Redding Ca Real Estate Blog by Richard Goates

Wondering how much your bank has in toxic assets? Find out here now....

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:06:37 -0600

I found this website that shows how much bad debt banks are carrying.it's pretty eye opening... one local bank ( no names mentioned) has about a 60 rating....OWCH....IN THIS TIME OF WANTING TO KEEP OUR MONEY SAFE CHECK THIS SITE OUT TO SEE WHERE YOUR BANK FITS?

Link

To keeping your money safe!

Regards

Richard Goates

WEBSITE

Know someone elderly? Don't let them fall victim to the latest scam....

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:49:46 -0600

The stories are sad but true...the elderly lady gets a phone call from her "Grandaughter" who was in a wreck in Montreal and she needs money now....Too many elderly people have fallen for this one,to the tune of $3.5 Million this year alone!

It's sad that these people prey on the elderly like this but if you have someone in your family or a friend etc out there you may want to just pass this along to them....just in case.

There are even stories of elderly people sending their last money they have in their saving account and ending up losing their homes because they can't make the payments after a medical emergency has wiped them out.

Regards,

Richard

Tips to keep your homes water pipes from freezing!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:16:34 -0600

We don't get super cold winter nights for the most part here in Redding ca but when we do make sure you prepare for them so you don't have tons of damage.

#1. Keep water running on low in the house.This will ensure that the moving water will not freeze during the night.

#2.Keep the thermostat up to at least 50 degrees....many times people leave for vacation etc and shut off the heater only to return to problems.

#3.If you do have problems contact a plumber immediately! Waiting will only make the matter worse!

We have had numerous nights recently below 25 degrees and making sure that your pipes are covered and insulated is critical.

Any outside pipes should be covered with insulation and or drained of water if at all possible.

Regards

Richard

Yes the home buyers tax credit was extended but heres why you shouldn't wait till the last minute to purchase!

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:01:00 -0600

The home buyers tax credit was expanded and extended but here are just some of the reasons you DON'T want to wait until spring to start shopping.

#1. If you wait until spring to start shopping and you find your dream home just before your time runs out you will be under a LOT of stress to get your home closed....and since no one can Guarantee that they can get a home closed in less than 30 days....is it worth the stress to wait?

#2. Interest rates WILL be going up....that's UP....they can't give loans away at these historic low levels forever...

#3. There will be more buyers in the market place as always in the spring...that means you will be competing against more people....people that want the tax credit also....and waited....till the last minute......like you did?

#4. It probably won't be the lenders fault or the Realtors fault or the title companies fault if you don't close on time to get your tax credit....and if it is? You should have started earlier?

#5. Timing the bottom, the lowest interest rate on the planet and the tax credit deadline can be suicidal....do you want to try and time all that or start now and find the home of your dreams and be in with no stress and no worries while everyone else is scrambling to get their home closed so they get their credit?

Regards,

Richard

Website

Activerain once again infiltrated by Internet Coffee Shop Scammers....

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:43:56 -0600

The email started like many others....I want you to help me and invest....ok...fair enough...sounds legitimate....then the response....

Hello, Thanks for your reply.I am very interested in establishing viable investment in your country with your help. I do not know too well on how this is done in your country, so i will need your help in this regard.My preference is any good profit yeilding business and i would appreciate any viable ideas you could come up with. For a brief on myself; My full name is Jennifer Samuel, i am 26 years old girl,from Sierra Leone but presently,i am living in Senegal both countries is in Africa.I came to here in Senegal due to the civil war fought in my country years ago. I don't have any relatives now whom i can go to all my relatives ran away in the middle of the war, the only person i have now is Rev.Henry who is the pastor of the Church here in the House of Refuge Mission he has been very nice to me since i came here but i am not living with him rather i am living at the the women's shelter in the church because the House of Refuge Mission have two hostels, one for men the other for women.The Pastor's Tel number is +221766942827 if you call and tell him that you want to speak with me, he will send for me to come and answer your call. Please listen to this(it's a secret,even the pastor don't know about it),i have my late father's deposit certificate and his death certificate here with me which i will send to you later,because when he was alive he deposited some amount of money in one of the leading Financial company which he used my name as the next of kin,the amount in question is $7,000,000.00(Seven Million US Dollars).I want you to help me claim this money and transfer this money to your account and from it you will send some money for me to get my travelling documents and air ticket to come over to meet with you.I kept this secret to people in the camp here so in the light of above i will like you to keep it to yourself and don't tell it to anyone for i am afraid of loosing my life and the money if people gets to know about it here. Remember i am giving you all this information due to the trust i deposed on you.I like honest and understanding and truthful.Awaiting to hear from you soonest. Kind Regards, Jennifer.

What are your thoughts???

Sounds pretty good?

Lol.....

It's too bad these folks don't get a day job!!

P.S. here is the bogus email address in case you get one too -jenyjnom@yahoo.com

Rick

Fighting the bank with attorneys when you stopped making payments might not be a good use of your money!

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:49:51 -0600

Back at it after a great Thanksgiving dinner.

I spoke with a man that had lost his home the other day.It was very interesting talking with him. He said they spent over $12,000 in attorneys fees to fight the bank....I asked fight the bank?.... why did he do that? He said that they weren't going to just let the bank take their home!!

Now I can understand the stress and the aggravation that people are feeling out there right now...the banks don't respond or they transfer you to this dept and then that one and tell you to keep making those payments and everything will be fine....

Losing one's home is probably up there with death/divorce and speaking in public....a LOT of stress no doubt.

The part that I don't get is if they saved their $10k they would have money to move into something else now....instead of having ZERO....The bank WILL indeed take a persons home sooner or later if they Do Not make their payments or they don't qualify for a loan mod....it's pretty much GUARANTEED....so why spend money to fight a losing battle?

"There are many companies and individuals that claim they can help you fight the bank and help you keep your home because the bank doesn't even know what the own etc". Just remember that Attorneys get paid by the HOUR!!!

There have also been many that unfortunately have wasted money on paying a "Loan Modification"
company to try and get the payments reduced....There were many people that lost their homes after Paying money....anywhere from $1500-$3000 with no guarantee's.....

They have recently changed the law for companies and people that want to help consumers with Loan Mod's....now they get paid when and IF they get the job done....and not until! They way that Realtors have worked from day one.

Fighting the bank when you have not made payments for 6/9/12 months is probably not the best use of what little cash you have if you are having a hard time.Save that money and make plans to move....It wil save you some stress!

What is it that makes a man continue to fight a losing battle?

I asked him if he had ever considered doing a short sale? He said NO!

Short sales can help many people out of a tough situation...they are not for everyone and yes you will be selling your home in the end....and satisfying the bank....and helping your credit out....

Regards

Rick

Things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving....

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:16:45 -0600

The time of year is upon us again to remember what we are thankful for....I am thankful for my son...he is 6...and the best little boy in the World! I am thankful for my family and my friends....I am thankful for my clients and for living in a great place.

I am thankful for a roof over my head and my cupboards with food in them....I am thankful to be in Remission for 6.5 years now from cancer....

What are you thankful for?

Regards

Richard

Who has the highest overall buyer rating for real estate franchises? Answer is below....

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:07:47 -0600

JDPower has awarded Keller Williams Realty with the exclusive honor of taking care of the buyers out there like no one else!

In a Buyers market picking the Realtor that knows how to get the job done and find you the home of your dreams while make the transaction go smoothly is priceless...

We have all heard about the real estate experience from Hell and you seldom hear about that "great real estate experience" but it's nice to see that credit has been given where credit is due!

Oh course it is always the individual agent/Broker that actually matters as that is who is helping you not the entire company but the company is a representation of it's agents...and in this case, a great representation.

This is the second year in a row that Keller Williams Realty has been recognized!

Contact me today should you wish to have the experience of a real estate Broker at your side?

Regards,

Richard Goates

WEBSITE

530-248-5627

Servicing the greater Redding/Palo Cedro/Bella Vista/Millville and outlying area's of Shasta County Ca.

2009 Home Buyer and Seller Study Award Recipient Keller Williams

New survey shows more investors are purchasing homes....

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:22:48 -0600

Foreclosures are still a hot topic in the real estate world. A recent survey shows that investors are getting back into the real estate market at a fast pace!

The survey showed that approx twice as many people are interested in investing in real estate VS. in March of this year.

On the buyers side of the equation approx 25% are after Foreclosures.

The largest age range that are interested in purchasing foreclosures is the 35-49 age range.

73% of these buyers expect their homes to appreciate at least 10% over the next 5 years.

28% of these buyers expect to have appreciation of at least 20% or more in the next 5 years!

Almost 25% think that prices are about as low as they are going to go with interest very reasonable.

Foreclosures and Short sales should make up a large part of the business for the next 1-2 years.

Regards,

Richard

How does your homeowners insurance company rate? Find out here now!

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:51:54 -0600

Picking the right auto/home/life insurance company to represent you is an important decision in life.As with Realtor's there are some that are better than others and some that just do a better job.

It's the same in every industry...some stand out as great and some have a "reputation"...

Here you can check out companies that sell Home Insurance and see how many problems they have had.

Chances are your company is on this list.

To making informed choices!

Regards,

Richard

Everything you and your clients ever wanted to know about the Home Buyers Tax Credits....

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:26:03 -0600

This is a great site if you or your clients have questions on the new tax credits offered and the extension of the former tax credit for first timers etc.

There is a ton of info and site out there with information on the tax credits but this site is the best one I have come across to get ALL the questions answered in one place.

The new bill will allow people that already own and want to trade up to take advantage of up to $6500 in tax credits if they purchase before the deadline date.

These credits will hopefully help spur the home buyers out there that have been sitting on the fence and waiting.

With interest rates at historic lows and inventory plentyful to choose from these factors should help to create one of the best buying times in recent history!

Regards,

Richard

Shasta County California MLS listings-See the homes now!

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:01:35 -0600

Borrowers having a hard time making their payments....a little lesson I learned from a client...

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:39:56 -0600

The making homes affordable plan is a good plan in theory....the problem is that the banks don't take you serious if you are having a hard time making your payments until you start missing your payments.

I have one client that has been having a hard time "like many others" making all his bills...he contacted Bank of America 4 months ago and only got somewhere today when they finally got him to the dept that can actually help him....

He has been told for the last 4 months "just keep making those payments and everything is fine"....to which he has responded for 4 months "the money is running out and that is why I am calling you early to let you know I have a problem"!

My question is this....Why would the bank not want to help someone that does the right thing and calls in ADVANCE to let them know that a big problem is coming soon? Why do they wait until you miss a couple payments to step up and realize that indeed the owner might be having a problem?

His frustration with Bank of America sounds like it is not the only situation out there where the bank is dragging their feet to actually help!

My opinion is, that sense he called early on and was given the run around and nothing has happened for 4 MONTHS to help him that he should go to the front of the line!!

Probably not though....it will be the people that have missed a couple payments...had their FICO's drop that will get the help first....Doesn't seem quite fair....but then what about this entire situation is?

Miss some payments....you will be taken seriously.....keep making your payments even though you have nothing in the bank and they won't help you....This I have learned from him....

Regards,

Richard

What will you buy with your tax credit money?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:56:14 -0600

The senate voted to extend the first time home buyers tax credit and has offered up a move up tax credit to purchasers that have lived in their homes for 5 more years.

Here are the highlights to the new Bill-HR 3548

Trade up buyers that have owned for 5 or more years=up to $6500 credit.

First Timers or anyone that has not owned for 3 or more years=up to $8,000

Buyers MUST sign the purchase agreement by April 30th and close by June 30th 2010!

The credit is phased out for those with incomes above $125k single or $225k for joint filers.

This is a tax credit and not money back.

Looks like a GREAT time to trade up while interest is still low and inventory is high!

Regards

Richard

Search the local Redding Ca MLS

Owners that are in Foreclosure have an option for their animals that may need a home etc

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:57:33 -0600

When people are going into or are in foreclosure one of the things that is for sure is the fact that stress makes you think differently! A common problem that owners face when they are losing their homes is their pets!

If you have pets and don't know what to do with them try no paws left behind.

This website can help you with this one aspect of your life so you don't have to add to your already high stress!

Finding a good home for any pets that can't go with you is the best thing to do...

There are laws against dumping animals and this website wants to help you if you need help?

Regards

Richard

California Loan Modification agents kidnapped and Tortured....

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:47:05 -0500

California Loan Modifcation agents Kidnapped and Tortured-

If you are thinking of doing loan Mod's in California you better get results! This we learned from the recent kidnapping and torture of a couple loan mod agents that didn't get the job done!

I have heard of work related stress but come on here.....

There is the new law that took effect recently that says "no up front fee's"...you only get paid when it happens....this should hopefully help home owners across California.

Losing your home is a very stressful event....no doubt about it....there comes a time when you have to go left or right and if you loan mod is not getting anywhere and the Trustee's sale is coming up you might want to consider a Short Sale.....

To Loan Mod's that go through!

Regards,

Richard

What I learned from a 6 year old about real estate.....

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:55:48 -0500

The market is certainly different than it was 4-5 years ago so I have been doing things that I have never done before.I had a phone book on my kitchen table and struggled with picking it up and making some cold calls...I left the book on the table and had my 6 year old for the afternoon as I usually do on Tuedays and Thursdays.

He looked at the phone book and said "Daddy what is the phone book doing on the table?"...I responded that I was using it to call people to see if they needed my services. He replied "great let's open it up and call some people!"....I replied Ryan we can't just call people.....he replied " why not daddy?"....I replied well Ryan people probably won't want to talk to us about just anything....He replied "well you never know! What if they DID?

Wow...what if people Did want to talk with me on the phone and DID want to use me to help them!! What a refreshing way to approach it!!

The clarity and lack of fear that kids have!! Isn't it great!!

Thanks Ryan!!

Regards,

Richard

Search the local Redding ca MLS here now

Redding Ca Reo's and good deals....

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:35:11 -0500

Everyone is shopping for a deal...I am no different. The fact that the majority of the deals are in Short Sales and in REO's can not be overlooked.The banks unlike many sellers want to get their properties sold Quickly!

The banks for the most part reduce the price automatically every 30-45 days if they don't have an offer...Sellers can learn from this....Sellers can also as learn from the banks that price right in the beginning and get multiple offers!!

Here are some greater Redding area REO's to check out.

Where are the deals??? IN the REO's and Short Sales is the answer!

Regards

Richard

Redding Ca Real Estate owners that need help with a loan mod can now rejoice!

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:46:06 -0500

The Senate recently passed a bill that out laws the up front fees that many attorney's and real estate people and companies have charged.

Now similar to Realtor's the client pays ONLY if there is a successful result! This is the way it has always been for real estate agents and Realtor's...no sale....no pay....now it's the same for Loan Modification.

This is a good thing.It's good because too many people hired companies off the Internet to do their loan mods and they didn't get done!! They still had to pay and got nothing for their money!

I had some clients that paid upwards of $3,000 to have a loan mod done...I begged them to do a short sale and they refused....There comes a time in the process where as a homeowner that has stopped making payments you have to go left or right at that fork in the road....if you go left and spend time on a loan mod and it doesn't work then your home may indeed go back to the bank.

It's hard to decide no doubt because many people truly want to stay in their family homes...I can relate to this...but also if and when the time comes and you are not getting anywhere at least consider a short sale...yes you have to let the home go back but it is much better than a foreclosure on your record.

With a Fannie Mae loan backed product they say you can own again in TWO years if you do a short sale...VS. 7 years if you let it go to foreclosure....it's a big difference....even if you don' t think it is right now in this moment...you may in the future Wish you had done a short sale!

To getting the job done...to getting paid after the job is done!

Regards,

Richard

Search the Realtor's own MLS in Redding Ca here now.

If an Elephant can paint a picture like this YOU can get through this Current Real Estate Market we have!

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:16:13 -0500

While no great painter to talk about I am an Redding Ca Real Estate Expert-Call me if you need help? 530-248-5627 http://www.inforedding.com

Boy in home made Balloon real or a superbly crafted PR stunt? Time will tell....

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:59:07 -0500

It's a bizarre story. One that I hope has a great ending.Apparently a boy climbed onto and into a home made balloon that took off and went for miles.The family which includes an amateur scientist (the father) made this device which looks something out of a UFO movie in the backyard.

Let's hope the little guy is ok and didn't fall out!

When the family isn't chasing storms they are looking for ET....no really....

Superb stunt/PR or real life extra ordinary story? Time will tell....

Regards

Richard

Search the local Redding Ca MLS

Don't fall for the 809 area code scam going on right now!

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:11:59 -0500

It starts like this....you get a call that says call me back immediately I have news of a family etc.OR the common you have WON Call Immediatly to clain your prize!

The area code is in the Dominican Republic and when you call it to find out about that accident your family member was involved in or that 100 Mill you won you get charged! And Charged and Charged....it's not $2425 a minute like some emails claim but who even wants an additional $50 bucks on their next phone bill!!

It's amazing what these people do with their time!

There are 3 area codes to NOT call back to UNLESS you know the number.They are-284/876/809.

Regards

Richard

Redding Ca Mortgage Fraud News

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:45:30 -0500

It was bound to happen sooner or later.The market went too crazy for too long and some lenders took advantage and did some things that they should not have.The local news here in Redding Reports that a former local lender is behind bars and others may indeed be investigated in this latest rash of crimes.

In the Real Estate and Mortgage business reputation is Everything! Redding might only be 90k+ but word does indeed travel fast....especially of the bad or negative nature.

I am sure there will be others in the news in the near future that fell for the easy money...

It's a shame as it give the entire industry a black eye...there is such a thing as "Guilty by association".It is a fact that many will rush to judgment and will not thoroughly investigate before forming options.

Sooner or later it seems that Justice does indeed take place...or Karma or what ever you want to call it...what comes around...certainly does go around...sooner or later.

To keeping a good name and doing the right thing!

Best,

Richard

Search the MLS here now!

Redding Ca Mortgage Fraud News

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:43:03 -0500

In the Real Estate and Mortgage business reputation is Everything! Redding might only be 90k+ but word does indeed travel fast....especially of the bad or negative nature.

I am sure there will be others in the news in the near future that fell for the easy money...

Sooner or later it seems that Justice does indeed take place...or Karma or what ever you want to call it...what comes around...certainly does go around...sooner or later.

To keeping a good name and doing the right thing!

Best,

Richard

Search the MLS here now!

Cash for Clunkers program coming to an old appliance near you soon!

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:28:05 -0500

It worked for cars...so what the heck....if you have been thinking of getting rid of that old junker refer or freezer and want to save some $$ in the process on the utility bill check this out now.

The program varies by state but the premise is this....let's get those old appliances out of people's homes and get some new appliances into homes to save energy! I think I will be keeping my GE stock after all!!

If it works anything like the "Cash for Clunker" program that they Gov had for cars it will be great....

And if this is the case get ready to get your rebates in "QUICKLY"...as the money will run out soon on this program also!

To more efficient appliances! To GE stock going up again!!

Regards

Richard Goates

530-248-5627