Real Estate Investors on the rise... - 05/27/11 01:29 PM
...well Duh!?!?  For the past year i've been talking about the large amount of cash investors in our Sacramento Real Estate Market.  When the bubble burst in 2006, real estate investors disappeared and stayed away until 2010 when the market finally started showing signs of flattening.  For the past year, all cash buyers have been gobbling up homes in the Sacramento area in the 150k and below price range.  Some of them are buying to flip the property and make a small/quick return on their investment.  Others are purchasing for rental properties that they will hold for long term investments.  Here's … (3 comments)

As Real Estate Goes, So Goes the Economy - 05/26/11 01:53 PM
I like to stay positive in all my aspects of life including work.  Here's and article that i normally would stay away from blogging but once you get through the first have it does discuss solutions for moving forward with the real estate market as whole for the country.  In Sacramento, i've been on record for stating that 2011 is going to be the new norm for years to come.  I'm expecting more of the same for the next five years: 1/3 short sales, 1/3 foreclosures, 1/3 equity sales.  Give the article from the New York Times a read and let … (0 comments)

10 fastest-moving real estate markets in April - 05/25/11 12:12 PM
Here's a quick look at the National real estate market.  This article came from Realtor.com and discusses the "fastest-moving" markets in the country.  One very good sign is that half of the top ten are from California, a very good sign for our region moving forward through this year.  As i've discussed in the past through my blog and my monthly video updates, i'm expecting 2011 to set the new benchmark for the Sacramento Real estate market.  This year should be pretty flat in terms of median price (up one month a bit, down a little in another month).  Also, the … (2 comments)

HOW LONG IS ESCROW??? - 05/24/11 01:06 PM
HOW LONG IS ESCROW???
The most important factor in determining how long escrow will be is the type of financing the buyer will use to purchase the home.  Typically an all cash purchase is going to between 7 and 20 days. Conventional financing is typically between 20 and 30 days.  FHA financing usually 30 to 45 days and VA financing is usually 35 to 50 days.  Two other main factors are who your lender/loan officer is and the condition of the property.

Cash buyers: They do not need to go through the loan process, nor do they need the house … (0 comments)

Buyers need a good home inspection... - 05/23/11 04:33 PM
A quality home inspection is one of the most important things for a buyer of a home.  This is one area where i never recommend going for the cheapest inspector you can find.  In my six years of selling real estate i've seen many home inspections/inspectors, and i can promise you that they are not all created equal.  I've seen some horrible reports that were a complete waste of the buyers money but i've also seen some great reports that was worth every penny for the buyer.  Depending on the situation, a good report can sometimes get a repair for a … (0 comments)

JUST SOLD !! 8962 La Riviera Drive, Sacramento, Ca 95826 - 05/20/11 04:44 PM
Just SOLD!! May 19th, 2011.
8962 La Riviera Drive, Sacramento, Ca 95826
 
Property info link
Closed for $115,000 to a VA buyer.  I represented the seller who had owned the home for the past 15 years.  Sales in the College Greens / Glenbrook area are in favor of the buyers at this current time with many bank owned and short sale properties on the market.  But this regular sale is proof that if you want to sell your home and you have equity it can be done in this market.  Call or email me today if you would like a … (0 comments)

Get your A/C ready for the Summer - 05/20/11 03:02 PM
Besides changing an air filter once a month, central air doesn't require much in the way of maintenance. By following the steps below you may be able to avoid future repair bills. Remember to check the manufacturer's instructions before starting any maintenance and remember to turn the unit OFF.
 

Clean or change air filter (once a month). The air filter is the most important part of your cooling system. If it becomes clogged, then your system will have to work harder and longer to supply the same amount of cool air. Clean indoor coil (once a year). A dirty coil … (1 comments)

The $100 Million House: What do the bills costs??? - 05/19/11 02:30 PM
If you thought last weeks story about Mark Zuckerberg's $7 million dollar home was a bit much, this year, billionaire investor Yuri Milner bought a $100 million Home.  This highest priced home purchase ever in the United States.  Below is a fun (or not so fun if you are the one paying the bills) article from Yahoo Finance about the cost of owning a home like that.  Bottom line, it's a ton of money!  Make it a great day.
clear skies,
Doug Reynolds
www.BuyWithDoug.com

The $100 Million House: What It Really Costs
 
Janet Fowler, May 17, 2011
Have you … (4 comments)

FREE Entertainment in June - East Sacramento - Pops in the Park - 05/18/11 06:57 PM
Looking for some good ol' fun?  Here's a perfect way to spend your Saturday evenings in June.  Four free concerts are being held in East Sacramento parks in the month of June.  Bring a date, bring the whole family, or just come by yourself.  These are great events that we always go to.  It's perfect to bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and a picnic.  Then you get to enjoy the outdoor air and some music.  We hope to see you out there.  Here's the detailed info:

All Concerts Begin at 6 pm.  Free bicycle valet parking. Food and … (0 comments)

May / June 2011 Sacramento Real Estate Market Video Update - 05/17/11 12:45 PM
Doug Reynolds, a Sacramento Realtor, provides an analysis of the local market statistics for April. This month discussing how 2011 is setting the new norm for the Sacramento Real Estate area, expecting 2011 to be a sign of the next few years to come in the area. Roughly 1/3 of all sales being bank owned, short sales and regular/equity sales. Also briefly discussing short sales. More information can be found at his website, www.BuyWithDoug.com, as well as his blog and Facebook page (Doug Reynolds Real Estate). Become a fan of his you tube page and Facebook pages clear skies, Doug Reynolds … (0 comments)

FHA loans now cost a little bit more.. - 05/16/11 02:07 PM
Over the past couple of months/weeks, i have been regularly updating everyone about the increase cost for FHA loans on April 18th. Here's an article from the New York Times discussing the changes that took place, how they are effecting buyers and also the fact that FHA still might be your best loan depending on your circumstances. I know that because of the FHA cost increases, Conventional financing has been making a very strong comeback and is now available for buyers with a 5% down payment. A good loan officer will run the numbers for you to determine which loan product … (0 comments)

Facebook Founder, Zuckerberg buys $7 million dollar house in Palo Alto - 05/12/11 06:08 PM
I decided to blog about a fun, gossipy topic today rather than the nuts and bolts of real estate. So here's an article from the LA Times talking about Facebook Founder, Mark Zuckerberg's new home. I love how the article says the $7 million, 5,600 square foot house is "well below his means." Come on people! Have we not learned anything over the past 5 years of the economic downturn?!?! Even though he can afford something bigger and better, he doesn't need it. 5,600 sq ft is more than enough room for the Brady Bunch to live comfortably. Enjoy the article … (0 comments)

3 essentials to make a house a home - 05/11/11 03:48 PM
Here's a recent article i found from Inman News discussing what homeowners are striving towards in turning their house into a "Home." I found it interesting and pretty accurate. What are your thoughts?
clear skies,
Doug Reynolds
www.SellWithDoug.com

3 essentials to make a house a home By Tara-Nicholle Nelson, Inman News
Space and light: Most people know they want or need a certain amount of space, and increasingly, buyers seek out homes with the "right" directional exposure and amount of windows for optimal natural light. But this craving for space and light is just as frequently subconscious, and is … (2 comments)

Simple Tips to Prevent House Fires - 05/10/11 02:08 PM
Here's a recent article i came across on RisMedia. The article quickly gives pointers to avoiding fires in your home. Something nobody wants to deal with. Look it over and think if you need to make any changes to your home before it's too late.
clear skies,
Doug Reynolds
www.BuyWithDoug.com

Every year home electrical problems cause more than 28,000 house fires and massive property damage. Electrical wiring is the root cause of many of these fires, of which countless could have been prevented. May is Electrical Safety Month. MXenergy, an independent energy provider, is encouraging everyone to review key electrical … (0 comments)

College Greens / Glenbrook Sales in April 2011 (Sacramento, Ca 95826) - 05/05/11 02:46 PM
There were 16 Sold Properties in College Greens / Glenbrook for the month of April, 2011.  That is up from the 11 that sold in March 2011.  Here are the addresses and specific information.

 
Currently (May 5, 2011) there are: 31 Active listings, 14 Active Short Sales, 21 Contingent Short Sales and 24 Pending Sales.
If you would like even more information (e.g. Pictures, listing history, what type of sales they were, etc.) feel free to call or email and i'd be happy to provide that for you.  Call or e-mail me if you are looking to buy or sell in the 95826.  Check … (0 comments)

Rosemont Sales in April 2011 (Sacramento, Ca) - 05/04/11 01:00 PM
There were 20 Sold Properties in Rosemont for the month of April, 2011.  That is down slightly from the 25 that sold in March 2011.  Here are the addresses and specific information.
 
Currently (May 4, 2011) there are: 30 Active listings, 23 Active Short Sales, 31 Contingent Short Sales and 39 Pending Sales.
If you would like even more information (e.g. Pictures, listing history, what type of sales they were, etc.) feel free to call or email and i'd be happy to provide that for you.  Call or e-mail me if you are looking to buy or sell in the 95826.  Check back each … (0 comments)

Home Appraisals: Not an exact science - 05/02/11 02:31 PM
If you have recently bought a home or sold a home, you know from experience that appraisals are not an exact science.  You could have 3 appraisals done on one house and come up with different values.  Granted, they should all be within a close range, but due to the fact that they are subjective, it would not be uncommon to have different values.  The most important aspect of the appraisor is that they are very familiar with the area.  Otherwise, they might end up using recent sales from outside of the neighborhood that should not be used or need adjusting.  … (3 comments)