It is very well known fact that Seller Financing sells properties fast, especially in cases where properties or prospective Buyers do not conform to traditional lending or mortgage requirements. The Seller offers to hold the mortgage note (seller financing mortgage) and receive the monthly payments from the Buyer as a bank would. The problem with this approach has been that Sellers sometimes don't want to collect small monthly payments, but instead want to cash out at closing to buy another property, to cover closing costs or for many other reasons. The benefits of seller financing are many, but sometimes these are not enough to help close a deal. The interest rate on an owner-carried loan is negotiable, but remember that the seller is not willing to carry a loan for a lower return than... 02/24/2008

It's a dream we all have - to own our own home and stop paying rent. But if you're like most renters, you feel trapped within the walls of a house that's not yours. How could it when you're not even permitted to hang a picture without a hassle. You feel like you're stuck into renting with no way of rising up and owning your own home. It doesn't matter how long you've been renting, or how insurmountable your financial situation may seem. The truth is, there are some little known facts that can help you get over the hump, and transfer your status from renter to homeowner. With this information, you will begin to see how you really can: A.  Save for a down payment.B.  Stop lining your landlord's pocketsC. Stop wasting money on rentThe problem that most renters face isn't your ability to me... 02/24/2008

If your seeking a lifestyle simplicity, then your most likely looking for some place called "PARADISE".  While on vacation, I decided I didn't want to leave.  The reason, I said, I did not want to leave, was because I had found "Paradise".  But, I did go home after all.  Guess what happened? The very next day, I drove to "the Paradise Ridge" that looked over the Feather River Canyons and declared "these views are available to me every day, and by many vistors this could be called "paradise" just like where I live now, this is Paradise, Paradise, California.  Paradise is a location, but Paradise is a state of mind!" Here are five things I discovered about Paradise. 1.  Consider every moment, right now...Your Paradise.   If you do what your love, with family and go to places you enjoy, yo... 02/23/2008

The paradise site was inspected in February and found to have numerous violations.  The property had solid waste curbside containers and dumpsters filled with rain water, garbage and junk. Garbage, batteries and sofas were also found on the ground.   Some large containers filled with water could cause an abundance of mosquitoes, all of this because of a anonymous tip.....Thank you tipsterTwo code enforcement citations Wednesday for polluted water and refuse and waste matter.   The company was told to be a good neighbor and clean up its mess. He gave the company a 30-day period to clean the property. We expect the clean up to be done within that timeframe.   02/23/2008

The National Weather Service is forecasting a late February storm that is bringing significant rain and wind. Paradise residents should know a high wind advisiory has been posted for Saturday and Sunday, February 23 and 24th. 2008.  According to the latest advisory, breezy winds will develop Saturday afternoon and are expected in increase in severity as the evening progresses. By Saturday night winds are expected to approach 20-30 MPH with 40 MPH sustained.  Here is the tough part of this storm.  The ridge could experience gust of 60 miles per hour.  This morning would be a great time to buckle down the hatches and prepare.  Because in addition, the winds will be accompanied by moderate to heavy rainfall creating driving rains and poor visibility on the roads.  Live Traffic Cams - Caltr... 02/22/2008

Just a quick post to all you Paradise goers!!  Let's make sure we wish the Paradise Ladies Basketball team our luck and congratulations.  Looks like they will be starting the playoffs as the No. 3 seed.  Both the varsity team and the Freshman team had a great season!!  The Freshman ladies went undefeated.  So if you see a Lady Bobcat out there..take a minute to say congrats and Good Luck!  02/21/2008

Spring may finally be coming.  After looking at the Paradise weather forecast for next week and at the activity level improvement of the real estate market, I think Spring may be around the corner.  A cooler spring than years past, but spring no less.  The real estate market experienced a slight increase in activity with 10 properties going under agreement and 7 properties closing escrow.  Little has changed on where most of the activity lies with the single family homes under $250,000 and manufactured homes making up the highest percentage of pending properties.  There were however 17 new listings and 12 price reductions signaling that the Paradise real estate market is still very much in favor of the buyer.  Interest rates also remained very low this week, experiencing virtually no ch... 02/21/2008

At the beginning of January, I posted a blog about my reasons for trying to live more of a green lifestyle. I therefore have been trying to post articles and information that I think are interesting and relevant as I see them come into the area.  Here is an article I wanted to send your way from the Paradise Post. This article really grabbed my attention.  Children from our Paradise community are being taught the importance of our environment and specifically the impact of composting with the help of worms!!  Take a peak at this article, you may enjoy it.  Thanks!! 02/14/2008

Paradise's real estate activity over the last couple of week's has been relatively slow and steady.  Interest rates remained low, experiencing virtually no change, going from 5.68 to 5.67 for the 30 year fixed rate.  There were 9 Paradise properties that went under agreement and 5 properties that closed escrow.  Most of the activity again took place on manufactured homes and those Paradise homes listed under $300,000.  We saw a very large number of price reductions last week in Paradise as sellers attempt to get their properties noticed amidst the large amount of Paradise properties for sale.  So the story hasn't changed much this week in Paradise;  great interest rates, plentiful inventory, resulting in a perfect market to buy real estate in Paradise.  02/14/2008

Do you have cabin fever?  It is that time of year when everyone is ready for spring.  We have had some tough weather this winter here in Paradise and I am ready for a change of scenery.  Luckily the Butte county community is hosting some great events towards the end of this month and into March.  One that sticks out in my mind is the California Nut Festival which is going to be held February 21st through February 24th right in the midst of Almond Blossom season.  The event will be held at a variety of locations in Chico, you can click this link for a full detail of events and locations during the 4 day festival.  Some pre-festival events will even start this weekend where merchants will be hosting tastings, tours, and demonstrations.  This event makes me feel like spring is right around... 02/14/2008

Despite the fact that the Paradise real estate market is slower now than it was in 2005 and 2006, one major thing remains the same.  Kitchens and baths are still a  huge factor in selling you Paradise home.  Prospective buyers first look at all the major items in the home; roof, furnace, electrical, plumbing, siding, and windows.  Then it is on to the kitchen.  Can the prospective Paradise buyer picture him or herself making pancakes on Sunday morning in your kitchen?  Would they feel good about entertaining in your kitchen?  Although they won't say it, that is what they will be thinking in their mind.  The kitchen is the heart of the real estate purchase for many.  Often times, just having a more modern feel to a kitchen makes all the difference in the world.  You don't necessarily hav... 02/08/2008

The Paradise Real Estate market had some great activity this past week with 9 sold properties and 9 properties that went under contract.  There were 16 new listings that hit the Paradise market, with 7 listings expiring, and 13 listings undergoing price reductions.  The bulk of the properties that go under contract and sell, continue to be manufactured homes and single family residential homes priced under $250,000. With the mortgage rates still remaining at near record lows, and plenty of Paradise real estate opportunities on the market under $300,000, now is an amazing time to enter into Paradise homeownership.   02/07/2008

 Last weekend I dropped by the local home improvement center to get a few things for a room fix up, we are doing this week.  Is it just me or did the prices of building materials dropping?  Drywall was the best example I can think of right now.                                       Right after the Katrina storm the building supplies skyrocketed and now they are adjusting downward, or is it that the construction of home building in Chico, Paradise and surrounding Butte county is almost non existant.  Whatever the reason, I am sure that local Paradise California home owners are liking the reduction in prices.  When your ready to take on another project to fix up your home, you will appreciate those lower building material costs in Paradise.                              02/04/2008

On a brisk cold morning in Paradise, dropping by an older friends home for a warm coffee and donut,  I felt a coolness, where I was resting.  I asked my friend Dee, if they had checked the home for energy leaks recently.  Her reply was no.  Well, I definately feel a cool draft and that could be costing her extra energy money.  so, with that, we set out to find out what was leaking and if there was anything we could do about it.  Many years ago my husband and I installed weatherstripping and insulation for a PG&E program.  First we checked the windows and found some leaks there.  We looked at outlets, yes there were leaks there too!  I suggest we get an energy audit.   As this was a older home, we knew it would have many leaks because building restrictions were much more loose then.  If ... 02/04/2008

Local residents involved in the Gold Nugget Museum are busy these days preparing for the upcoming "Gold Nugget Days" in Paradise, California.  This town wide event held in Paradise features the gold nugget musuem located at 502 Pearson road.  If you have a desire to learn more about the early history of this area known as Paradise, California, drop by and see the musuem in action.  During the spring the "Gold Nugget Days" celebration held in April, comemmorates the discovery of the 54 pound gold nugget in 1859.                                                         The largest "Gold Nugget" found in North America.  Exhibits in the museum include one room schoolhouse, walk thru mine, Maidu indian exhibit, new animated assay office, old country store.  The Gold Nugget Museum rotates the ... 02/04/2008

As Super Tuesday and the presidential elections get closer, I think it is important to take a look at where the candidates stand on the sub prime lending problems, as well as the plans they believe will improve our current mortgage situation.  Whether it be a temporary moratoriums on foreclosures, universal mortgage credit, or a short term freeze on interest rates; each candidate seems to be standing firmly behind their position.  Forbes.com recently did a great piece outlining each candidate's proposals on the sub prime issue and then also provides some expert analysis of what it really means.  I would encourage you to take a look at this article as it provides some great information on how the positions of each of the candidates could ultimately affect our national and Paradise real e... 02/04/2008

Come join in the fun.  These scheduled events for the month of February 2008.   We'll see you there. BabyTheatre on the RidgeFebruary 1, 2008 - February 16, 2008The story of three couples which deal with funny consequences. Thursday, Friday & Saturdays Location: 3735 Neal Road, Paradise. Call (530) 877-5760Rhythm 'N Motion VIThe Paradise DancersFebruary 2, 2008The Paradise Dancers put on their annual vaudeville-type show that includes dance, drama, comedy and plenty of beauty. Begins Sat. at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Location: Paradise Performing Arts Center777 Nunneley Road in Paradise.Call (530) 872-8454.BingoParadise Ridge Senior CenterFebruary 4, 2008 - February 25, 2008Held every Monday at 1:15 PMParadise Ridge Senior Center877 Nunneley RoadCall (530) 877-1733Friends of the Library M... 02/01/2008

Wow!  Another drop in the 30 year fixed rate in Paradise. It has been lowered to 5.48 this past week from 5.69.   This is obviously great news for buyers; especially first time buyers who do not have a Paradise property to sell before buying a new one.   Unfortunately, the amount of closings in Paradise is not quite as exciting.  There were only 2 homes that were sold last week in Paradise.  There were 14 new listings and 6 homes that went under agreement.  Price reductions continue to be prevalent week after week, with a total of 12 price reductions occurring last week.  The percentage of real estate properties under contract compared to total listings in is slowly starting to get better.  We are now seeing that 16% of all listings in Paradise are now under contract, compared to 14% or... 01/31/2008

As Super Tuesday approaches I thought it may be helpful to let all of my fellow residents here in Paradise and Butte County know about a great document that can tell you where your voting location is by community and precinct.  This document is great if you are a new home owner here in Paradise and Butte County or if you are just not sure where your precinct voting location is.   If you are not sure what voting precinct you are in, you can likely find the information on your Butte County community website or by calling the local town clerk.  As so many of you already know, it is incredibly important to vote in both national and local elections.  It is unfortunate that so many people neglect the local elections as many of the items being decided have great impact on our community.  This ... 01/31/2008

I know how busy life can be, but I wanted to bring a bit of attention to some great volunteering opportunities here in Paradise.  It was brought to my attention that Feather River Hospital on Pentz Road in Paradise is always looking for volunteers in a variety of different areas.  This opportunity to volunteer not only can enrich the lives of other Paradise residents who may be in need, but also provides the opportunity for the person volunteering to learn new skills, develop a deeper sense of self confidence, investigate potential career opportunities, and make new friends and business contacts.  It may also be a great idea to get your whole family to volunteer together here in Paradise.  This will add some great family time to your week!  I have been selling real estate in Paradise f... 01/30/2008