Charlotte, GRI's Blog

Winters, CA 80 AC Newer Home, Large Shop!!

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:57:53 -0800

Want to spread out??? Need a shop??? This is the property for you!!! Newer 2 bedroom 2 bath home with a 3375 sq. ft. shop,3 roll up doors, 3 phase electric, along with a 1125 sq.ft. office which could be used as a very fancy apartment or granny flat which would need to be permited. Class 2 soil, clear lake irrigation district. Use your imagination, farm it or have a magnificent horse property!

Home For Sale Exculsive Gated Location Vacaville, CA 2019 Zinfandel Court

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:22:06 -0800

Allot of square footage for the money located in an upscale gated community. Home needs to be finished.
Catch the excitement of living in this beautiful 5000 sq. ft. home, prestigious gated community, large lot, oversized 3 car garage and huge bonus room. Seller says it would take approximately $200K to finish which would include upgraded GE Monogram stainless steel appliances, stove, microwave, and refrigerator, granite counters in kitchen, hand scraped hardwood floors, upgraded carpets in bedrooms, travertine tile in bathrooms, upgraded dual payne windows. Take advantage of this down market before it creeps back up!!!

Price lowered to $599,000 Will consider trades (car, boat, property) up to $100K of downpayment

2.18 Acres In Dunnigan, CA PRICED TO SELL FAST!!!! ONLY 59,900!!

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:01:37 -0800

Seller says Sell NOW!!! Only $59,900 is the price for this 2.18 Ac parcel in Dunnigan, CA Easy Commute to Woodland and Esparto. Hurry this wont last!!!

What to Know and Consider when Buying a Horse Property

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:10:32 -0700

When looking for horse property or horse farm, it is usually assumed that is property between 2 and 50 acres and zoned for horses; Horse farms are often between 2 to 25 acres. However, in a few residential areas, one acre or less is satisfactory if the land is surrounded by city services, zoned to allow horses, and all useable and flat. Two horses per acre, however, is a good rule of thumb. Horse property is ideally grassy, rolling land for the most part, with good draining soil. Horses benefit from living on rolling or sloped land as they need exercise, but it should not be more than a 15% slope. Ideally, most horse folks are looking for 3-5 acres when shopping for a horse property. However, extra land is always useful for pasturing, breeding, casual riding, lay-up, access to trails, roping, cutting or even team penning. People without horses sometimes shop for horse property just because they know it is mostly useable property, easy to build on, and of greater value. When looking you must ask yourself "What is the main reason for purchasing a horse property/horse farm and will this property satisfy that need?" How do I use my horse? Does my family mainly like to trail ride or also do arena work? Does this property have access to trails? How far do we have to trailer to public trails or horse events? Does my show horse require a state-of-the-art barn, dressage arena? How much of the property is fenced and is it adequate or is it dangerous to horses and/or need to be replaced? Installing a barn, arena, and fencing can be quite an expense so it is very important to take these items into consideration when purchasing a horse property. It would be my advice to employee a Realtor with experience in selling horse type properties. He or She would be familiar with the type of inspection you may need to protect yourself. Most horse/ranch type properties are on well and septic systems. You need to be familiar with how many gallons a minute a well should pump in order to supply enough water to your animals and your domestic uses. Your Realtor should also be familiar with fencing which is safe for your horse, barns and arenas. It is also helpful if your Realtor is familiar with veterinary services, tack supplies, where you can buy grain and hay in the area along with riding areas if you have to trailer out. I get asked when is the best time to buy horse property?? I say when you are ready... It is not a bad idea however to look at horse property in the winter/rainy months to determine if the land drains well or gets to soggy and floods. Your Realtor should also have a good idea which properties may have a tendency to flood or be soggy in the Winter months.

What to Know and Consider when Buying a Horse Property

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:08:55 -0700

When looking for horse property or horse farm, it is usually assumed that is property between 2 and 50 acres and zoned for horses; Horse farms are often between 2 to 25 acres. However, in a few residential areas, one acre or less is satisfactory if the land is surrounded by city services, zoned to allow horses, and all usable and flat. Two horses per acre, however, is a good rule of thumb. Horse property is ideally grassy, rolling land for the most part, with good draining soil. Horses benefit from living on rolling or sloped land as they need exercise, but it should not be more than a 15% slope. Ideally, most horse folks are looking for 3-5 acres when shopping for a horse property. However, extra land is always useful for pasturing, breeding, casual riding, lay-up, access to trails, roping, cutting or even team penning. People without horses sometimes shop for horse property just because they know it is mostly usable property, easy to build on, and of greater value. When looking you must ask yourself "What is the main reason for purchasing a horse property/horse farm and will this property satisfy that need?" How do I use my horse? Does my family mainly like to trail ride or also do arena work? Does this property have access to trails? How far do we have to trailer to public trails or horse events? Does my show horse require a state-of-the-art barn, dressage arena? How much of the property is fenced and is it adequate or is it dangerous to horses and/or need to be replaced? Installing a barn, arena, and fencing can be quite an expense so it is very important to take these items into consideration when purchasing a horse property. It would be my advice to employee a Realtor with experience in selling horse type properties. He or She would be familiar with the type of inspection you may need to protect yourself. Most horse/ranch type properties are on well and septic systems. You need to be familiar with how many gallons a minute a well should pump in order to supply enough water to your animals and your domestic uses. Your Realtor should also be familiar with fencing which is safe for your horse, barns and arenas. It is also helpful if your Realtor is familiar with veterinary services, tack supplies, where you can buy grain and hay in the area along with riding areas if you have to trailer out. I get asked when is the best time to buy horse property?? I say when you are ready... It is not a bad idea however to look at horse property in the winter/rainy months to determine if the land drains well or gets to soggy and floods. Your Realtor should also have a good idea which properties may have a tendency to flood or be soggy in the Winter months.

Shangri La Equestrian Center In Winters, CA

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:49:30 -0700

26 acres surrounded by seasonal creek shielded from the outside by a wall of Oaks. Updated 1920's Bungalow home which features 2000 sq. ft. of living space 3 bedrooms and 2 baths along with a basement. Home over looks a brand new salt water inground pool. Included on the property is a 10 stall barn with 12x12 and 12x16 stalls with pipe corral runs, irigated 100x200 all wather outdoor arena, coverall covered indoor arena, round pen, 3 huge irrigated turnouts, private riding trail around 10 ac of italian plums and 10 ac of walnuts an brand new 2nd residence for guests or help, a huge workshop with office, second garage, old california water tower and much much more. Priced at 1,650,000. A must to see!!!!

Solano Lake Winters, CA

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:46:42 -0700

Solano Lake Winters, Ca

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:43:35 -0700

Is the Market Bad Or Just Different

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:27:28 -0700

I have been in the Real Estate Business for more than 25 years. I can understand everyones doom and gloom since the news is always broadcasting it. However, for us Realtors that have been in the business for an extended amount of time let me shed some positive light on the situation.

First This market is getting rid of all the lenders and Realtors which signed on to this industry for the so called “quick buck”. I am sure anyone who has been in the business for any length of time has worked with one of these agents and/or lenders will agree that this has not been the highlight of our career.

Second This market may not be great for some Sellers but it is a GREAT market for the first time home buyer. More first time home buyers can now finally afford a home. Interest rates are very good. There is a lot of inventory for first time home buyers to chose from, Sellers are not only motivated to sell but most are very negotiable. There are some great first time home buyer programs.

Third This is also a great buyers market for investors. If you ever wanted to purchase a rental this would be the time!

No the market is not what it was. Yes, Sellers are losing there homes. Nothing stays the same. Successful business people are always adjusting their strategies to the ever changing market place whether you sell real estate, are a lender, a builder, etc..... So think out of the Box!! Think of your glass being half full instead of half empty!! Be grateful for what you do have!! You will may be surprised how just a few shifts in thinking and attitude can change your whole outlook and business!!!

What’s the Worst That Can Happen? A Crazy Closing

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:22:55 -0700

So this story is not from my glory days in real estate. In fact I would put this right up there in the list of worst closings ever. But now that this is long over with I can laugh about it all and pass along a few important lessons about selling real estate.

The first lesson I learned is about me and my family. We are 100% Californian. When my husband was transfered to Washington State to manage a lumber yard we both told ourselves we would love it! We are nature lovers and the promise of Washington State's natural bounty was appealing. We knew we would love it. We eagerly sold our home in California and bought in Washington State. Two soggy years later we both admitted to each other this wasn't the place for us. We needed to get back to the sunshine. We liked water, but preferred it under water skis and not on our heads.

California housing properties increased in the 2 years we were gone. It about killed me to know we were going back to California and moving into a Rental. Nevertheless, we sold our home in Washington on a Land Sales Contract (boy that is a whole other story). We did not get any money out of our home other than a small monthly payment.

My Washington Real Estate License, which I had only had a short time, was not acceptable in Calif. I had to retake all the tests and apply for a California Real Estate License. In the mean time we found a home we wanted to make an offer on which actually was across the street from the home we were renting. Both were in the country which was a plus since we had horses, dogs, etc... but it was a mess. Determined to get settled back into California quickly, we submitted our offer through a Realtor since I did not have my license yet. The offer was accepted. However, since it was a divorce situation the husband who lived there was not very happy when it closed because it meant he had to move.

Now this is where it gets dicey. If you can imagine we had given our 30 day notice. The Landlords had rented the home we were in and we were trying to move into the home across the street which had closed. Of course the Seller was not out! He was in the process of moving but was certainly not happy about it. In the meantime the people scheduled to move into the rental we are trying to move out of have 5 trucks lined up in the driveway and are very threatening. My husband and I walk across the street to speak to Mr. Seller who was supposed to have already moved. Mr. Seller is in the process of throwing garbage in a bag from the refrigerator and he is mad- and drunk! He has a pit bull in the house with him. Right off the bat the dog comes after me. My dog, a small poodle mix believe it or not protects me from this pitbull. The Seller gets even angrier and takes his gun outside and proceeds to shoot it off in the air. I walk outside, the tenants, Mrs. Tenant to be exact, wanting to move into the home we are trying to move out of decides to come after me. Can you believe we are all supposed to be adults here? The Seller who is in the backyard hears the commotion in the front yard and walks out with his gun! He sees that I am very upset with the situation and decides to take on the Tenants! Now he is on my side. Guess he just wanted to fight with whomever was handy. Needless to say the cops came and the whole situation was resolved.

Lessons Learned

Where was the REALTOR! Since I was a new Realtor at the time, less than 6 months, I did not know that I should have had several thousand dollars held in escrow to motivate the Seller to get out if he was not out by closing. My best advice is get the Seller out prior to the home closing if at all possible.

Do your final walk through. The Realtor I find out now was afraid of the seller. She did not schedule a final walk thru. We were left with all kinds of garbage from the Seller. In her defense I will say she did pay to have all the garbage removed after close of escrow.

Next try to arrange schedules so everyone is not moving in and out at the same time. I would have given myself a few extra days to move out of the rental if at all possible. It can get crazy if you have 3 legs of a transaction and everyone has to move out and in at the same time.

If you are moving out of state and own your home maybe you should consider keeping your home. Rent it out until you know for sure you are going to be happy in the area you are moving to. This especially applies if you are moving from a high end market such as California to a lower end market price such as Washington at the time. This has just happen to one of my clients. They just had to sell. They bought in Ohio now they want to come back. Guess what they are going to have to settle for a lot less than what they originally owned here in California due to the prices increasing. Even though prices have fallen they have not fallen enough to allow them to move back into the same type of home they sold.

As for Buyers or Sellers make sure your Realtor has either the experience or ability to help you through the process of buying and selling a home. They should be with you the whole way. Our Realtor was not there for a walk thru, she did not show up for the signing of the loan documents, she did not counsel us on any inspections. I was somewhat lucky in the fact that I did know what to expect in regards to inspections and signing loan documents. A Realtors job is not done after you sign the purchase contract!

Did you like my story?? Then digg it.

What's The Worst That Can Happen? A Crazy Closing

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:07:49 -0700

What's the Worst That Can Happen? A Crazy Closing

Lessons Learned

Wonderful Wine, Fabulous Food!!!

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:42:31 -0700

Winters Rotary Club is hosting there 8th Annual Wine and Food Jubilee. It is planned for Nov. 2 6-9 P.M. at St. Anthony's Parish Hall on Grant St. There will be several wineries along with local restaurant setting up booths with samples of there wines and specialty foods. Also included in the events are live auctions and a silent auction. The dress is semi-formal. Fun is had by all!!! So come out and join the festivities Tickes are $25.00 each and are available at City Hall and First Northern Bank.

Golf Course Communities

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:24:15 -0700

Any one know of a website that specializes in Golf Course Communities. I have a home on a golf course and would like to advertise it to golfers. I have advertised on many websites but I think if I could find one just for golfers it would be better.

New To Active Rain Hello From Winters, CA

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:51:30 -0700

Even though I am new to active rain I have been a Realtor specializing in residential and ranch properties in Yolo and Solano County for over 25 years. Any advice I can receive on blogging would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to figure out how to be listed as a real estate professional on localism.com in my area. Any suggestions.

Thank you

Earthquake Festival Come Join In Fun For All!!!

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 17:53:31 -0700

EARTHQUAKE STREET FESTIVAL: This unique celebration in honor of Winters earthquake of 1892, combines the Harvest Festival and Farmer's Market. First started in 1991, this event is enjoyed by adults and children alike. Starting at 4:00p.m. the communtiy enjoys local family entertainment with food and craft booths offered through out the evening. At 7:00p.m. the band takes over with live music and a good old fashioned street dance lasting until 11:00p.m. This event is usually held on the third Friday of August. This year it is on August 24th. Main Street is closed down. A large stage is set up for the band at the begining of Main Street hay bales are set out and dancing in the street to a great band starts at 7:00 P.M. Fun is had by ALL who join in!

Winters, California

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 17:32:48 -0700

Winters is located approximately 15 miles North of Vacaville, CA. off Interstate 505. When the charming town of Winters was founded in 1875, it claimed a special place in California's history as the Sacramento Valley's commercial center for agriculture and passenger rail service. Over the years Winters has retained it's original historic and rural charm, offering visitors a glimpse of the past while enjoying a variety of modern amenities. A walk down the National Historic Main Street is a walk through history, with many architectural treasures now occupied by restaurants, shops and businesses Winters is often referred to as the Gateway to Lake Berryesa. As far as recreation Winters is only 15 minutes from Lake Berryesa which offers fishing, boating and camping. Putah Creek runs on the out skirts of Winters. Solano Lake is located on the West side of Winters and offers camping, fishing and paddle boat rentals. Winters is a very family oriented community. A very low crime rate is just one of the few reasons for wanting to be a part of this great community. It is a wonderful place to raise a family or retire.

Build Your Private Estate Or Vineyard Rare 157 AC

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 16:56:35 -0700

Build Your Private Estate or Vineyard Aprox. 5 to 6 miles N. of Winters located on the West side in the rolling hills. Your private estate could be located on one of many very special homesite locations. The views of the Sacaramento Valley are to die for. Unbelievabley beautiful piece of property where the deer, doves and turkey run wild!!! Lots of Oak trees, seculded and private with easy access to 505. Priced at $1,500,000.
More Information at http://www.charlottelloyd.com

1/4 Ac Lot Backs Open Space and Putah Creek Pending

Charlotte Lloyd, GRI (PROgressive Real Estate) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:43:03 -0700

REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE!!! Almost 1/4 lot backs to open space & Putah Creek! This 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home features approx 2100 sq ft. Of living space, cvrd patio, private backyard, tile kitchen, some upgrades. Home is spotless. It is like being in the country! Bring your fishing pole putah creek is just walking distance. If you need RV parking this is the property for you! All you need is your furniture. Call for appt today! Price to sell! ALL THIS FOR ONLY $469,000 PRICE BELOW MARKET!!! LAST COMPARABLE SALE WAS 499,000 County:yolo, zip code:95694.
Priced to Sell at $469,000 See more pictures at www.charlottelloyd.com