Trulia just released their Rent vs Buy Report and in the 100 largest metro areas, it still remains cheaper to buy than to rent by an average of 38%. In my opinion that is not surprising. The real estate markets have had a sweet time for Buyers in this last year with very attractive interest rates. Locking in a rate under 4% is stuff made dreams. I can remember 17% interest loans.The report goes on to say that these low interest rates have kept mortgage rates lower and less expensive than renting. With interest rates expected to rise in the coming year due to strengthing economy and the FED tapering off on controls, now would be the time to buy. There was another encouraging note and that was that rates would have to rise to 10.6% for renting to be cheaper than buying. We have not see th... 03/12/2014

Support your favorite Exploration Park and win a dream vacation. Buy your tickets now for a chance to be one of three lucky winners! Tickets are $100 each and only 200 tickets will be sold. Drawing will be held March 29, 2014 during Jeans, Jewels & Jazz: Hooray for Hollywood, Turtle Bay's annual live and silent auction fundraiser.  (Need not be present to win.)   Grand Prize VOYAGE EXTRAORDINAIRE One lucky winner will win their choice of a 9, 10-night or 11-night Azamara Club Cruises voyage for two in a Veranda stateroom from a choice of one of 12 voyages operating between May and November 2014, courtesy of Azamara Club Cruises.   First Prize SANCTUARY - TREASURE IN TRINIDAD  Win 7 days/6 nights for up to 6 people in a dramatic ocean-view dream home in beautiful Trinidad, California, c... 02/16/2014

Experts predict that nearly 10.5 million remodeling and replacement projects will be completed this year. Although 65% of homeowners are remodeling to maintain their homes, 30% are doing so to improve its resale value. Regardless or your reason for remodeling, it's a great time to make improvements to your home.   3 renovations with the biggest returns An attic room has a return on investment of 73%. However, it's one of the most expensive renovations to undertake, with anaverage cost of $50,148. Kitchens offer an average of 66% of costs. A midrange minor kitchen remodel has a return of 72.1% and an average cost of $19,588. Bathrooms off an average return of 62% of an average cost of $16,552 for a midrange remodel. Get more out of your living spaces Many homeowners are interested in cre... 02/09/2014

Once you have taken care of the prep work to get your home on the market, you'll need to present your home to potential buyers. Even small cosmetic improvements will have a major impact on the sale of your home. The right touches can get a buyer excited about your home, but a few poor decisions may lose their interest completely.   Clean. Clean. Clean. A tidy home is a loved home. Wipe finger prints and other smudges from glass, mirrors and other shiny surfaces. Wax and polish your hardwood and tile floors and vacuum your carpets often. Keep your oven, stove and kitchen counters clean and free of clutter. Clean up the yard. Make sure your landscape is well maintained to increase curb appeal. A more conservative yard is often a better showcase for your home, so be generous with your trim... 02/09/2014

Putting your home on the market isn't as simple as placing a FOR SALE sign in your yard.  Redding, California There are several steps to take prior to listing your home that will make the transaction smoother and quicker.   Hire a real estate agent. It may be tempting to list your home on your own to avoid paying a sales commission, but selling your own home is a full-time job itself. Areal estate professional represents the best opportunity to earn the maximum amount from your home's sale. An agent will recommend the best listing price, market your home effectively and show your home to buyers. An agent also recognizes what buyers are looking for in a new home. Get your home inspected. Your are required to disclose any problems with your property to prospective buyers. Failure to do so... 02/09/2014

The Record Searchlight Presents - Eat Desserts First Get Tickets at One SAFE Place Business Office & Client Service Center, Cornerstone Bank, Five Star Bank, American West Bank, Boheme Spa, Mary's Pizza Shack, O2 Staffing, Cold Stone Creamery, Sweet Spot, Sandy's Specialties, Record Searchlight, Redding.com This year the Record Searchlight has selected One SAFE Place as their non-profit partner for their 7th Annual Eat Desserts First Event. This chocolate indulgence event typically sells out each year and features hundreds of desserts from local restaurants, caterers, and bakers. “From luscious cheesecake to bread puddings, mini caramel apple pies to tiramisu. "There will be an amazing assortment,” said Michelle Martin Streeby, Record Searchlight’s marketing director. Tickets are only $... 01/19/2014

Rely on Our List of Pros Consider us your source of referrals for all types of businesses, whether related to a real estate transaction or not.  We have partnered with competent professionals who would be happy to serve you. Transaction Related: Lenders, Legal Professionals, Closing Agents, Home Inspectors, Pest Control Services, Insurance Agents (home, auto, health), Movers Other Business Professionals: Financial Planners, Tax Advisors, Doctors, Dentists Home Repairs and Improvements: Handymen, General Contractors, Interior Designers, Roofers, Painters, Flooring Installers, Plumbing/Electrical/HVAC Specialists Landscape/Maintenance: Yard and Pool Services, House Cleaners, WIndow Washers If you need a referral to a provider that is not mentioned here, feel free to ask; I may know just t... 01/19/2014

I want you to know how much I appreciate you. I strive to build positive business relationships by working exclusively with people I admire and respect, and who value the service I provide.   Why I work By Referral.... Relationships Are More Important Than Transactions You may have noticed that many real estate agents take a transational approach to sales - identifying clients, closing the deal, and then moving on to the next one. I choose not to work that way because I believe you deserve more from the professional you decide to work with. That is why i work by referral. Since my primary source of new business is referrals from people who know and trust me, I don't have to spend precious time prospecting and promoting myself. I can dedicate myself fully to the activities that benefit y... 01/07/2014

What Can I Do For You? Before, During, and After the Sale   News You Can Use Maria and I can provide you with up-to-date information and statisticson local market conditions. These can differ substantially from what you hear in media reports, which are often skewed to heighten drama.   Maximize Potential Feel free to ask for specific advice on home maintenance, or suggestions for upgrades that will enhance your property's resale value.   Local Insight We're always happy to provide information on community amenities such as parks, schools and trails, or even local events.   Let's Talk Value Request a market analysis when you need an estimate of your home's current value for a potential refinance or for insurance, estate planning or property tax purposes. I'm also available to discuss iss... 01/07/2014

Not only does a single kind action brighten the day of the person who receives it, kindness benefits the giver as well. studies show that humans are naturally inclined to be generous and compassionate toward one another. The Life-Changing Benefits of Altruism Altruism may improve your mental and physical health, boost your self-esteem, create meaning and purpose in your life and foster a connection to your community. Doing good will make you feel good. When you do something nice for someone else, your brain releases two powerful mood boosters: dopamine and endogenous opioids. experts call this "helper's high," and it's also found to reduce stress and lower anxiety and depression. It'll boost your health. Helping someone face-to-face triggers your body to release oxytocin, a bonding horm... 11/14/2013

This is the 28th Annual Turkey Trot run for fun on Thanksgiving Day. THURSDAY, 11/28/13! Young and old alike will enjoy this family friendly holiday activity. As many as four generations (from a baby in a stroller through great-grandparent) of one family has participated in this event. And this year there is an event for kids, the Diestelhorst Dash, a quarter mile sprint for kids 8 and under. Event Day Schedule: Opening Ceremonies: 7:45 a.m. Diestelhorst Dash: 8:00 a.m. 6 Mile Wheelchair Division: 8:25 a.m. 6 Mile Run: 8:30 a.m. 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk: 8:45 a.m. Award Ceremony: 10:00 a.m.    ONLINE REGISTRATION Admission: Free - $20Times: 7:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.November 28, 2013 http://www.shastaregional.com/Turkey-Trot.aspx Location: Diestelhorst Landing 2280 Benton Dr. Redding, Ca 96001  ... 11/03/2013

The excitement is mounting for the Annual Roses & Rust Marché du Printemp (French for Spring Market) coming to Redding!What is it?  Upstate California's premier vintage market offering French & Shabby Chic home and garden decor, antiques and collectibles, jewelry, vintage clothing, and many re-purposed unique items.   Saturday September 13th, Tickets are $6, and Information is available at www.rosesandrustvintagemarket.com  The Marché will be from 9 am to 5 pm, at the Shasta District Fairgrounds.     Can't wait for Saturday?  The Roses & Rust Team will host a pre-event Soirée Friday September 12th, 2014 from 4-8 p.m. This will will be an opportunity to view, shop, enjoy refreshments and raise money for a local charity. Tickets cost $15 and will get you into the Saturday market FOR FREE!... 04/10/2013

REDDING – COLOR RUN APR 27, 2013 Register   Redding’s funnest 5k is a run for all speeds and ages.  Runners rock out to live bands while being showered in neon colors, finishing up at the Gnarly Neon after party. Location:  Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding The DJ gets the party started at 9am when runners, walkers, skippers, and hoppers will leave every 15 minutes.  Gnarly Neon sunglasses will be handed out to all participants prior to the run, and crazy costumes are not only welcome, they are encouraged!  Runners will rock out to awesome beats while getting showered in colorful chaos throughout the course.    Make sure to invite your friends to join this event on facebook so they   don’t miss out on all the fun!     Registering for a race is easy.  Simply click the Register button... 02/08/2013

2013 The Year of the Seller's Market   Redding Ca Housing Market finished strong in the 4th Quarter of 2012. The real estate market has officially shifted from a buyer's market to a seller's market...overnight! Sales are up quarter after quarter and inventory continues to decline but not buyer demand!   Shrinking Inventory Our local MLS inventory for single family homes in Shasta County is at 550 effective the day of this report (1/24/13); 230 of those homes are located in Redding. This shrinking effect has caused home value to increase naturally; there are more buyers than we have homes for sale and that's always a good thing for the homeowner who wants to sell but not so good for the home buyer. Increased competition, bidding wars, increased prices and low selection of homes is causin... 01/24/2013

Redding CA Dessert Event February 2013! LIFE IS SHORT! EAT DESSERT FIRST Do you like LOVE chocolate? If you said no, stop reading now but pass this information on! If you said yes, then this is for you!   You're invited to "Life is short. Eat Dessert First!" This annual event features hundreds of desserts, games, champagne, enter to win Dutch raffle prizes, spin the wheel, take photos and enjoy several exhibits.  Proceeds benefit the Shasta Family Justice Center.. Buy your tickets online! Or by visiting Cold Stone Creamery, Sweet Spot, Sandy's Specialties, Mary's Pizza Shack and at the Friends of The Library bookstore inside The Redding Library.   Eat Dessert First - ticket request form   EVENT DETAILS   WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013   TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.   LOCATION: Turtle Bay... 01/18/2013

Just like any goal, getting your finances stable and becoming financially successful requires the development of good financial habits. In my humble opinion, the best path to financial stability is discipline. Make it habitual — a regular part of your routine. That's true whether we're talking about paying all your bills on time, keeping track of your expenses, or having regular money discussions with your spouse. Study after study shows that you have to have patience. On average it takes 21 days for a daily behavior to become a habit. A weekly or monthly behavior takes even longer. The difference between successful attempts and failures is that people who are successful do the following:   01/17/2013

It's so awesome every time I get the opportunity to go on a date with my husband. As Realtors, it's not uncommon to be at a client presentation one minute and dining in one of Redding's best the next. It's mixing business with pleasure but that's what makes this job so enjoyable! We lead busy lives which means our dates revolve around client presentations, showing homes and prospecting for business over a cup of coffee. Life is good as long as we're having fun! Today we visited Moonstone Bistro, they're one of the few Redding restaurants open for lunch on Saturdays (and that's a plus!). To our surprise, they're spicing things up out there with their new Southwest dishes and several new menu choices.   I ordered the Goat Tostada; locally raised elwood ranch goat, braised with pineapple &... 01/12/2013

  Welcome to Forest Hills ~ one of Redding CA Best Neighborhoods Long paved driveways, gated courtyard entries, lush landscape and wooded backyards are some of the features that describe the residential community of Forest Hills. Located in East Redding, this highly desirable neighborhood consists of custom homes built between 1995 - 2007 mostly by reputable builders like Palomar Construction and Ochoa & Shehan. Designed for a comfortable lifestyle, builders focused on quality and practicality. For example, some homes offer the ever-so popular "open floor plan" featuring a huge kitchen that opens up to a great-room; split floor plans with the master bedroom one and guest rooms on the other end of the house; study rooms, bonus rooms, kitchens, skylights, layered crown molding, tiled floo... 10/21/2012

Lace up your running shoes! It's time for Redding's Annual Turkey Trot 2012   SRMC’s Turkey Trot is celebrating its 27th anniversary! Redding’s biggest and longest standing tradition on Thanksgiving Day morning is an event not to be missed and fun for the whole family! All the proceeds from the 2011 Turkey Trot were donated to Shasta Family YMCA, Shasta Family Justice Center, Plus One Mentors, Redding Recreation and Girls on the Run. And this year’s proceeds benefit the Good News Rescue Mission.   REGISTRATION & PACKET PICK UP                         DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM Where: Shasta Regional Medical Center, 1100 Butte Street, Redding Dates: November 19-21* Time: 10 a.m.—7 p.m. *except Nov. 21, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Race Day: November 22, 2012. Thanksgiving Day! No race day registrat... 10/16/2012

                                        Whiskeytown National Recreation Area staff and the Friends of Whiskeytown invite visitors to join us for the 2nd Annual Harvest Festival on September 22, 2012, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the park’s Tower House Historic District.  This fun and family-friendly event will feature apple tasting, an apple-themed bake-off contest, games for all ages, and tours of the historic Camden House and orchards.  Additionally, the festival will also offer a tour by world-renowned arborist Rico Montenegro, who will speak about ongoing efforts to restore and manage the historic orchards in the Tower House Historic District. Over 15 varieties of apples will be available for tasting, all of which are heirloom cultivars, planted in the mid and late 19th century by Ch... 09/17/2012