 2006, the National Civic League named Lincoln an All-America City and not only was Lincoln the only city in California named that year, but only 10 U.S. cities receive the prestigious All-America City award annually. Lincoln has several large subdivisions including a 55+ adult community (Sun City Lincoln Hills), a golf course community (Catt... 10/16/2009

NAR reports that REO Buyers can now select their Escrow and Title companies.  Here is the text of the REO Buyer Can Select Escrow and Title: Effective October 11, 2009, the Buyer's Choice Act prohibits an REO lender selling residential property up to four units from directly or indirectly requiring the buyer to purchase escrow services or title insurance from any particular company.  A buyer, however, who has received written notice of the right to make an independent selection, may agree to the REO lender's escrow or title recommendations.  An REO lender that violates this law can be held liable for three times the charges the buyer incurred, whereas a violation by the seller's agent may be subject to license disciplinary action.  This law expires on January 1, 2015.  Assembly Bill 957... 10/16/2009

Hi Neighbors, As mentioned in a blog article from a couple of months ago, be ready for potential extensions in escrows due to changes in financing regulation.But... don't just take our word for it, take a look at what the California Association of Realtors (CAR) just published.THANK YOU CAR!NEW LOAN DISCLOSURE RULES MAY POTENTIALLY AFFECT CLOSE OF ESCROW Starting July 30, 2009, if the APR on an initial Good Faith Estimate is no longer accurate (within a 0.125% range) at close of escrow, a lender must generally provide a residential borrower with a new disclosure and a three-day right to rescind before consummating the loan. REALTORS® are forewarned that, because of this new three-day waiting period, a lender's failure to timely provide corrected disclosures has the potential of delaying... 10/14/2009

Hi Neighbors, I've written about this before, but I think it is especially true for the Sacramento region.  Now is the time to buy.  Historically if you look at home values increasing over time, home prices have kept pace with inflation over the long run.  With our current adjustment, the Sacramento - Placer - El Dorado counties are now actually below the long range trend.  That indicates to me that not only will this region be among the first to recover, but will some modest appreciation.  Of course the big caveat is the overall economy.   You have to have jobs in order to have a decent economy. Another thing to keep in mind from an investment point of view, your home values increase based on the purchase price of the home.  So if your home is purchased for $100,000 and it increases 2%... 10/13/2009

Hi Neighbors, I'd like to share two links to home buying calculators reported from Business Week via the National Association of Realtors. There are a number of free tools to help potential home buyers decide how much home they can afford to buy.One of the best calculators is offered by the National Association of REALTORS®. It is simple to use and includes all the important criteria, says BusinessWeek columnist Marc Roth, founder and president of Home Warranty of America. If that doesn't work, Roth also recommends the real estate-related calculators offered by Michael Bluejay. Source: BusinessWeek.com, Marc Roth (10/09/2009) Happy Columbus Day Jeffhttp://www.englepropertiesonline.com   10/12/2009

Hi Neighbors, Leslie Appleton-Young, California Association of Realtor's Chief Economist released the 2010 California Real Estate Market Forecast.  In that: The median home price in California will rise 3.3 percent to $280,000 in 2010 compared with a projected median of $271,000 this year, according to C.A.R.'s "2010 California Housing Market Forecast," presented today at CALIFORNIA REALTOR® EXPO 2009 in San Jose. Sales for 2010 are projected to decrease 2.3 percent to 527,500 units, compared with 540,000 units (projected) in 2009 The report has some regional data in it.  For example the peak of the housing market for the Sacramento Region was August 2005 where the median priced home was valued at $394,450.  August shows that median price to be $192,050 or down 51%. NOTE:  Real estate i... 10/07/2009

Hi Neighbors.  Last weekend I was out with one of my buyers looking at new homes.  One thing we noticed was a lack of 'incentives'.  This is in line with this article published in thw Wall Street Journal: Home builders are cutting back on the freebies they've been tacking on new homes for the last couple of years to woo buyers.The reason is simple: Demand is almost back in sync with supply. According to Jeffrey Laverty, analyst with research firm Oscar Gruss & Son, new-home inventory has declined from 12.4 months in January to 7.3 in August, close to the six-month mark considered standard.While eliminating incentives like free cars and free pools, some builders are continuing to offer to pay points on mortgages and discounts on upgrades-"Incentives that make sense," says Laura VanVeltho... 10/07/2009

Hi Neighbors, John Graham of Neighborly Financial has been gone the past several days helping a search and rescue effort in a nearby county. From John: I went to help search for the missing deer hunter in Calaveras County, last Wednesday. We spent all day looking for the subject. We were able to track his footsteps from the truck for about 7 miles, step by step, until darkness forced us to retreat for the night. Attached is a photo of the footprint we were following during the Calaveras County search. As of Friday, his location is still unknown. I have no details on the outcome, other than he is alive.I am a member of the Placer County Sherriff's Search and Rescue team. We are recognized as one of the largest and better trained teams in the state, and therefore we get called out to assi... 10/07/2009

Hi Neighbors.  The NAR (National Association of Realtor's) posted this excerpt of an article originally published in the Chicago Tribune.  Neat tidbit to share: More than 80 percent of new single-family homes have at least two bathrooms, which occupy an average of 300 square feet of floor space, or 12 percent of the total area, according to a study by the National Association of Home Builders.The home builder's study reports a major return on value for extra bathrooms: "When the number of bathrooms is approximately equal to the number of bedrooms, an additional half-bath adds about 10 percent to the home's value, and one additional bath adds about 19 percent."A mid-range bathroom remodel, which costs $10,500 on average nationwide, repays a home buyer at least 100 percent of the outlay w... 10/07/2009