Essential Heating System Maintenance - 11/30/10 04:50 PM
BBBBbbbuuuuurrrrrrrrrRRRR.  It's freezing in Sacramento right now.  Literally.  Did you forget to have your furnace serviced this fall.  Well, you might want to call someone so that it's running in top shape, keeping you warm and costing you less each month.  here's a good article about it.
clear skies,
doug reynolds
www.SellWithDoug.com

Oliver Marks 
Getting your home's heating system professionally serviced every year will keep it running smoothly and help keep heating costs under control.
Who does the job?
The simplest way to get the work done is to hire your fuel company to do it. Oil companies and gas … (0 comments)

Avoid Foreclosure Rescue Scams - 11/29/10 05:00 PM
Unfortunately, many homeowners are currently upside on their mortgage and can't make their payments.  Most people want to do the right thing and also save their credit as much as possible.  Here are some scams to watch out for.  If you decide to go the Short Sale route, i can offer assistance and guidance.  If you don't want me to list your home as a short sale at least make sure that agent is an expert in short sales.  I'm available to help if you need any assistance.
clear skies,
doug reynolds
www.SellWithDoug.com


article by Donna Fuscaldo
 With foreclosure … (0 comments)

4 Reasons You Need an Estate Plan for Your Home - 11/24/10 04:13 PM
Here's a good article to get you started thinking about an estate plan for your home.  Remember, there are my legal and tax aspects involved with estate planning so discuss everything with your professionals.  Having a plan all worked out is a responsible thing to do for your loved ones.
clear skies,
Doug Reynolds
www.SellWithDoug.com

Richard Koreto, September 8, 2010
An estate plan will help ensure your home becomes a legacy for your children--not a source of friction or a financial burden.
1. A good estate plan can keep your heirs from fighting
Say you intend to leave your house … (4 comments)

Do-It-Yourself Home Security Check: 5 Essential Steps - 11/23/10 03:54 PM
Unfortunately, you can't be too safe.  Here's a great article and some easy steps to take on making your Home more secure and protecting yourself from theft.
clear skies,
doug reynolds
www.SellWithDoug.com
 
Joseph D'Agnese, November 12, 2010  
Conduct a do-it-yourself home security check by walking around your house to assess what needs to be done to reduce the risk of a break-in.    
1. Keep your home well-maintained on the outside
Burglars want an easy target. Stand on the street outside your house and ask yourself: Does my property look neglected, hidden, or uninhabited? A front door or walkway that's obscured … (0 comments)

(College Greens/Glenbrook,Rosemont) Sacramento 95826 Sales Date - October 2010 - 11/23/10 03:33 PM
I'm a little tardy on getting these stats out now but better late than never right?  Here's October's data for the neighborhoods:
All  "SOLDS"  data for the 95826:
34  Sold Single Family Homes.
Average Square footage: 1,435
Average Listing Price:  $190,009
Average Sales Price:  $184,753
Median Days on Market: 32 days
High Sales Price:  $295,000
Low Sales Price: $103,000
College Greens/Glenbrook "SOLDS":


17 Sold SFR's
Average Sq. feet:  1,417 
Average List:   $216,841 
Average SOLD:$210,335 
Median DOM: 33 days
Rosemont "SOLDS":


17 Sold SFR's
Average Sq. feet:  1,453
Average List: $163,176 
Average SOLD:   $159,171 
Median DOM: 32 days
As of Today (October 23, 2010) here's a snapshot of both markets:
College Greens/Glenbrook: 37 Active listings, 20 … (0 comments)

Selling Tips in a Buyer’s Market - 11/22/10 04:23 PM
A buyer's market means it's the seller's turn to be flexible, especially with sale terms.Purchase price, closing dates, move-in dates, storage, appliances, window treatments, points and fees may all require a little negotiation. Whatever the terms, don't let personal feelings stand in the way of a good deal.

The basics
In a buyer's market, curb appeal, cleanliness, overall good condition and updates are especially crucial. Any little flaw should be taken care of before the first buyer drives up.
Attend open houses in your neighborhood to see what "sell-ready" really looks like. If you're shy, ask your Better Homes and … (4 comments)

The Value of Home Maintenance - 11/21/10 03:11 PM
John Riha, March 9, 2010
Regular home maintenance is key to preserving the value of your house and property
"It's the little things that tend to trip up people," says Frank Lesh, former president of the American Society of Home Inspectors and owner of Home Sweet Home Inspection Co. in Chicago. "Some cracked caulk around the windows, or maybe a furnace filter that hasn't been changed in awhile. It may not seem like much, but behind that caulk, water could get into your sheathing, causing mold and rot. Before you know it, you're looking at a $5,000 repair that could have … (4 comments)

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home - 11/20/10 04:41 PM

Doing your homework before you buy can make all the difference. Below are common mistakes to avoid when buying a home:
Not understanding the local real estate market to determine pricing and location options Not narrowing your search to what is available in your price range Not obtaining a proper home inspection to identify problem areas that could prove expensive Not identifying all available financing options based on your monetary situation Looking for the "perfect" home rather than the best home for your family's needs Not familiarizing yourself with local schools, shops and other neighborhood amenities Making a major purchase … (0 comments)

Buying a Home With Resale Value - 11/19/10 03:45 PM
When determining market value, the general rule is to buy less in a better neighborhood rather than purchasing more in a less desirable neighborhood. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when buying a home with resale value:
Look for a desirable neighborhood with good schools. Make sure the surrounding homes are well maintained and the street has minimal traffic. If you are buying a house with a view, buy it mostly for your own pleasure and not as an investment. Assuming the property is in a typical neighborhood, the lot should be moderately landscaped, flat and rectangular, with a … (0 comments)

2010 Survey of California Home Buyers - Highlights - 11/18/10 05:23 PM
The Survey of California Home Buyers is the 11th annual CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) buyer survey that details how home buyers have changed their behaviors in recent years to adapt to the new housing market environment and to the increased use of the Internet in the real estate business.
Key Findings
• First-time buyers took advantage of the improvement in housing affordability over the past two years, as evidenced by the increase in their share of all home buyers. The share of first-time buyers increased for the second consecutive year from 38 percent in 2009 to 46 percent in 2010. It … (0 comments)

5 Foreclosure Myths - 11/17/10 03:51 PM
Here's a great article that discusses some big time foreclosure myths.  Created by Tara-Nicholle Nelson a broker in San Francisco.  She does a good job shooting down some thoughts about foreclosures.  Give it a read.  Also note that it's a general article and there are specific laws within each state regarding foreclosure...
clear skies,
Doug Reynolds
www.BuyWithDoug.com

Four years into the housing crisis, myths about foreclosure still litter the minds of even the smartest of real estate consumers. When it comes to matters as high stakes as your home, confusion can cost you thousands - or even your home. Whether … (1 comments)

November/December 2010 Sacramento Real Estate Market Update - 11/16/10 02:28 PM

Doug Reynolds, a Sacramento Realtor, provides an analysis of the local market statistics for October. This month focusing on the current buyers market, interest rates and short sale success. More information can be found at his website, www.BuyWithDoug.com, as well as his blog and Facebook page(Doug Reynolds Real Estate).
clear skies,Doug Reynoldswww.BuyWithDoug.com
… (0 comments)

Create a Home Inventory for Insurance - 11/15/10 07:20 PM
 Gwen Moran,  December 23, 2009
Create a home inventory before disaster strikes to make filing an insurance claim a smoother process.  
A home inventory is essential
From appliances, plates, and glasses to collectibles, rugs, and furniture, the average home is packed with an array of items collected over the years. And while you may be able to list many of them in a pinch, chances are you'd miss some important possessions if you ever needed to reconstruct your home's contents from memory, says Mark Goldwich, founder of GoldStar Adjusters, a Jacksonville, Fla., claims adjusting firm.
"Home inventories are a must no … (0 comments)

October 2010 Housing Statistics - Sacramento County - 11/12/10 06:45 PM
Fall market showing characteristic slowing, median price remains flat

 
On par with a normal Fall/Winter trends of decreased sales volume, October showed a 6.4% decrease in sales from 1,433 to 1,341 units. Making up these sales were 537 REOs (40%), 315 short sales (23.5%) and 489 conventional sales (36.5%). These numbers have changes slightly month to month with REOs up 4.7% and short sales and conventional sales down 7.1% and .2%, respectively.
The median homes sales price remained relatively flat, decreasing .3% from $180,000 to $179,500. Compared with the same month last year $185,000), the number is down … (0 comments)

Superman, Save Our House! Top 5 Craziest Foreclosure Rescue Attempts - 11/11/10 12:20 PM
Well, the most common approach to avoiding foreclosure is selling your property as a short sale.  Here's a few uncommon approaches.  Enjoy.
clear skies,   Doug Reynolds
www.SellWithDoug.com

Treasure hunting, demolition, forgery--even a telethon. Our picks for the top five most bizarre foreclosure rescue attempts. 
5. I pimped my yard to PETA.
This past March, "Octomom" Nadya Suleman was reportedly approached by PETA when word got out about her mortgage woes. The offer: A billboard sign urging pet owners not to let their dog or cat become an "Octomom" in a campaign to raise awareness about controlling the pet population. Suleman … (1 comments)

How to Use Comparable Sales to Price Your Home - 11/10/10 08:22 PM
Thinking about listing your home?  Here's some good things to think about.  In this market you do not want to start too high or your listing will sit on the market and become stale.  Let me know if i can be of service to you.
clear skies, Doug Reynolds
www.SellWithDoug.com

Carl Vogel, August 5, 2010 
Before you put your home up for sale, use the right comparable sales to find the perfect price.
Knowing how much homes similar to yours, called comparable sales (or in real estate lingo, comps), sold for gives you the best idea of the current estimated … (0 comments)

What Would MacGyver Do? In an Emergency, Reach for the Duct Tape - 11/09/10 05:22 PM
from HouseLogic Published: June 24, 2010
Get yourself out of a home repair jam with this common household item famously used by our favorite handy hero: MacGyver.
What MacGyver did:Used duct tape to seal a hole in a hot air balloon, allowing him to escape his pursuers.
What you can do:
Fix a slow-running toilet. Clear the clogged flush passage with wire, then empty the water tank and seal the passage hole with duct tape. Fill the tank with a quart of vinegar and leave overnight. Weatherproof windows. Use strips of duct tape to make windows air tight until you … (2 comments)

The Costs of Renting Out Your House - 11/09/10 12:59 PM
Here's a good article to read if you are considering renting your home or buying an investment property.  It's important to plan ahead and try to calculate all the additional costs.  Give it a read.
clear skies,  Doug Reynolds
www.BuyWithDoug.com

By: Richard Koreto, May 21, 2010 
Renting out your house can be a smart financial move, as long as you calculate your costs carefully. 
Renting can be a profitable choice, but it requires an investment of time, money, and organization to make it work. Here's how to determine whether renting out your house is worth the cost.
Calculate your monthly … (1 comments)

7 Steps to Take Before You Buy a Home - 11/04/10 02:56 PM
Just starting to think about buying a home.  Here's a good, little article to point you in the right direction.  Let me know if you need any assistance in getting started.
Clear skies,
Doug Reynolds
www.BuyWithDoug.com

G. M. Filisko
By doing your homework before you buy, you'll feel more content about your new home.
1. Decide how much home you can afford
Generally, you can afford a home priced 2 to 3 times your gross income. Remember to consider costs every homeowner must cover: property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and community association fees, if applicable, as well as costs specific … (0 comments)

10 Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger - 11/03/10 05:47 PM
Here's a quick little article from Rismedia and Lowes to help you out.
Most people have one: that room in the house that they wish was just a little larger. What many don't realize is that with a little work and some TLC, they could have exactly what they're looking for.
Here, Lowe's offers 10 designer tricks to help you make any room look larger:
1. For the illusion of a larger room, use a color scheme that is light rather than bright or dark. Pastels, neutrals and white are all color possibilities.
2. Use a monochromatic color scheme on the … (3 comments)

7 Tips for Short Sale Success - 11/03/10 01:48 PM
Needing to sell your house for less than you owe?  Upside down on your mortgage?  Here's some tips to get you heading in the right direction to avoid foreclosure.  You have options.  Let me know if me and my short sale team can help.
clear skies,
Doug Reynolds
www.SellWithDoug.com

G. M. Filisko, March 19, 2010
Have to sell your home for less than it's worth? Our seven tips will help you get the best price.
1. Know who you owe
A short sale has to be approved by any company that has a mortgage or lien against your home. That … (2 comments)

How to Assess the Real Cost of a Fixer-Upper House - 11/02/10 02:34 PM
When you buy a fixer-upper house, you can save a ton of money, or get yourself in a financial fix.
Here's a good article on deciding if buying a fixer is for you.  If so, it explains steps to take in assessing the right purchase.  Enjoy.
clear skies,
Doug Reynolds
www.BuyWithDoug.com

G. M. Filisko,  August 24, 2010
1. Decide what you can do yourself
TV remodeling shows make home improvement work look like a snap. In the real world, attempting a difficult remodeling job that you don't know how to do will take longer than you think and can lead … (3 comments)

Sacramento County Quarterly Market Report 2010 Q3 - 11/01/10 12:58 PM

… (0 comments)