Relocation - ActiveRain

HGTV's House Hunters - Sacramento

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:48:10 -0600

HGTV's looking for you! House Huntersis coming to Sacramento find out what it takes and how to apply.

Drop by how to be featured and take your house hunting to a new level of excitement.

Location: Sacramento (nationwide)
Category: Reality TV
Types Looking for: Actor
Gender: female,male

Status: Active
Union: No
Pay: Yes

Description:

HGTV's House Hunters is looking for fun, enthusiastic people who are in the later stages of buying a home with a realtor's help. The popular series follows homebuyers as they decide which home is right for them.

Female or Male - All Ethnicities - 18 to 100
HOMEBUYERS - Outgoing, real estate-savvy people with a great story to tell will be given immediate consideration!

HGTV's House Hunters

Call me to find out more

Sandra Schweiger

Make a Difference in a Military Person's Day - Auburn California

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:41:43 -0500

For those of you who don't know my brother Robert served 20 as a Marine fighting in Persian Gulf War back in Desert Storm continuing on to War in Afghanistan / Operation Enduring Freedom we as a family try to stay connected to anything local that is working to make the time spent away form there families helpful.
Please take a minuite to drop off something to help.
Sandra

Join us at 8:55am for kick-off Oct. 24, Sat. Auburn Grocery Outlet

Please join us at 8:55 am on Sat. Oct. 24 at Auburn Grocery Outlet. To
jump-start our "Make a Difference in a Military Person's Day" we will have the
ROTC students from Whitney High in Rocklin present the colors, and Mike Holmes,

Auburn Mayor, will kick-off the the event with a few words.
I'm urging you to come out and give an audience for our ROTC students and be
there for our event kick-off. It would be appreciated.

Event details:
Make a Difference in a Military Person's Day
Oct. 24, Sat. from 9am to 3pm
Auburn Grocery Outlet, Hwy 49 & Elm Avenue

Goal: To collect enough items to fill 200 Holiday care packages for our
deployed Troops.

Shop in Grocery Outlet for convenience. Care package items will be displayed
with star burst signs.

Items needed: Granola/Protein/Cereal bars, beef or turkey jerky, Handi-snacks
crackers, Trail mix, Hard Candy/Life savers, Black or White Socks, Sanitary
wipes (personal size), Personal size deodorant (men & women).
Entertainment will be provided throughout the day.

Hot dogs and Drinks will be sold. All proceeds will go towards shipping costs
for the holiday boxes.

CALLING ALL VETS!!! Come out and meet and greet the public with me and show
support for our deployed troops.

This is a collaborative effort with E.V. Cain Middle School students, Auburn
Kiwanis and Operation:MOM.

Looking forward to seeing all of you!

Dee Rein, Group Leader
Operation:MOM, Placer Co.|
A support group for military families
P.O. Box 515, Auburn, CA 95604-0515
phn: 530-263-0503
website: www.operationmom.org

Ski season is almost here!! Sandra's Northern California Ski conditions and webcams

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:40:53 -0500

Sorry but Tahoe has to be first! Everything else alphabetical :)

All California Road conditions

NOAA Weather forecast for the greater Lake Tahoe

Alpine Meadows - Conditions

Alpine Meadows - Home page (You have to find the webcam they are tight with the link?)

Badger Pass - Home page

Badger Pass - Calendar of events

Bear Valley - Live Web cam

Bear Valley - Snow conditions

Boreal - Conditions and More

Boreal - Live Web cam

Diamond Peak - Current lift conditions

Diamond Peak - Live Web cam

Dodge Ridge - Live Web cam

Dodge Ridge - Calendar of events

Kirkwood - Weather & Conditions

Kirkwood - Pod Cast (I love this idea!)

Mammoth - Events calendar

Mammoth - Live Web cams (more then one!!)

Mammoth Lakes - Snow creek resort - Live Web cam

Mammoth Lakes - Snow creek Resort - Home page

Northstar - Conditions

Northstar - Live Web cams

Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski - Conditions

Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski - Home page

Sugar Bowl - Home page - (takes a while to load?)

Sugar Bowl - Conditions

Sugar Bowl - Live (ish) Web cam

Sierra - At - Tahoe - Conditions

Sierra - At - Tahoe - Live Web cam

Squaw Valley - Conditions (On the right side drop down)

Squaw Valley - Uber Cam VERY COOL!

Squaw Valley - Live Web cam

Tahoe Donner - Live Web cam

Tahoe Donner - Beach Club Marina

Tahoe Donner - Ski conditions

Sold and Pending in the Placer County area

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:53:20 -0500

With the market changing on a weekly bases I will give everyone a weekly update on the below areas.

Monday - Auburn, Colfax, Christian Valley

Tuesday - I will give data on Loomis ,Lincoln, Rocklin area

Wednesday - Only high end on this day 800,000.00 to 2,00,000.00

Thursday - Roseville only

And finally ...........Friday -only Sacramento because that truly is a huge area.

So to wrap this is the plan hope to see everyone have a nice day.

Smart driving safely education for Teenagers/Young Adults - California Highway Patrol

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:04:34 -0500

For those of you who don't know I have a up and coming driver in the house. My oldest Zachary will be driving by January 2010 and we are all very excited. Now it should be known Zachary's grandfather my dad was Zachary's personal instructor from day one. Dick Reed (my dad) experience was with the Construction TeamstersTraining and Upgrading Fund southern California as a instructor and from there he opened the first RV Driving school that teaches individuals and their spouses/partners to drive and utilize their RV'sin the best possible way and both professions required a certian amount of patients, No braging this kid has been trained by the best.

Not all kids have this kind of one on one instruction let alone quality time with a family member with full understanding of the DMV or California HighwayPatrol wants and needs. Well Auburn has come to the rescue for our local teens. The California Highway patrol is hosting a free Start Smart Driving safely education class right here in Auburn for teenagers/young adults and their parents/guardians.

the class will be held from 7-9 pm on Oct 14th , Nov 18th , Dec 16th at EZ way Driving Schoolat 1085 Grass Valley Highway in Auburn. Now pre-registration is required call (530)885-8109

Fact:Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among American teenagers, killing between 5,000 and 6,000 teenagers every year for the past decade (through 2003, the last year for which complete NHTSA data is available) Via: Allstate insurance

Old Town Auburn Business Association to host 42 nd Annual Street Fair October 18th

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:48:16 -0500

I love the town of Auburn; Not only because of its rustic charm and its clasic standards we still have the coolest small town stuff. We not only still have parades for everything from 4th of July to Christmas, as a town/family we still take every opportunity to gather as possible. This just happens to be one of my favorite, The Old Town Antiques and Collectible Street fair it doesn't cost a thing. Yep just another FREE thing to do in Auburn and the enjoyment is priceless.

The warm memory's that sometimes bubble up in a persons heart when walking around at a street fair is priceless. You see the first year I was amazed at the rush of memory's this little yellow lunch box brought to my heart. Now it should be known I never owned one of these lunch boxes but I always admired it from afar and when I saw it again after 15 + years later i was a kid all over again. I didn't buy it that day and my lesson learned from this year is buy when it is right in front of you because it is not the same when you look at them on e-bay later. : {

The Old Town Business Association is providing a free shuttle from the Auburn Library parking lot from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. located at 350 Nevada Street, it runs every 20 mins. Giving you the quite moment with your treasure on your way to your car.

You should also know that the Specialty shops will be open offering gifts collectibles and clothing. Most restaurants will be open as well so take a minute to see what this town can do when it cleans out its attics and puts it on the streets.

FYI..... Bring a flashlight and shop early for the best bargains.

Bank owend in the Sierra Foothills

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:21:31 -0500

Bank owned 20 acres 4930 sq. Ft.

This home has the feeling of Peace and quite. You could be sitting on top of your own 20 acres mountain clean fresh air in the hot summer months and crisp cool snow in the winter.

This could be a families holiday vacation home with the ski slopes minutes away and a short drive to town for all the entertainment you could need. Just imagine having a family reunion every year in a home the size of a sky resort for the cost of a track home.

Sugar Bowl Ski Resort

Local Ski resorts

This also could be a hunters dream with your own privet 20 acres that is yours and yours alone to hunt everything from deer to pheasant giving your plenty or room to store it for the upcoming months as well as the summer months.

So come to the beautiful Sierra Nevada's and find the deal of a lifetime.

This is a contractors dream! Because of the excellent space available in the workshop in addition offering the owner the opportunities to pull in everything from recreational vehicles to large trucks just imagine.

Auburn California special events for October 10th

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 10:41:10 -0500

Auburn California has so many events in the Fall
below are events happening this Saterday and Sunday.

Saterday Oct 10
Auburn Wine and Food Festival
Check in starts at 11 am at the Place County Historic Courthouse 101 Maple St. Tasting/pouring 1-5 p.m. Tickets $45, $20 designated drivers (530) 885-9644
or
Stop my my favorite place to shop Auburn Market Place you can shop for anything here folks!
Stop and take a look.

E-Waste fundraiser
Drop off e-waste between 9a.m. and 1 p.m. at Sierra Hills School. 16505 Placer Hills Road, Meadow Vista. Electronics accepted but no appliances (530)878-9473

Waldorf open House
Live Oak Waldorf School
is having an Open house
Visit our 40-acre campus and talk with the administrator about your child.
See how our loving approach to education prepares your child for a
changing world.
Childcare available with advance reservations. 530-878-8720

Rummage sale
Women of worth sets up shop 9 am - 3 pm at the
Auburn Grocery Outlet, 414 Highway 49, Auburn
(530)878-1183
Please take a minute to visit there website and make a donation
Women of Worth

This is my short list of things to do this weekend.

Ill see you there!

Festivals in the Foothills

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:45:16 -0500

Fall is here and the local Churches and schools are gearing up to the traditional Fall Event. Below are a list of the just some of our local events set for this Friday in Placer County.

Harvest Festival - Hope Lutheran School holds its annual Harvest Festival 5:30 - 8:00 pm
7117 Hope Way Penryn (916)652-0459

Oktoberfest Peace for families event 5-8 p.m. at the Blue Goose fruit Shed, 3550 Taylor Road , Loomis , Cost: $30. each, four for $100, $20 designated drivers. (530)823-6224

www.NorCalRelocation.com
Office (530)878-0321
Cell (530)263-0662

NorCal Home Sales Rise! Agent experience or Federal Housing Tax Credit?

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:22:22 -0500

I say both.

This was an article recently posted on CBS talking about the increase in home sales in Northern California.

First of all Northern California is one of the hardest hit areas for Bank owned properties and you might wonder how are our sales going up?

Agent experience

If you use an agent that is not experienced and networked into the bank owned listing agents or even better networked into the BANKS then you are missing a truly necessary tool to this market. You see everything about the banks is semi back wards and sometimes upside down but it doesn't have to be as long as your agent look at it as a opportunity to stretch there customer service (with the bank) mussels.

2. First time home buyer incentive

Federal Housing Tax CreditThis is a short fix for a big problembut if you are savy and have an experienced agent this could be your year to buy a home. This give the first time home buyers the once in a life time opportunity to buy and actually get money from the government!! Believe me folks this will not happen again. Can you say blue moon?

There it is NorCal homes sales are up and It is my belief it is due to buyers learning to use only experienced agents actuallythat area actively working in bank owned home sales and utilizeing the Federal Hous ing Tax Credit.

Together form another perfect storm in real estate.

It is great to be in Real estate!

Sandra Schweiger

Can you Claim the $8000.00 Tax Credit when Buying a Home on Land Contract ?

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:11:11 -0500

Look at this amazing piece of land and now you know you can use the tax credit to buy it! MLS # 9004225 12346 Shadow Brook , Auburn, Ca 95602

Via Missy Caulk-Ann Arbor- Realtor(R)- Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams-Ann Arbor):

In May, I wrote a post on the use of Land Contracts in Michigan being acceptable for claiming the $8000.00 tax credit. In the course of writing that post I was contacted by Ed Sackley, a Representative for U. S. Congressman Fred Upton.(US Michigan 6th District)

The opinion was written by Greg McClelland, Michigan Association of Realtors (MAR)legal counsel. I sent the opinion off to him.

They took it a step further and contacted the U. S. Dept. of the Treasury to confirm that this was indeed true. Ed was kind enough to forward me the letter and said I could inform my blogging buddies.

In my post because the legal opionion was so lengthy I asked people to email me if they wanted me to send it. WOW the response was unexpected. In sending it out to over 50 people who read my blog, I always told them this is based on Michigan Law and Statutes. I am not an attorney and you need to check with an attorney in your particular state.

I am posting the letter here, and recommending the same thing. Michigan law may not apply to your state in dealing with land contracts. However, here is the law from the IRS concerning the up to $8000.00 tax credit being used for 1st time homebuyers when purchasing via land contracts.

*****************************************************************
Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-216-2822 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our TEAM of 6 buyer associates are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

Free Home Evaluation

Search the Ann Arbor Area MLS.

Google Profile

Market Reports in Real Time Updated Weekly

Profit from Technology for Realtors and Lenders

Don’t Wait-Claim Your Share of the Tax Credit

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:27:01 -0500

Now is the time to use the advantages of the tax credit for first time home buyers.

Just think what you can do with 8,000.00.......... My first thought is carpet but don't stop there what about new cabinet faces or even just a new motor for the pool the list can be endless. With all the bank owned properties just waiting to be picked up you can't afford to wait call your lender find a realtor and get into today's market!

Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):

The rush is on. The deadline for purchasing a home using the $8000 tax credit is November 30, 2009. You might be surprised to find out how quickly the remaining days left to take advantage of the "free" money from the government will click away.

Let's take a look at how you might use up your time remaining.

Before you even head out the door to look at houses you need to have made contact with a lender and start the pre-approval process. The further you get along in this process before you get in a car to look at a home the better. For timing we will say that this process will take you a week because you are super organized and have all of the documents on hand that your lender needs. (7 Days Gone)

Now you are ready to actually head out and look. With lower inventory (below $250,000) than a year ago, it would be realistic to think that it will take you 30 days to find a house. Then there is the contract ratification process. If you are lucky and you have focused on seller owned properties you may be able to get a ratified within 7 days. (37 Days Gone)

With the new appraisal rules (HVCC) and the new lender rules (HERA) going into effect you can expect that getting your final loan approval will be 30-45 days. For our calendar we will take the longest number just to be safe. (45 days Gone).

How are we doing so far? Looks like we have knocked 89 days off the calendar leaving 49 days left until the deadline. Whew looks like you have plenty of time to get this done.

Wait we forgot to add in the days that FHA is going to require for a second appraisal (it is happening more and more) or the processing time at the settlement company. So let's pad those 89 days with an extra 7 to be on the safe side. Now we have taken a total 96 days off the calendar. Leaving you 42 days to move in and enjoy your new home.

If you take longer to find a home, if the lender takes longer to approve your loan or you think you want to buy a short sale....then you may have waited to long!

Are you still thinking about whether the market might decline a bit more making your dream home just a bit more affordable? Or are you waiting for the interest rates to come down to 4.5% again? If you are then every day you wait is one less day that you have to deal with any issues in your schedule. If you are serious about buying a new home this year and are eligible for the $8000 tax credit then time is of the essence. Don't sit on the fence much longer or you may find yourself looking at the calendar on December 1st and wondering what you were waiting for.

Register as an agent to make offers on Ocwen.com

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 10:12:53 -0500

Go to the ocwen.com

Even if this is the first time you have been to the site you need to click on the Log in to Offer account if you want to register. This will help later because you will already have an established password and log on.

Now fill in the information on user registration. And I'm sure all of you have this on hand it is no different from any of those BPO websites we have all been signing up on. "Just the facts mam"

And your done! Now when you log on you will see all of your offers with ocwen. But it will not tell you what stage you are in the biding process it just tells you how many you have active at that point.

Now what nice Bank owned agent will tell you at the drop of a hat not only how many offers you have with them but where they stand in the biding process.

You will have to go back threw the website to the properties and see where your bid stands.

To see how to do this go to "How to search for properties on Ocwen.com"

Sandy Schweiger
Sandy@1ReoGirl.com
(530)878-0321

How to shop for properties on Ocwen.com

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:58:12 -0500

For those of you out there that may or may not know a lot of the banks have taken a new direction with their websites. Ocwen is one of them so I decided to write a blog about it and provide the steps it took to search for my clients.

Go to the website at Ocwen.com

Click on Properties for sale.

Then on Residential Properties

Now find the state you are looking in

View property list

Now find the city you are looking. Sometimes this can take a while especially if your city has allot of properties. Just keep in mind the bedrooms and square footage. This will cut down on some of the unnecessary clicking.

After you found your city click on the long number to the left of the state and city.

And here you go! The best part is you can see if there are already offers in on the property and what they are. Remember every offer is the NET offer if you ask for anything like help with the down or other needs and wants that will be take off the banks NET and that will effect you standing when biding agents many agents.

Be sure you have the below information on hand about your client.

Name of signers on contract
Address and phone number
E-mail address of client
FICA score - Even for your cash buyers

Hope this helps enjoy buying bank owned! This is an amazing time to be in Real Estate!

Sandy Schweiger
(530)878-0321
Sandy@1ReoGirl.com

212 Sunnyside Dr. Colfax, Ca - Bank owend in Colfax ; )

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:16:43 -0500

This REO (Real Estate Owned) Bank owned property is located in the lovely town of Colfax.
With the charm only the California foothills can bring this home is perfect for a first time home buyer.

MLS # 90026753
Bedroom - 4
Bath - 2
Sq. Foot - 2008
Price per Sq foot- 92.13
Year built - 1956
Acres - 0.69
Pool - Yes
Garage Spaces - 1
RV Possible

Colfax Elementary
Colfax High School

Did your client get lied to by their lender? Can you help them? YES

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:57:10 -0500

US Loan Auditors can help ask me how!

They search for victims of predatory lending violations and file lawsuits on the behalf of your client.

As much as 90% of all loans from 2001-2008 contain Predatory Lending Violations.

If you, your present or past clients or someone you know has any of the following, we may be able to help:

Stated Income Loan
Liar Loan
Adjustable Rate Mortgage or ARM
Negative Amortization Loan or NegAM
Pick-a-Payment loan
Prepayment penalty
Excessive fees
If they were never fully informed of their terms or conditions.

They can help any client who is a victim of predatory lending whether or not they are in default, real estate investors or fully able to make their payments.

Benefits of US Loan Auditors

Immediate Benefits During Litigation

FULL Money Back Guarantee if the case doesn't have enough merit.
STOP FORECLOSURE PRECEDINGS
STOP ALL CALLS and negative reporting to credit bureau agencies
STOP ALL PAYMENTS IMMEDIATELY IN LITIGATION

A customary settlement could include

Principal balance reduction
Interest rate and terms are modified
Some or all of the closing costs paid at closing are returned to the borrower
Some or all monies paid for the interest are refunded to the borrower
Borrowers attorneys fees are paid by the lender
Punitive damages can be awarded to the borrower
Removal of any derogatory credit that was reported by the lender

Services Provided by US Loan Auditors

FREE 5-10 min interview to establish basic merit.
If there seems to be merit then a preliminary review of ALL of your loan documents to determine if there is enough evidence to move forward with a forensic audit of the file free of charge.
MONEY BACK GAURANTEE of a forensic audit of the file reviewed by senior underwriters and auditors with as much as 30 years of finance experience.
A consultation with an attorney that specializes in predatory lending law as to whether or not the case is worth filing a lawsuit on.

Call me now if this sounds like you or someone you know. (530)878-0321

Is the home you’re purchasing located in a Wildfire Zone?

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:35:59 -0500

I recently attended a presentation conducted by Insurance agent Frank R. Lewis, where I learned some valuable information regarding the importance of securing homeowner's insurance early in the escrow process. It seems many companies are no longer writing insurance in parts of California due to the risk known as the "Wildfire Zone". Not only is homeowner'sinsurance a wise idea, it is also a necessary requirement whenever a buyer is obtaining a home loan. Unfortunately, many buyers wait until the last minute to obtain insurance for their home purchase which can result in the delay or inability to close escrow.

In addition this is very useful information for your buyers packet in order to help the buyer understand that there are some guidelines when shopping in certain areas.

Sandy Schweiger

What can you do?

• Work with a local insurance agent that is familiar with the area where you are purchasing your home

• Contact your insurance company immediately upon acceptance of your offer and ask if the property is located in that company's "Wildfire Zone".

• Ask your Insurance Agent to submit an application to obtain pre-approval and "Binding Authority" from underwriting. (Not just verbal approval.)

• Ask your Insurance Agent to inspect the property to determine if any of the underwriting requirements need to be met. This knowledge would be great to have during the purchase contract inspection period so you can negotiate with the Seller to fix these required items.

When determining risk, insurance companies look for many of the items in the following general
checklist *:

• ROOF:

Do all structures have an approved roof type? (Wood is not approved)

• VEGETATION:

Are all structures over 300 feet from any combustible vegetation?

• ACCESSIBILITY:

Is the street PAVED and over 25 feet wide?

Is there PAVED access to all structures from two directions?

The risk is NOT located in or accessed through a steep, narrow canyon?

• FIRE DEPARTMENT:

Is the fire department a 24-hour responding station?

Is the risk within 5 miles of the responding fire station?

Is the risk within 1,000 feet from a hydrant?

If no hydrants, what is the fire fighting water source?

Are the eaves on all structures enclosed?

All structures do NOT have wood siding?

• ADDITIONAL UNDERWRITING CONCERNS:

Are all structures situated on an approved foundation, and not on cantilevers, stilts, or pilings?

Are all raised decks kept clear of accumulations of combustible materials?

Is the structure visible from a public road, is the address clearly posted at the driveway entrance and is the driveway able to accommodate emergency vehicles?

* The above list is provided for general information purposes only and depending on underwriting practices may not be an all inclusive list of requirements. Use this list to be proactive in determining potential "red-flags" that may render a property uninsurable.

Homeowner's insurance is one of the many items you will need to address during the escrow process. The sooner you contact your Insurance Agent after opening escrow, the easier the process will be.

About Frank R. Lewis State Farm

Frank has been a State Farm agent for 27 years. His office is located in Auburn, California. His team strives to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their financial dreams. For more information, visit www.FrankRLewis.biz or contact 1-800-234-5330.

"I have shoes older than you." A blog about our industry's generational divide.

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:50:31 -0500

I get comments like this weekly. Some clients still believe if they use an agent that is older they have more success but the truth is they more often then not are still selling homes the old fashionedway and not using the Internet for all its possibilities.

Via Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase:

"But you're so YOUNG!"
"I have shoes older than you."

These are actual quotes I‘ve heard during almost two years as the leader of a real estate office in Washington, DC.

I am a 34-year-old Generation X managing associate broker in a major metropolitan area. I lead an office of more than 50 agents who range in
age from 24 to 92 (that’s right, 92). Although I manage several agents who are younger than I am, I manage even more who are beyond the traditional retirement age. Every day I can see firsthand how differently my generation operates from each of my predecessors.

Like most younger agents and leaders, I tend to be more aggressive in my manner and more eager to go against previous ways of doing things. For this reason, I have been accused of “not playing well in the sandbox.”

The viewpoint of many of my generation is that real estate is no longer a cottage industry. We see it as a fast-paced, cutting-edge, multibillion dollar industry, and we are determined to run our businesses in a way that maximizes the benefits of modern technology and electronic information-sharing. In our drive to be innovative, many of us attempt to break the mold of our predecessors entirely--not because the previous ways didn’t work but because the ways we are accustomed to communicating are so drastically different than those of Boomers.

We’ve embraced the social networking paradigm. That means, that to us, sending out handwriting letters to your sphere of influence is dead, and snail mailing “Just Listed” and “Just Sold” cards is a waste of effort, time, and resources.

Instead, we ask ourselves, “How many friends do I have on Facebook.com?" "Am I making and growing contacts on LinkedIN.com?” That’s how we gauge our circle of influence. To younger real estate professionals, these virtual connections represent the relationships with the people who are most likely to refer clients and other agents to us.

From firsthand experience, I know that Gen Xers and Millenials sometimes
feel dismissed and misunderstood in this industry. Those in other age
groups may see our desire to be innovative as brash and disrespectful of
the lessons learned from the past. Some believe that the importance we
place on speed and instantaneous communication implies nothing more than
impatience, or an unwillingness to spend time on the things that matter.

That is why I hope this blog can shed a little light on the way my mind works,
to help you understand my generation's perspective a bit better. Perhaps then
Gen Xs and Boomers can to start to talk with each other instead of at each other
and start building a more multigenerational real estate industry better prepared
to serve multiple generations of home owners.

Stimulus package and Social Security

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:25:29 -0600

Even if you haven't had to file a tax return for many years due to being on Social Security you can still qualify for the infamous Stimulus Payment.

But, you must file a tax return for 2007 to get the Payment even if you show no tax due.

If you didn't file on by April 15, 2008, you could have filed one with an extension, or even file late after April 15, 2008 and claim your refund of at least $300 for single persons or $600 for married. But you must file!!

Those who are not seniors are eligible too.

All you need is to have earned income or certain veteran benefits of more than $3,000. The amount you will receive is dependent on several factors, such as how many children, too large of an income, etc.

As always check with your tax advisor.

This information has been provided by

Richard H. Duncan, CPA
233 So. Auburn St., #265
Colfax, CA 95713
(530) 346-8566 Tel
(530) 346-8577 Fax

www.rhd-cpa.com

Echo Valley Ranch - Quality Dog food with a family atmosphere

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 06:56:00 -0600

When I moved to Auburn almost 18 years ago I came fully equipped with 1 dog(dog), 1 cat (digger) and 1 horse (monkey) and they all needed food and supplies. After spending a very short amount of time testing the areas feed stores I found and fell in love with the warm family atmosphere of Echo Valley Ranch. At that time it was located at the corner of Epperle and Auburn Ravine the building itself was a cold warehouse but inside you where greeted with warm smiles and honest information about area animal vendors.

Since then the family has grown; moving the store to their now current location at
205 Nevada St. Auburn, Ca offering the lovely Penny that runs everything like a machine leaving Gregg the opportunity to visit not only with the families looking to pick up a chick for Easter but the local vendors bringing in all the quality feed and supplies.

I will be brining you a little bit of Echo every month offering you most up to date information on all the best prices for quality dog food, horse supplies, and my favorite a yearly spotlight on the
local trainers that shop there.

Here is this months specials!

Free TUB with purchase of large bag of Eukanuba

And $3.00 off at the register

Echo has everything you need!

But don't forget about the horses

Orchard - Three Grain - Alfalfa - 50/50 Grass - Straw

Echo Valley Ranch are proud to support the World Famous 100-Mile Tevis Cup Endurance Ride.

So stop by and take a look if you don't already have animals

Echo Valley Ranch will be happy to supply you with some : )

Are you moving your furniture while the kitchen is on fire? Yes; I’m talking about accounting

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:52:52 -0600

When people go on and on telling me how busy they are and how many errands and meetings they have to keep I can’t help but wonder are you just moving the furniture in the living room around while your kitchen is on fire?

You see most people keep busy with the semi important stuff and completely avoid the things that can truly burn your business and life to the ground and that is proper accounting, we all hate it but we all know it is truly the ultimate decision makers in the difference between a good year and a bad one.

Something to look forward to shifting the responsibility of keeping stupid receipt from a lunch over 3 weeks ago in order to finally implement the infamies write off and ultimately put the receipt in its home for the remainder of the year.

If you just put accounting on your dream board or even you refrigerator as a want instead of avoiding it like fire eventually you will find the deference between moving furniture and putting out a fire.

Remember everyone has a different level of priorities this is for those of you that need just a few ideas :)

1. Just a few minutes every morning during your visual training and visualize yourself doing your accounting I know everyone want to visualize driving that fast car but this is what gets you the fast car proper accounting on a daily and monthly bases.

2. Wake up to the belief that you will open you accounting software just like you open your email.

3. Keep your receipts in an easy to find place in your car as well as your office ask a friend to help ;)

4. Ok I have nothing please just do it and you will never regret it!

Sierra Hills School opens for Kindergarten business!

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:20:32 -0600

Both my boys went to this enchaining School Sierra Hillsand I have never felt so much love and care for the true dedication to helping new families understand the benafits of quality in a good education and excellent teachers. I could spend this entire blog on thank yous to current teachers that are still there as well as past teacher that have been let go due to budget cuts : ( thats not what this is about.

Lets talk Kindergarden sign ups on-line for you soon to be relocating to Meadow Vista California.

You will need a few things

Birth certificate
Immunization record
Proof of residence
Completed registration packet
Sierra Hills is also accepting out of district transfers

(530)878-0321

Beach Hut Deli opens in Auburn

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 07:14:15 -0600

The wait is over........ The Beach Hut Deli is now open!

I grew up in Sothern California and this place flashes me back to the days on Malibu beach with the surf board tables, grass huts, friendly atmosphere and great food.

The food crashes on you like a wave of enjoyment!

Don't you just love the tables.... I can just feel the the sex wax and smell the salt air.

Their menu has so much to chose from???

Beach hut Deli's February specials

Open for Business

Fun atmosphere and delicious sandwiches is something you can count on.

Stop by and enjoy the best Deli in Auburn and remember to ask for my favorite the Surfin' Bird : )

Directions http://kcra.cityvoter.com/beach-hut-deli/biz/8262/directions?location=33086

Take a look at the Online Menu

At BEACH HUT DELI we don't just make the best sandwiches - we
build them! We begin with freshly baked Truckee Sourdough Co. bread,
then add garden fresh vegetables, and finally pile on generous portions
of Tony Ingoglias famous meats and cheeses. Stop by or call ahead and
have a BEACH HUT gourmet sandwich built for you!

Sandwiches
All sandwiches include: Mayonnaise, mustard, dill pickles, tomatoes,
red onions, lettuce, greek peppers and cheese. (Alfalfa sprouts and
Italian dressing available upon request.)

Choice of Breads: Sweet French Roll, Wheat Roll, Dutch Crunch and Sliced Garlic and Cheese Sourdough

Specialty Sandwiches

All specialty sandwiches include: Mayonnaise, mustard, dill pickles,
tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, greek peppers and cheese. (Alfalfa
sprouts and Italian dressing available upon request.)

Surfin' Bird^TM: Turkey, avocado, bacon and cream cheese.

S $6.90

M $9.45

L $11.70

(530)878-0321

Ralph Lauren Location needed

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:44:54 -0600

For those of you who don't know I have a very active film scouting business that is happily run buy a team of film students as well as photographers looking to network in the film industry. With that said I am just the rain maker bringing my network leads that are already in place from my time working in location. See a production company will call and asks for sometimes the possible as well as the impossible and I usually just give it to the team and they run with it(and I mean run), but this one has got us stumped mainly because the producers don't want snow!!!! I have this location all day with snow but during the time of their shooting in March - April and it is still very cold and unpredictable snow at that time in my county.

Now it is for their spring catalogue so we don't want those lovely models running around in shorts with snow flurry do we?

Well here I am pleading to my friends on ActiveRain : ) it doesn't have to be in Placer County so think outside the box this place has to be out there anywhere. Below is a picture of what they want it to possibly look like and they will be shooting inside and outside as well as the producers description.

Hi - below includes a general description of the type of locations we are looking for on our upcoming photo shoot that is scheduled for the week of March 8 - 14.

1) quaint residential city streets, charming townhouses, old fashioned cafes and parks in San Francisco or any other surrounding towns/cities in the Bay Area/Northern California (Sausalito, Santa Cruz...etc)

2) farm/ranch - rolling hills, well kept farm house vs rundown/rustic barns

3) Frank Lloyd Wright or American Craftsman inspired architecture (see attached for example) on expansive grounds/large estate

4) Old World Estate - references include "Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills" or "Filoli Gardens" (no red brick, prefer stone)

I know my direction is very broad however the Art Director is not exactly sure what type of location will work with these clothes and once we start looking through your locations it will hopefully be easier for us to narrow down what we are looking for. Please let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to looking through your location files!

Best,

Liz

Sandy Schweiger
(530)878-0321
www.FilmAuburn.com

Blog here blog there blog everywhere!!

Sandra Schweiger (California REO agent - Keller Williams) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:02:11 -0600

I know we don't all have time to blog ALL DAY (or do we) but this is an easy way to permote your love of your community that is similar to using filkr or other platforms.

I recently found out that I can blog on my local paper the Auburn Journal it lets me blog for free! In my description about myself I include that I am a realtor and my website of course I use the classic Realtor picture.

If you don't already know if your paper lets you blog go take a peek. Some will let you upload videos and pictures most will only allow personal content and not business promoting but again if you use your description to let everyone know you are a realtor they will figure it out. I also made my user name Relocation so if there is any confusion ... hello it's in the name. In addition my local papers website covers more than one town so when I post a picture or video it can reach more of the people that I want to be talking to directly.

It is also excellent way to brand yourself and give people a quick peek into what you are interested in besides real-estate if you are a ranch specialist well post pictures of your ranch if you cycle then maybe some videos of you enjoying a ride in the local area. I also take part in the local chatter about exciting topics regarding the town in order to allow locals to understand my beliefs in what is happening in our area.

My paper is already out promoting the blog to the community so i just have to show up; it's easy and can be fun.

Yes I still blog on AR but with all the areas we are told to go to why not see if your town is offering you something already.

If your paper doesn't have a blog introduce the idea to them our paper has found extra money in offering agent new ways to advertize their properties as well as blogging. (I go the free rout :} )

Sandy Schweiger
www.NorCalRelocation.com
(530)878-0321