folsom: Sacramento Bee Mentions Property Tax Cuts
- 05/18/08 04:57 AM
There is an interesting story in the Sacramento Bee today, that talks about Sacramento area homeowners being able to expect millions of dollars in collective property tax cuts this fall, as county assessors engage in a wholesale markdown of home values, fueled by declining home values.
The story, titled, "Sacramento-area homeowners can expect property tax cuts" is written by Jim Wasserman, and can be read in it's entiretly at:
http://www.sacbee.com/142/v-print/story/945949.html
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folsom: Selling Your Home Using the Miraculous
- 05/17/08 01:15 AM
It isn't uncommon to hear about the long unsold house, which may have had offers fall through, but finally manages to make its way into escrow, and become sold. Still other properties, which by all logic ought to be on the market for an extended period of time, sell quite rapidly.
One real estate professional spoke of a little house she listed on a very busy street. The house didn't show well, it needed updating, and was also in need of a roof. And the property wasn't attractively priced for a quick sale. Yet, within a few days, the little house … (7 comments)
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folsom: Housing Starts Boom in April
- 05/16/08 01:49 AM
It was very encouraging to see Housing starts post a surprising rebound April increase of 8.2 percent - As reported by MSNBC this morning. The spike was mainly fed by apartment construction.
April figures demonstrate it was the biggest increase in more than two years for construction of new homes.
The Commerce Department reported Friday that housing construction rose by 8.2 percent in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.03 million units. Building of single-family homes continued to weaken, however. The growth came from a big jump in apartment construction.
Here's a full story in MSNBC which goes further in depth … (0 comments)
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folsom: How High Tech Is Your Home?
- 05/15/08 04:49 PM
If the latest technology or entertainment options are important in your new home, add the following questions to your buyer's checklist.
(1) Are there enough jacks in every room for cable TV and high-speed Internet hookups?(2) Are there enough telephone extensions or jacks?(3) Is the home pre-wired for a home theater or multi-room audio and video?(4) Does the home have a local area network for linking computers?(5) Does the home already have wiring for DSL or other high-speed Internet connection?(6) Does the home have multi-zoning heating and cooling controls with programmable thermostats?
Does the home have multi-room lighting controls, window-covering controls, … (0 comments)
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folsom: 5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score
- 05/14/08 03:04 PM
Credit scores range between 200 and 800. Scores above 620 are considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. These factors will affect your score.
1. Your payment history. Whether you paid credit card obligations on time.
2. How much you owe. Owing a great deal of money on numerous accounts can indicate that you are overextended.
3. The length of your credit history. In general, the longer the better.
4. How much new credit you have. New credit, either installment payments or new credit cards, are considered more risky, even if you pay promptly.
5. The types of credit you use. Generally, … (5 comments)
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folsom: Discount Points
- 05/13/08 06:28 PM
Often home buyers who are obtaining a mortgage for a newly purchased home, will ask their GreatWest GMAC Real Estate Professional, "What are points?"
The answer - Each point or discount point, as real estate professionals and mortgage lenders often refer to them, are equal to 1% of the loan amount. For example, on a $100,000 loan, one discount point equals $1,000. And ½ discount point for the same loan would be $500.
Points are paid to a lender at closing in order to lower the mortgage interest rate. Although "discount points" are a part of your closing costs, they … (0 comments)
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folsom: What's a Reverse Mortgage?
- 05/13/08 12:36 AM
After being in the business of selling homes to folks for the last 24 years, something is beginning to happen. I'm noticing more and more of those "kids" I sold homes to in the early 1980's ringing me up and asking, "Myrl, what's up with Reverse Mortgages???"Of course, those "kids" in the early 1980s, are now approaching retirement age!Until recent years, I wouldn't have wished a Reverse Mortgage on anyone-they were simply dreadful!In the past, they were set up for those who couldn't really afford to stay in their homes any longer, because of meager available funds in retirement years.The house … (0 comments)
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folsom: Hidden Home Defects to Watch For
- 05/12/08 12:31 AM
No home is flawless, but certain physical problems can be expensive. Watch for:
Water leaks. Look for stains on ceilings and near the baseboards, especially in basements or attics. Shifting foundations. Look for large cracks along the home's foundation. Drainage. Look for standing water, either around the foundation of the home of in the yard. Termites. Look for weakened or grooved wood, especially near ground level. Worn roofs. Look for broken or missing copings and buckled shingles as well as water spots on ceilings. Inadequate wiring. Look for antiquated fuse boxes, extension cords (indicating insufficient outlets), and outlets without a place … (4 comments)
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folsom: Finding the Best and the Greatest Schools
- 05/10/08 05:01 PM
Often home buyers will tell Great West GMAC Real Estate professionals they believe it is essential to move to a high-income neighborhood in order to facilitate having great schools for their children. However, many of the very best schools in this country are located in communities within moderate home prices, but have parents and residents who put high value on the education of children. If good schools are high on your priority list when shopping for a home, then these points could prove of value to you:Put a premium on elementary school education. College is important. But kindergarten through fifth grade … (1 comments)
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folsom: Helpful Hints to Sell Your Home
- 05/04/08 01:04 PM
It is important to look at your home as if you were a potential buyer. The following is a list of suggestions that will help you focus your efforts to present your home in the best possible manner.
(1) The Exterior Lawn - The yard should be neatly mowed, raked and edged. Trees/Shrubs Should be pruned and shaped to compliment the property. Older or overgrown plants should be trimmed to make the best impression of newness. Flowers Consider adding seasonal flowers. Consider top dressing the garden with mulch. Keep area weeded.
(2) Sidewalks/Driveways - Should be swept and washed to remove debris, dirt … (1 comments)
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folsom: Home Repairs You Can Do!
- 05/02/08 02:21 AM
information from: Lou Manfredini's web site at http://www.housesmartstv.com/
Is that leaky toilet driving you crazy? How about that carpet stain that hits you right between the eyes every time you walk into the room? If your "To Do" list is getting too long, TODAY contributor and do-it-yourself expert Lou Manfredini has five quick home repairs.
1. Toilet troubles - Are one of the most frequent questions I get. Either the toilet does not have the same flushing force, the water seems to trickle into the bowl, or water is constantly running in the tank. Ninety percent of the time poor flushing action is … (3 comments)
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folsom: Sacramento Area Attractions & Museums
- 05/01/08 02:47 AM
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folsom: How to Sell Your Home in a Market Laden With Foreclosures
- 04/30/08 11:53 AM
Most home sellers in Northern California, understand this isn't a joyous time to be marketing property. Foreclosure numbers continue to rise, and are causing distress for sellers not in the same financial crisis as some homeowners, who are either trying to weather dramatically increased mortgage payments, while finding themselves owing more on their mortgage than the house is now worth. Still others face the specter of foreclosure."Pricing on residential real estate is collaterally controlled presently, by the incidence of foreclosure rampant in many of the country's neighborhoods," states T. Sami Siddiqui, Broker-Owner of GreatWest GMAC Real Estate. Buyers are bottom fishing … (0 comments)
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folsom: Latest Sales Statistics for 4 Counties
- 04/25/08 02:06 AM
A few days ago, I posted the latest sales statistics for Sacramento County, as well as surrounding areas -compiled by zipcode.
Here are the Latest Sales Statistics for 4 Counties (Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Yuba). Related Links: http://www.webstarmagic.com/gmac/stats_4_counties.htm
For those, who missed the Sales by Zipcode data a few days ago, here's the link for that:
http://www.webstarmagic.com/gmac/stats_zipcode.htm
I will continue to present this data, as it comes available.
Myrl JeffcoatGreatWest GMAC Real Estate916.635.0420http://www.myrljeffcoat.com/
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There is an interesting story in the Sacramento Bee today, that talks about Sacramento area homeowners being able to expect millions of dollars in collective property tax cuts this fall, as county assessors engage in a wholesale markdown of home values, fueled by declining home values.
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