Fantastic Laguna West Home Just Reduced

I know it's too chilly to swim today, but in a few months, you will want this pool. This spacious, bright, fully upgraded and open home was just reduced today to $415K.  Located in a gated community of desirable Laguna West and close to all amenities, including award winning schools, parks, recreation, community club, and much more.

For more info: http://www.postlets.com/res/4898018

Short Sale Closings are the Sweetest Sold Homes

We are about to close this home, which is a short sale. As agents we work so hard to have the stars align that when one of these listings closes, it's such a fantastic feeling for both our accomplishment and the relief of our sellers. Most sellers do not make the decision to short sale their home easily, and many of our clients have revealed how difficult the decision can be. This is an Indymac/Onewest bank short sale approval and this has been our best bank and negotiator short sale experience to date, with hopefully many more to follow.

iphone App for Home Buyers

To download: http://bhghome.com/iPhoneApp.aspx

Cheapest Home Listing in Galt

This is a fantastic deal at $49,900 for a home with lots of potential. With some work this fixer would make a great first-time buyer home or investor rental. For more information: http://www.postlets.com/res/4996750

Foreclosures are Now the Normal Market

I believe that the foreclosure crisis will continue through 2015 and maybe even beyond. This is our now normal market. I think the so called normal market of the past is gone for many years to come, unfortunately.  And now the FHA loans with their low 3.5% down payments are the new 100% financing loans where buyers have little stake in the property. Watch for these buyers to start defaulting. The very sad part of all this is that many of these foreclosures (REOs) represent a family who has lost their home.

Getting Ready to Remodel?

Or maybe just spruce up your living environment? There's a website, iphone app and ipad app that is a must, www.houzz.com. The ideas bursting from this site are endless. You can search by space, theme or metro area, and then add them to your "idea book" on their site via a free account. Warning, it's hard to leave this site. I got entranced into the bathroom section and couldn't leave.

Say Goodbye to the Mini Mansions

Looks like home builders will start building smaller new homes in 2011, according to the National Association of Homebuilders. And it's about time. I always get a chuckle when I hear a first-time homebuying couple (no kids) say they need 3,000 plus square feet. Why so much space? Unless you are the Octomom with 14 kids, that is just a lot of space to clean and collect stuff.

Many of my friends and I (I'm 43) grew up in homes around 1,500 square feet and three plus/minus kids. I never felt while growing up that I needed more space. As much as my sisters annoyed me, it was nice having lots of people close together in the house. I always had my own room, so I could get away when needed.

Here's to going back to more manageable home sizes!

New Listing Shows Like a Model Home

This open and bright floor plan features a fantastic chef's kitchen with plenty of space of family, friends and entertaining. Dramatic entry opens to formal living room and dining room and staircase with vaulted ceilings. Over 2,700 square feet, with 4 full bedroom, which includes one full bedroom and bathroom downstairs -- perfect for guests. Low maintenance backyard has a tropical theme.

For more info:
http://www.postlets.com/res/4960842

Get Organized this Saturday

Join the National Association of Professional Organizers this Saturday, January 15 at IKEA in West Sacramento from 10 am to 2 pm for help on how to get organized. A free event!

For more info:
www.naposacramento.com

Mortgage Help for Unemployed Home Owners

The recently enacted program, Keep Your Home California, now has funds available for home owners who are collecting unemployment benefits. Under the program, eligible home owners may receive up to $3,000 per month assistance for up to six months.

For more information:
http://keepyourhomecalifornia.com/qualify.aspx

Or call 888.954.5337

Help for Short Sale Home Sellers

California Senate Bill 931, which became effective January 1, 2011, helps to relieve homeowners of a deficiency judgment on a 1st mortgage for a 1-4 unit residential dwelling. This is good news for homeowners who need to short sale their home but have put off the selling to avoid a deficiency judgment.

For more information, visit the California Association of Realtors website at http://www.car.org/

We Have Our New Signs

We finally have our new Better Homes and Gardens home sale signs. Here's my lovely husband standing next to one:

New Listing: Gorgeous, Spacious and Lots of Natural Light

Well maintained home with all the upgrades and plenty of natural light. This Lakeside home with over 4,000 square feet is located in a gated community and features a gourmet kitchen with gas cook top, double ovens, island, granite counters, walk-in pantry, desk area, breakfast nook/bar counter, and tile floors. Throughout home are designer paint, upgraded wood/carpet/tile flooring, including a mandarin staircase with wood steps. Also included is a loft area and spacious game room. Backyard has built-in pool and spa.

For more info: http://www.postlets.com/res/4898018