I spent a beautiful California Sunday at our new home sales office in Monterey Village in Elk Grove. We had a ton of traffic today, so it was a productive Sunday this weekend.
Move in within 30 days! Don't miss your first time home buyer tax incentive! Plus 3% buyer incentive for closing costs! Homes from $185,000 - $305,000...2 bedroom, 3 bedroom, and 4 bedroom models currently available! Gated community located near new shopping & restaurants, parks, Toby Johnson Middle School and Franklin High School, plus close to Interstate 5 for easy commute to Downtown Sacramento.
Sales office will be open on Ocean Lane, Thursdays through Sundays, 11:00 - 4:00. For more information, contact Lori Mode or Bruce Durham, Keller Williams Realty. Call us at (916) 230-0371 or check out available homes at www.AllElkGroveHomes.com.
Saturday, November 21st - Holiday Craft Fair Monterey Trail High school in Elk Grove from 10am till 4pm in the multipurpose room.
Tuesday, November 24th 5:30 - 7:30 Christmas CanTree Lighting Kick Off Stroll through the garden sampling appetizers from local restaurants and wine from Carvalho Family Winery. Located at the Secret Garden - 8998 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove
Friday & Saturday, November 27th & 28th - holiday Craft Faire - handcrafted items, including scaves, hats, slippers, jewelry, purses, baby blankets, even something for your pet. 9:00 - 4:00 each day at 9509 Grasmeer Way, Elk Grove
This is just some of the events going on during the Dickens Christmas Faire...free snow park, live music, free carriage rides, free pony rides, petting zoo, bounce houses, crafts, pictures with Santa, and Christmas caroling. In the evening starting at 6:00 there will be a parage of lights with a tree lighting ceremony.
Friday, December 4th through Sunday, December 6th - The Third Annual Elk Grove Christmas Nativity Exhibit - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 9910 Bruceville Road Elk Grove, CA 95758. Experience the wonder of Christ's birth depicted in hundreds of nativities from around the world.
If you are thinking of selling your home, take the time to read this blog. Good points on home staging and the myths surrounding it. Make sure to pay attention!
Home staging (or property styling as it's commonly known as on the Australian property scene) is really an art, not a science. One of the many things a professional home stager understands is that it's the house that's up for sale, not the home owner's bread baking ability or taste in music. So, from the sublime to the rediculous - here's 8 myths of staging to sell - busted!
1. Buyers can see past my stuff No - they can't. 95% of house hunters shop with a 'what you see is what you get' eye. You'll be maximising your chances of a better and quicker sale if you take the time to clean out, clean up and keep your look simple.
2. Baking bread, brewing fresh coffee and playing soft music will make a buyer fall in love with my house. Maybe once upon a time this was true - but most would-be buyers are onto that old trick. It's more likely to trigger alarm bells, with many wondering what it is you're trying to hide. Your buyers will be happy with a place that looks and smells clean.
3. I'll need to clear everything out to help buyers see themselves living here. This is only partly true. Wall to wall family photos are distracting, as is your porcelain rooster collection. These things are best put away. But don't go overboard, otherwise you'll end up with a look that feels cold and sterile.
4. If it's an original feature - it adds value. Sometimes yes - but often no. Generally a property built less than 50 years ago without being updated is more likely to appear dated, rather than classic.
5. My place isn't worth staging. All homes are worth taking the time to present in a positive light to buyers. The trick to knowing where to start and what to do is in having a good idea of what buyers in your target market will expect, along with learning more about what competing properties in your area are offering.
6. Empty rooms look bigger.
This is rarely the case. Buyers will always prefer to see how a room is used and what will fit in it, rather than be left to guess. Very large rooms can also be too intimidating for some. Even borrowed furniture can help buyers get an idea of scale and give the eye something of interest to focus on.
7. Converting a bedroom into a home gym won't be a problem. Bedrooms are one of the most valuable commodities of the 'for sale' property. Having a home gym set up in a bedroom will prompt buyers to wonder why that is. I remember once looking at a house where this was the case. When I came across the bedroom with the gym in it, I immediately began to question if a bed would even fit. Always give the rooms in your house a purpose.
8. No need to worry about wardrobes and cupboards. Home storage is a big deal to most buyers and is surprisingly valuable. Prospective buyers will open storage cupboards in kitchens and bathrooms, so keep them tidy. Keep only what you're using on a daily or weekly basis, and pack the rest away ready for the move.
Have you got a staging myth you'd like busted? Share them with me here.
Donna Ross
Great Impressions Real Estate Staging
"I love helping Sydney home owners and real estate agents catch the eye of choosy buyers with their 'for sale' listings, with fast, simple and inexpensive decorating fixes."
The holiday season is quickly approaching and often times this time of year, sellers start thinking they should wait until spring to put their home on the market. I don't believe that the holiday season is a bad time of year to sell your home. Quite the contrary, it can be an excellent time to list and sell your home.
Here are 10 very good reasons why the holidays are a great time to list your home.
•1. Buyers who look for a home during the holidays are much more serious buyers.
•2. Homes show better when decorated for the holidays. Seasonal decorations, warm fires, holiday scents and wonderful aromas from the kitchen help entice buyers.
•3. Serious buyers have fewer homes to choose from during the holidays so you have less competition. Unmotivated sellers take their homes off the market during this time of year.
•4. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays.
•5. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays.
•6. Many people want to buyer before the end of the year for tax reasons. Investors are out right now in our area and many want to purchase a home before the end of the year for this reason.
•7. January is traditionally the month for transfers. Chances are they are scouting for a new home during the holiday season when they have time to bring their family to look. You must be on the market to capture these buyers.
•8. You can still restrict showings during your personal family events.
•9. Realtors are not usually as busy at this time of year. You will receive more undivided and devoted attention. And your moving costs may be reduced!
•10. You'll have the opportunity to buy during the spring market, when many homes are on the market.
Besides these great reasons to list your home during the holidays, this year there is one additional reason. The first time home buyer tax credit was just extended! It has only been extended through April 30, 2010, so first time home buyers will be out there looking this holiday season!
Lori Mode - #00935148 | Keller Williams Realty | lori@modeanddurham.com | 916 230-0371
8250 Leesburg Way, Elk Grove, CA
4BR/2.5BA Single Family House
offered at $205,000
Year Built
1999
Sq Footage
1,862
Bedrooms
4
Bathrooms
2 full, 1 partial
Floors
2
Parking
2 Car garage
Lot Size
5,398 sqft
HOA/Maint
$0 per month
DESCRIPTION
Short Sale. Spacious 4 bedrooom 2.5 baths multi level home in desirable Calvine subdivision. Formal living room and dining room combo, separate family room with fireplace, inside laundry room, 2 car garage and spacious backyard perfect for first time homebuyer or investment property.
Home Buyer Tax Credit has been enhanced and extended!
This is great news for all of the first time homebuyers trying to get into a home with incredible interest rates and unbelievable prices! But now the Federal Government has extended the tax credit to move up buyers...but there is a limited time on this. If you are a buyer interested in capitalizing on this tax credit you need to start the process now. Don't wait any longer!
Call us today to get started at (916) 405-5765 or visit our website to search all Sacramento area homes, at www.ModeandDurhaM.com.
President Barack Obama signed into law a $24 billion economic stimulus bill providing tax incentives to prospective home buyers. According to the Associated Press, the bill is expected to contribute $22 billion to the economy, offering qualified home buyers up to $8,000 in tax incentives until April 30, 2010!
The current bill will offer First Time Home Buyer's $8,000 in tax incentives, if they have not owned a home in the last 3 years.
The extended tax credit has also established a new incentive for Move-Up Buyers! Qualified home owners could receive up to $6500 in tax incentives to purchase a new primary residence between November 6, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
Here are some important things you should know...
First Time Home Owners income limit for single taxpayers is $125,000; the limit is $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return.
The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $145,000 (single) or $245,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.
Move-up Buyers need to make no more than $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for couples
"The income limit for single taxpayers is $125,000; the limit is $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above those limits. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $145,000 (single) or $245,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.
Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine "adjusted gross income" or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as "adjustments" or "above-the-line deductions"), but before itemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. On Forms 1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and the first number on page 2 of the form. For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). Note that AGI includes all forms of income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains."
To determine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts of foreign-earned income. See IRS Form 5405 for more details.
I recommend you talk to your CPA for a more plain English version!
You can not purchase a home from your family members or your spouse's family members.
You can purchase any new primary residence for a purchase price less than or equal to $800,000.
You must have lived and owned your current home for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date.
You can down size your home.
You can build a home, but the first occupancy must be after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010
Non-resident aliens can qualify for the tax credit if they meet all requirements. Ask your CPA for specifics!
Newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date.
The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500. This tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes to the IRS. Any leftover tax benefit would be mailed to the home buyer in the form of a check.
This is exciting and I am sure it will stimulate the ccurrently non-exciting Move-up Buyer market! Hopefully the banks will release some more of their inventory! There are hungry bbuyers out there who want to get into a home before Christmas!
Have question about the tax credit? Post a comments and I will try to point you in the right direction!
Happy Hunting!
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Team Newington Sacramento Mortgage Planners First Priority Financial (916) 687-6868
Buyer didn't qualify...so this home is back on the market as of this morning. Sold in less than 1 week with multiple offers, so don't wait! It won't last long again!
8423 Jordan Ranch Road, Elk Grove 95624 Listed at only $268,900!
Lori Mode - #00935148 | Keller Williams Realty | lori@modeanddurham.com | 916 230-0371
8423 Jordan Ranch Road, Elk Grove, CA
4BR/3.5BA Single Family House
offered at $268,900
Year Built
2004
Sq Footage
3,206
Bedrooms
4
Bathrooms
3 full, 1 partial
Floors
2
Parking
3 Car garage
Lot Size
7,261 sqft
HOA/Maint
$0 per month
DESCRIPTION
Great Bank Owned Property...incredible opportunity at this price! Cosmetic fixer...has NO kitchen appliances, some cabinets missing and tiles broken & no air conditioning unit. 4 bdrms, plus huge upstairs loft, 1 bdrm & full bath downstairs, formal living & dining area, large family room with fireplace, and extra large backyard patio. Located close to middle and high schools, shopping, parks & within minutes of Highway 99.
This agent's behavior is just not acceptable to me...I'd like to hear what you think.
I have a REO listing located at 8423 Jordan Ranch Road, Elk Grove....it was listed and sold iwith multiple offers n just a few days and went into escrow. Escrow was opened...the selling agent contractually was to get the buyer's deposit into escrow within 72 hours of acceptance. Well, we are here a week into the transaction and no deposit into escrow yet.
My transaction coordinator had tried to follow up with him several times to get disclosures to him and then to find out why there was no deposit in escrow yet. Yesterday she came to me and ask me to make a call to him about the deposit as it was time to send him a Notice to perform. I called and left a message yesterday for the selling agent and then when he did not call me back I called and left a message for his broker. This evening I received this email from him -
Hi Kathleen and Lori, I have some bad news, the buyer's will be canceling this contract due to loan not being approved. The lender is requiring more money down and the buyer has recently had his income reduced. I will be sending you a signed cancellation notice with the denial letter tomorrow. Sorry for the delay in my response, I've been trying to get this deal to work with the buyer's but all avenues have been exhausted. Thanks,
Ok, so now we have been off the market for the past week and we are going back on the market. I now as the Listing Agent have to let the Asset Manager know about this tomorrow and we have to start all over. The unacceptable part of this is two fold -
1. How unprofessional the selling agent was not to call my transaction coordinator and the escrow officer back at the beginning of this week when they started calling him so that everyone could be aware that there may be issues.
2. The agent wrote a contract and submitted it for his buyer and at that time he apparently was aware that the buyer may have an issue qualifying. And now a week later he thinks it's acceptable to send an email...no phone call, no message...only an email that his buyer will not qualify so they will be cancelling.
Sorry for the rant tonight, but I have just had enough with unprofessional agents on my REO listings. Does this agent actually think that the next time he sends over an offer on one of our REO listings, that we are going to take it seriously. I hope he understands how unprofessional this is and how much he has risk his own reputation as an agent. I'm sure he was actually trying to help his buyer, but he needed to communicate with me and my team during the past week. Anytime I have to make a call to the broker - only a couple of times in 20 years in the business - something is horribly wrong.
Thank goodness 98% of my transactions are done with very professional agents and things go smoothly. It is a pleasure to work with most agents; I just need to find a way to weed out these other ones!
The Mode & Durham Team's blog of Sacramento Real Estate including Elk Grove and surrounding areas, including home listings, home prices, community information, local statistics, foreclosures and short sales.
If you ever have any questions, comments, suggestions, or anything else, please contact me using one of the methods below. Also be sure to engage in the conversations taking place within each post!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
I thought it would be great to have a list of coming holiday events in the Elk Grove area. 
Tuesday, November 24th 5:30 - 7:30 Christmas CanTree Lighting Kick Off Stroll through the garden sampling appetizers from local restaurants and wine from Carvalho Family Winery. Located at 
The holiday season is quickly approaching and often times this time of year, sellers start thinking they should wait until spring to put their home on the market. I don't believe that the holiday season is a bad time of year to sell your home. Quite the contrary, it can be an excellent time to list and sell your home. 
;)
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