http://activerain.com/blogs/rickgoates 2008-07-08T17:50:13Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) http://activerain.com/blogsview/584014/How-to-be-a 2008-07-08T17:50:13Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>There is probably little arguing that things have changed in the last couple years in real estate.Prices have adjusted down...Some areas considerably, and there are plenty of bank owned homes for sale.</p> <p>Here is what I did to have some great results on a listing of mine.</p> <p>I priced the home a little below the market value. I did this to get it sold quickly and get the seller the most because the market is heading down not up.With the home marketed all over the Internet and in the local MLS I created enough activity to get the seller over full price....In this case almost 4% OVER the listed price...</p> <p>The results were great...the buyer and the seller were very happy and the rest is history...and yes there are plenty of other homes on the same street still for sale 4 months later!! Most of them have had to reduce the price many many times and they stand to lose even more as the market continues to go down.</p> <p>The important thing to remember is to price the home where the "<strong>Market says it needs to be"</strong> and not where the owners dream of a great retirement comes in! <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Have you ever had a seller say you know I think my home is worth less than you do??? I haven't....</span></p> <p>Get your marketing all up and going BEFORE you put the home on the MLS and before the sign goes up..make sure you are 100% ready to go when you hit the MLS and the Internet.</p> <p>Use the many real estate portals and Realtor.com to get your listing out to EVERYONE on the Internet.</p> <p>Make sure the home is in top shape,smells good and is READY to show!!</p> <p>There ARE buyers out there...They all just want a DEAL that's all!</p> <p><strong>What is the single biggest problem for most sellers right now??</strong> It's pricing their properties <em>Correctly</em>...If they listened to their agents on price they would sell their homes quicker and actually make more selling now then taking less later!!</p> <p>It wasn't that long ago that sellers all went with the agent that told them the highest price...now they would be smart to go with the agent that has a great plan AND is the "Lowest"...it might not seem that way and the hard lesson to learn in this market will be taking that offer of "getting you more than the others" and then taking less in the end after ALL those price reductions!!</p> <p>Regards,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/583233/If-you-use-Yahoo 2008-07-08T10:01:11Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>I got an email this morning from what appeared to be Yahoo.Upon closer review the email was a PHISHING attempt to get me to click on it.If I did click on it there is no doubt it would not have been good!! These crooks are getting pretty sophisticated and now they are targeting REALTOR's!!</p> <p>Don't fall for such a trick...they can unleash a virus on your computer and then use it for sending out SPAM if you are not careful!!</p> <p>Always have your anti-virus/firewall software UP to DATE!!</p> <p>The FROM line looked like this-</p> <p><strong>Yahoo! Search Marketing</strong></p> <p>The tip off here is the exclaimation point!!!</p> <p>The Subject line looked like this-</p> <p><strong>Alert Notificiation:Keywords pending inactivation in keywords account...with some fake account #</strong>.</p> <p>DO NOT FALL FOR THIS TRICK!!!</p> <p>IF YOU ADVERTISE WITH YAHOO PAY PER CLICK THEY WILL NOT SEND YOU AN EMAIL LIKE THIS!</p> <p>Notice the email it was from-</p> <p><span>customersolutions--ysm@cc.yahoo-inc.com</span></p> <p>BIG TIP OFF....SEE THE CC IN THERE!!</p> <p>RED FLAG!!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Regard,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/582389/Top-service-is-what 2008-07-07T18:26:11Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>Wow it is amazing to me the difference in web design companies out there in the web ether! I have had many sites built over the years and have worked with some decent companies but no one has impressed me to date like steps marketing in chico ca! I got a call from them a couple weeks back and at first I was thinking oh boy here we go again...right? I mean you get them all the time people pitching this and that but I listened and boy am I glad I did!</p> <p>When Joe called he was mellow and not high pressure at all...something we all like. He mentioned what they did and then had me up in running in about a week!! Compare that to some other companies out there ( not to mention any names but the other one has taken 4 months to do what steps did in two weeks!!).</p> <p>I only wish that they had contacted me earlier!! I have never said that about a web design company before but let me tell you if you need a site done and done quickly and very professionally <a href="http://www.stepsmarketing.com/" target="_blank">contact steps marketing today!!</a></p> <p>I highly recommend them for real estate websites!</p> <p>Don't tell everyone though or they will never be able to keep up once you find out how great they are!! You will want to tell others etc...Lets just keep them our little secret shall we?</p> <p>And no I don't get a free website for telling you about this company...wished I did!! It's pretty easy to tell others when you come across "<a href="http://www.stepsmarketing.com/" target="_blank">Great Service</a>" in a multitude of mediocrity on the web!!</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Keller Williams Realty</p> <p>Redding</p> <p>530-248-5627</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/579745/Redding-Organic-Gardening-Redding 2008-07-05T17:35:41Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>Summer is here and the plants are growing well... I went to the Farmer's Market this morning at the City of Redding site and was pleased to meet a great guy that is promoting some "Green fertilizer". He calls it <a href="http://www.reddingcomposttea.com" target="_blank">Redding Compost Tea and you can find out more at his webite here now if you like.</a></p> <p>It was a very informative talk he gave on making compost tea. He used worm castings to make his tea...a deep dark rich looking tea I might add.He sold out of worm farms today I guess so I will have to go back and get one for my son.</p> <p>Ken even gave me a recipe to make my own compost tea! Wow not too many people give you the ingredients to do your own but Ken is pretty smart!! He knows that probably 1 out of 10 people will actually go to the time/trouble/cost/effort to make their own "Home brew". And like anything of value people sometimes remember those that help them without any strings attached!! We tend to want to do business with those that offer us something of value and a great service/product at a great price...it's human nature I guess...</p> <p>I can say one thing that I much appreciated today at Kens booth...he was NOT high pressure or being a "sales man" etc..what he was doing was educating people on the benefits of using compost tea for the garden,plants,grass etc.</p> <p>You see there are a ton of organic/heathier ways to give our plants the nutrients that they need WITHOUT all the chemicals and fertilizers that have been ingrained in our heads over the last 50 years...</p> <p>I mean if you think about it everything way back was "Organic"...and once again the circle has come around again!</p> <p>Another interesting observation at the Farmers Market at City Hall today...If you want the best PEACHES in the area you had better get there EARLY.....I got the last 5 lbs today at 10:30...I knew they must be good as I walked by earlier in the morning and saw all the EMPTY peach crates stacked and figured I would get some on the way out...Whew...there was only about 10lbs left when I went back by 5 minutes later!!</p> <p>Thanks Ken...I learned today the value of providing information to people and then they will remember that and use you/purchase from you/when the time comes*** Offering something of value,knowledge first,,,that's the key!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Happy Gardening!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/577311/Investors-coming-out-of 2008-07-03T11:30:39Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>You know things are getting closer to the bottom when you see investors starting to pick up properties again.Here in our area there have been some pretty good deals in the last couple months.I noticed, the notice of trustees sales in the local paper have increased so it will be awhile before we get through all the REO's/bank owned foreclosed upon homes.</p> <p>The last bank owned home that made headlines was the nice little mild fixer that was priced below market and had over 28 offers on it. Whether that went to an investor or not we won't know until it closes but my guess is that it did.</p> <p>There are some people running around with cash that are looking for a good bargain.It's hard for home buyers trying to get 95-100% financing to compete with the investors but the banks are looking at the offers very carefully.</p> <p>If you are looking for a deal on local redding ca area real estate give me a call.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Regards,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/576205/Go-the-extra-mile 2008-07-02T15:18:21Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>Taking good care of each and every client...that is the cornerstone to real estate...real estate is all about relationships. Sometimes people pick you and sometimes you are lucky enough to be able to work with the people that you connect with and have a good repoire with.</p> <p>I just finished up with a set of clients that didn't work out.We wrote offers and looked at homes and wrote more offers but they just weren't satisfied with what I was doing for them...returning phone calls at 8:30 Pm etc I guess wasn't good enough...</p> <p>If we do a great job with each and every client..even the ones that "Pick us" our chances go up I believe to have clients for life...Then again there will be some that you just don't gel with and they or you move on...that is OK!</p> <p>Not everyone in the world will be your biggest cheerleader....you can only do your best...and when that is not good enough for some...oh well...you tried.</p> <p>You can't please all the people all the time...you can please those that you pick and that you have great time with showing homes etc...those are the jewels..the diamonds...the clients that will hold a sign up on the street for you!!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks Serge!!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/9/5/9/9/ar12150298499599.jpg" height="466" alt="" width="333" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/576124/Redding-Ca-Commercial 2008-07-02T14:28:37Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>The movies 8 building off Park Marina Drive was just reduced in price. This Redding land mark offers plenty of parking with a central Redding California location. It is close to the downtown area of Redding and located off and inbetween Cypress Avenue and Highway 299/44 heading into the downtown Redding area.</p> <p>The owners are movtivated and will consider all reasonable offers on this building and parking lot so don't be shy!</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/7/0/5/ar121502620050797.JPG" height="254" alt="" width="382" /></p> <p>Now only $2,675,000.....</p> <p>Great tenants....</p> <p>Call today for more details or info.</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Keller Williams Realty</p> <p>Redding Ca</p> <p>530-248-5627</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/575971/Buy-and-Prius-and 2008-07-02T12:58:07Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>I wasn't overly shocked to see that Car giant Toyota is also building eco friendly homes in Japan. I mean if you are great at doing one thing (cars) you can carry that assembly line and quality control approach over into another venue.</p> <p>There is no doubt that Toyota builds a good product..just look at what they have done and what they have sold thus far.</p> <p>When you spend as much time and money to build a brand as they have I wouldn't be shocked to learn about toyota motorcycles or planes or??</p> <p>The home division is not a huge part of the Corporation with only about a 05% of the sales percentage but look for them to gain some share in the future with putting out yet another "Quality" product.</p> <p>Will we see Toyota homes here in the United States? Probably not...but time will tell...</p> <p>Makes me wonder if they will use some of the things they have learned building cars and incorporate those ideas into the homes they build? I can just see the prius now being automatically charged each night by the solar designed Toyota home...What's that a power outage and you have no electicity in the home?? Fire up the Prius and charge the home system until the power is restored to the home by the utility.....</p> <p><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121496449430221935.html?mod=RealEstateMain_1" target="_blank">Here is a link if you want to check the article out at the WSJ</a>.</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/574884/Ravenwood-subdivision-in-Redding 2008-07-01T19:13:21Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>Here are the stats for the highly desired Ravenwood Subdivision off North Shasta View Drive.</p> <p>Current active homes-</p> <p>1464-$229,900</p> <p>1759-$259,000</p> <p>1317-$269,000</p> <p>1751-$293,000</p> <p>1676-$299,000</p> <p>1676 $322,000</p> <p>1700-$344,900</p> <p>----------------------------------------------</p> <p>Current Pending Homes-</p> <p>1584-$230,000</p> <p>1348-$238,000</p> <p>1367-$239,000</p> <p>1304-$239,000</p> <p>1584-$250,000</p> <p>1304$259,000</p> <p>1876-$294,900</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It's interesting to note that many of the smaller homes sell for pretty close to the larger homes!! There was a time a couple years back when the 1304 model was selling for within about $20k of the 1676 model...</p> <p>This subdivision offers a close proximity to the Lema Ranch walking trails/the strawberry stand at old alturas and shasta view/not too far to Simpson University and close to H44 for an easy drive into the major shopping which is only about 3 miles away.</p> <p>As you can see above pricing goes from the very reasonable to the absurd! In this market any agent that can get their client $200k should be kissed AND highly revered!!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Ravenwood Subdivison</p> <p>Redding Ca</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/573973/The-3-Shasta-s 2008-07-01T10:32:22Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p><img title="The 3 Shasta's" src="../..http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/2/7/1/ar12145908317275.jpg" height="313" alt="mt shasta, shasta lake, shasta dam" width="418" /></p> <p>Shasta lake, Shasta Dam and Mt Shasta. The Redding California area is home to many outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you like to bike or fish or water ski, chances are very good that you will find something fun to do here. Yes it gets warm in the summer time but other than that we have some pretty great weather!</p> <p>We have a walking/biking trail that goes along the Sacramento River. You can walk or bike and get some exercise etc. We have the Turtle Bay Museum and the Sundial Bridge...</p> <p>Come and check it out!</p> <p>PS we do have for a short time the Martin Mars water bomber plane here helping out with the fires...It land in the picture above to get water for the fires!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Keller Williams Realty</p> <p>Redding CA</p> <p>530-248-5627</p> <p>http://www.rickgoates.com</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="clearer">&nbsp;</div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/573960/New-law-in-effect 2008-07-01T10:23:40Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/8/9/1/ar121492555619868.gif" height="280" alt="" width="280" /></p> <p>The new law is now in effect and officers from all the law agencies have been instructed to write tickets as this is an easy way to make some money now for the state! There are many companies out there that cell wireless devices if you don't mind waiting a couple extra days for it to arrive in the mail to save 25%?</p> <p><a href="http://view.ecostemail.com/?j=fe8b1172736607747c&amp;m=fefc1771766301&amp;ls=fdfe16767563017f751c7177" target="_blank">Here is a link to a company that always seems to have a great deal on just about any electronic device that you need...or don't need but want!!</a></p> <p>The first offense if caught is about $73 I understand and then it goes way up on the second ones!!</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Keller Williams Realty</p> <p>Redding Ca 96001</p> <p>530-248-5627</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/570500/One-good-reason-NOT 2008-06-28T16:23:38Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <object id="theMediaPlayer" height="367" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="450"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.phpmotion.net/flvplayer.swf"> <param name="quality" value="high"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"> <param name="swLiveConnect" value="true"> <param name="FlashVars" value="file=http://www.phpmotion.net/uploads/4ykf8pg6t7jucvgq.flv&width=450&height=367&displaywidth=450&displayheight=347&overstretch=true&autostart=true&showfsbutton=false&logo=http://www.phpmotion.net/image_s/playerlogo.png&link=http://www.phpmotion.net&linktarget=_blank&backcolor=0xFFFFFF"> <embed name="theMediaPlayer" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" src="http://www.phpmotion.net/flvplayer.swf" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="file=http://www.phpmotion.net/uploads/4ykf8pg6t7jucvgq.flv&width=450&height=367&displaywidth=450&displayheight=347&overstretch=true&autostart=true&showfsbutton=false&logo=http://www.phpmotion.net/image_s/playerlogo.png&link=http://www.phpmotion.net&linktarget=_blank&backcolor=0xFFFFFF" height="367" width="450"> </embed> </object> There are some wireless speaker options that are pretty cool...Check out my earlier blog post on that.The real question on this new law is this "Will it be enforced". We shall see. I have heard the first offense is only $50 and that it doesn't add any points on your record so the insurance companies probably won't be able to raise your rates if you get tagged as a cell talking bandit! I THINK I SAW THIS PERSONS COUSIN DRIVING INTO THE CITY THIS MORNING! Rick http://activerain.com/blogsview/569579/Credit-card-companies-lowering 2008-06-27T20:12:06Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>Thinking about purchasing a home and have more than a couple credit cards? You may want to think about stepping up the pace in your home search as top Banks are lowering their customers credit limits on their credit cards thus driving the customers FICO's down in the near future!</p> <p>This is not good news for your typical buyers or buyers that have, 4+ credit cards with balances!</p> <p>The Credit card company has to give you 15 days notice that they are indeed lowering your credit limit but after that it is fair game.</p> <p>What does this mean if you are in the market for a home right now and have large balances on some of your credit cards? Well it may mean that your current FICO score will be dropping soon....</p> <p>So if you are in the market for a home and have marginal credit scores to start with and have balances on your cards you might consider running to the nearest Realtor and Lender and get going....or you may be renting for awhile...or at least until things change....1-2 years or so.</p> <p>This doesn't apply to EVERYONE and may not apply to your specific case but if you fall into the above scenario then you might want to take action....</p> <p>There are plenty of deals out there the trick is to get a home loan while you can...and before interest rates go up!! And they will....trust me!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Redding ca</p> <p>530-248-5627</p> <p>http://www.rickgoates.com</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/569332/Bio-Diversity-the-key 2008-06-27T16:37:20Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>It's that time of year again when I get questions on gardening. Some of my clients know I love to garden and some say do a pretty decent job at it. Not all bugs are bad...I had to teach my son-5 that bugs are an important part of the garden.He of course wanted to step on all the "Little Guys' as he calls them but once we went through the reasons for leaving them he was ok with letting them live.... live and let live right?</p> <p>Most of the insects in the garden are actually helping keep the balance and should be left alone...or as we do in our organic garden helped to stay there. We actually feed the bugs...I know tha sounds silly but by putting out cantaloupe rinds and watermellon rinds etc the little guys are kept very happy...and happy bugs keep pests at bay.</p> <p>You see the little guys actually patrol the plants and keep the real pests at bay by eating their egss if they lay them.They also keep the peace in the bug world so to say so the plants can grow,grow,grow and don't have to fend off the bad guys.</p> <p>The good guys have actually taken up residence right next to each garden plant...kind of like staking claim to territory.</p> <p>My son wanted to fill all the holes in....I had to explain to him what would it feel like if someone closed up all the doors and windows in our home? He agreed it was not too nice to do so he settled on killing a lone grasshopper as it left one of his tomato plants.</p> <p>if you are having trouble with Aphids try getting some lady bugs! They work and can be purchased at most nurseries.</p> <p>Dragon flies are good also as they eat Mosquitoes.</p> <p>Frogs are great for your organic garden also. Try adding a water feature to keep these little guys happy!</p> <p>Organic gardening is all about keeping balance...as in live it is very important to have Balance.You won't get rid of ALL pests....you just have to manage the best that you can.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Happy Gardening!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/568829/Soup-in-all-pots 2008-06-27T10:50:03Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>I just found a company that installs solar on people's roof tops and leases the panels to them! Wow, now there is an idea. Lets see here for example sake...you live outside the city of redding ca. You currently pay PG&amp;E $300-$400 a month on average. Many people are paying much more than that right now!</p> <p>Lease a 3.2Kw system installed for $80 per month? Wow...not too shabby!</p> <p><span id="dnn_ctr1262_ContentPane"><span class="Normal" id="dnn_ctr1262_HtmlModule_lblContent"> <p><strong><span style="color: #006400;">The following is an example of a cash purchase vs. a SolarLease:</span></strong></p> <p>For a typical home with a monthly electricity bill of $200, we would recommend installing a 3.2kW solar power system. This size system will generate enough electricity to offset what you are currently paying to the utility company from $200 to $75 per month.&nbsp;<strong> That's a saving of $125 per month that will more than cover your monthly lease payments.</strong></p> <p><img src="http://dev.solarcity.com/Portals/0/img/2nd-pages/SC_SolarCityLease_5-1_chart1.gif" border="0" height="399" alt="SC_SolarCityLease_5-1_chart1.gif" width="547" /></p> <p>The company that offers this is <a href="http://www.solarcity.com" target="_blank">Solar City</a> .You might want to check them out today to see if they will work with you in your area? Sounds like an innovative program that may indeed work for many people!</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Keller Williams Realty</p> <p>Redding</p> <p>http://www.rickgoates.com</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </span></span></p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/567357/New-California-State-Hands 2008-06-26T11:27:09Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>Don't get caught with a cell phone to your ear in less than a week! The first ticket I understand is $50 and the next ones are much higher! If an officer sees you with a cell phone up to your ear after July 1st 2008 that is reason enough to pull you over and check EVERYTHING out...Well mam I see that you are getting a $50 fine today for the cell phone but I also noticed that your registration is out of date and is that.......Well you get the hint.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blueantwireless.com/downloads/supertooth_light/Supertooth_Light_brochure_US.pdf" target="_blank">Here is info on one product that looks pretty cool.</a> It's a hands free speaker phone set up...Save that $100 for installation that some companies want with a built in system...If you have two cars this will work with all of them as long as you have Bluetooth on your cell phone...You can take it with you from car to car!</p> <p>Amazon has this items pretty cheap but hurry!! When EVERYONE figures it out they will ALL be back ordered!!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>http://www.myblueant.com/supertooth-light-bluetooth-handsfree-video.htm</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/566409/Redding-Ca-deals-in 2008-06-25T17:27:33Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>Everyone is looking for a deal...in fact over 25 people were shopping for a steal in the last fiasco that happened when a home was priced EXCEPTIONLY well by an agent that knew what he was doing...trying to generate some INTEREST AND OFFERS... so much so that he had to clear out his cell phone messages as it was full!</p> <p>There are some deals...you just have to know where to find them and be ready to pounce on them...being ready to pull the trigger with either a cash offer or a short close period is a must in this market.</p> <p>If you have been staying up late and night and purchased one of those get rich in real estate manuals you might want to remember that the odds of getting one of these bank homes at 40% below the market is nothing other than a distant dream....and then you fell off the bed and the alarm went off....</p> <p>With many buyers looking for deals when they find one there is usually quite a lot of interest...and offers thus pushing the price from steal to deal in a day or two.</p> <p>Contact me today with what you desire and I will find it for you...and if you are ready to act quickly you can still get a steal...</p> <p>Ready-Set-Call 530-248-5627</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>Redding's ECO Broker</p> <p>530-248-5627</p> <p>www.rickgoates.com</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/566403/Why-short-sales-take 2008-06-25T17:21:01Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>Redding ca short sales</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Shorts,short sales,short pays,short this and that.You have probably heard about short sales but what exactly are they and WHY do they take SO long you might be wondering? Short sales are simply where the owners of the property owe more on the loans than the property is worth and are trying to sell the property short of what is owed.</p> <p>It takes willing lenders/note holders to make this happen. Sometimes they are willing to work with you and sometimes they are are not.One thing is for sure...it will take a while to learn if they will play ball!</p> <p>I have one right now where the buyers (mine) have been very patient and have been waiting for 2 months now to hear...now most people wouldn't wait that long and the lender is probably going to lose out on some great buyers that wrote and excellent offer but hey...they aren't going to wait forever with 1900+ home available.</p> <p>The main reason that these things take SOO long is that there is a person somewhere in a bank that has this stack on his or her desk...this stack seems to grow each week and not shrink...meanwhile lets not forget that this person gets paid a salary...it really is just another number on another piece of paper to them so there is not too much interest in getting an answer back in any fast fashion! I mean another way to look at it is this...if the pile keeps getting larger...well, that's just job security...right?</p> <p>Another reason it take a long time is that there is usually more than one lender involved...and everyone must play to make it work. If the second or third says "we are not interested or won't work with you" the game is over..so that takes a while also.</p> <p>SHORT SALES ARE NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART...they are time consuming and stressful for buyers and sellers not knowing until the last minute IF the back will play ball...</p> <p>Regards,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Redding Ca</p> <p>530-248-5627</p> <p>www.rickgoates.com</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/565997/Brand-New-Energy-Star 2008-06-25T13:14:54Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>I have to give credit where credit is due...There is one builder in Redding that "Gets it".They sold tons of homes when the market was hot and now that the market is not they are still selling homes! What magic bullet do they have that other developers and builders don't? Well they build a great home for one...sure they have one here and there that has problems but when they can build a New home of high Quality in This market and sell them..this tells me one thing...they are doing what it takes to sell in a down market..</p> <p>What they are doing is selling this homes for $144 a foot...In REDDING...not Shasta Lake or Happy Valley or Oak Run...Redding.Are they making money at that price? Do you know what the buyers says when presented with that question?? Who cares! That's right the buyers all want a deal...Don't we all? I know I want a deal also.</p> <p>So back to the homes...They offer the following-</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial,Helvetica;">Energy efficient Earth Advantage homes. Large, level lots range from 1/4 to 1/2+ acres. Room for RV parking on most lots. Amenities to include: stucco exteriors, ceramic tile floors and countertops, vaulted ceilings, master suites, whirlpool appliances... just to name a few.</span></p> <p>If this doesn't make you excited at $144 a foot for a NEW HOME then you are either dead or won't get excited if you hit the lotto!</p> <p>Contact me today should you want more info on what one very "Successful" developer is doing and doing well!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Redding</p> <p>www.inforedding.com</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/565958/Redding-California-buyers-do 2008-06-25T12:47:22Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>The market chugs along.The Developers and home sellers are wondering why nothing is sellling and wondering what is selling. I can tell you two things....yes there are buyers out there! And they are purchasing. What they all want is a DEAL. If you are selling a new home whether you be a developer or a home seller the advice is pretty simple right now...PRICE IT RIGHT TO START WITH... Does this mean that you may lose money if you have a new home subdivision? Well it may but if you want to SELL some homes, the home better be priced right or you don't stand a CHANCE. Yes properties need to be advertised and the best way to do that now days is the internet as that is where over 85% of ALL buyers go now.</p> <p>It's the same advice as when the market was hot but only a little different now. When the market was hot you could sell the right and left and price didn't matter but now, price is EVERYTHING. You see there used to be a very small difference between new and existing pricing levels per foot. Now there is a much higher spread as existing home sellers have had to face the reality of "Offering a deal" or die.</p> <p>Does the buyer on the street care if a developer is breaking even or losing money? The answer is NO they don't!! It has always been the same and always continue to be the way and that is "What is in it for me". That is the mantra of buyers everywhere.</p> <p>There is one development company that is still selling homes right now even in this market..What are they doing to get them sold?? They are pricing them to sell!! OFFERING A STEAL OF A PRICE!! ARE THEY MAKING MONEY? PROBABLY VERY LITTLE IF ANY. THEY ARE SELLING HOMES THOUGH AND THEY ARE BUILDING MORE REPOIRE WITH THEIR BUYERS.When the market comes back do you think this current buyers will be happy ?? Well we all know the answer.</p> <p>The buyers Don't care about anything other than price and location right now...If your home is in an area that is considered undesireable then you are in a real pickle right now with the way the market is right now! What you need to do is compensate for this EVEN more now than ever before...Why? WEll if a buyer has a chance to puchase a home in Redding over say Shasta Lake City or Anderson etc for about the same price they will be voting for REDDING.</p> <p>It might not have mattered as much when the market was blazing hot but now location is even more critical...."Location, Location....you have heard it before but hasn't changed.</p> <p>If you have a home in a less desirable area and want market prices for Redding you are in for long haul...</p> <p>"Sometimes we have to do what we have to, to sell a home...not what we want to"! That means PRICE IT TO SELL FOR THE CURRENT MARKET AND CURRENT PROBLEMS... If you don't like the sound of it you have two options...Wait until the market comes back or reduce or start at a price that the agents AND the buyers say "Wow that is a good deal!!" When you get the agents and the buyers saying that...then you will have some sales!! Will you the seller or developer be making any money? Probably not...but if you want to SELL then you have to do what it takes...EVEN if you Don't like it....</p> <p>It was your descision to purchase in the area that you did when you did....Take some responsibility and take some good advice and make it happen...Then if you can't sell some homes, hire someone like me that will tell you the above information AGAIN and AGAIN until you are ok with it or pick another Broker. In this market you either get it or you don't...if you don't you will take less later...pretty simple stuff...not rocket science folks!!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Redding Ca</p> <p>www.rickgoates.com</p> <p>530-248-5627</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/565668/This-Bud-s-for 2008-06-25T09:21:49Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>Warren Buffett...what can I say, this man is a genius! When others are buying he is selling and when others are running scared his is buying...Here is one of just another example of his brilliant stock picks...Budweiser back about 3 years ago was just a run of the mill beer company right??-Wrong...Buffett studyed this stock and started accumulating it...buying when others were worried about the mico brews and all that other stuff.</p> <p>Fast forward 3 years...someone wants to purchase Bud....well now...look at that stock head on up!! And who do you think is making a KILLING on it...yes that is right MR Buffett...Why? Well because he bought yet again at the RIGHT time....and sold at the Right time.....Wow!</p> <p>If Berkshire weren't so high I would have some of this one....But then there is a REASON that stock is SO high....</p> <p>Buffet looks for companies that have a "Durable competitive edge" Those are words that need to be remembered!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Regards,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Redding Ca</p> <p>530-248-5627</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/563423/California-Wildfire-update-map 2008-06-23T19:50:06Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>The smoke is thick and my eyes are burning as I type this. We have over 150 active fires in our immediate area.With the smoke and heat in the mid to high 90's residents with respitory problems are advised to stay inside with the windows CLOSED! Don't venture out unless it is necessary as the problem is Redding is so bad that ash is falling out of the sky this evening!</p> <p><a href="http://www.fire.ca.gov/about/downloads/Statewide_Fire_Maps/StatewideFireMap_062308.pdf" target="_blank">Here is the map that shows where the fires currently are in California right now...</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Stay safe!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Redding Ca</p> <p>5430-248-5627</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/563331/Eco-Friendly-baby-diapers 2008-06-23T18:28:05Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>With all the talk about "Green" I came across this product that is interesting if you have a baby or two in the home.While they might not be considered truly "Green" these diapers appear to be a much better choice for parents everywhere! Instead of using plastic in the diapers (like traditional ones) they use something different.</p> <p>Supposedly these things break down fairly quickly and you can even compost them...well the ones that don't have a little present in them so to say!!</p> <p>They say the garden will love them...not too sure about that but tolerate probably yes!</p> <p><a href="http://www.gdiapers.com/" target="_blank">Here is the link</a> to a new product that might just get people concerned with the environment to change their ways when it comes to diapers!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Gdiapers...mmm wonder what Google thinks about this one?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Regards</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Redding Ca</p> <p>530-248-5627</p> <p>www.rickgoates.com</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/562810/Sen-Barack-Obama-likes 2008-06-23T12:58:20Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>I just read where Senator Obama is sweet on Ethanol....But has he looked closely at all the NON food based alternatives? Using food based crops to produce fuel is not too smart in my opinion! There are so many alternatives like cane/switch grass/Jatropha Curcas and many others.</p> <p>Yes the corn farmers are loving the current prices but lets look at all the alternatives.</p> <p>I am hoping that whom ever gets elected will look at the big picture and not just the special interest groups!</p> <p>Regards,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Redding Ca</p> <p>530-248-5627</p> <p>http://rickgoates.com</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://activerain.com/blogsview/560941/How-green-are-you 2008-06-21T20:08:40Z Richard Goates ECO Broker (KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY) <p>We hear it every week...green this and green that...If fact there is one local builder here in my city that toughts a green home...problem is they might be building an energy star home or a super effiecient home but their homes are FAR from "Green". That's the problem...people jump on the bandwagon and start preaching green when they don't even know the difference between an efficient home and a true "Green" home..</p> <p><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=c9SVWszOzoHpsdksLiiKsg_3d_3d" target="_blank">Here is a link</a> if you want to see where you fall into the spectrum?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Rick Goates</p> <p>ECO Broker</p> <p>Keller Williams Realty</p> <p>Redding CA</p> <p>530-248-5627</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>www.rickgoates.com</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>