Yes, It Is Better to Own than Rent

A while back I had a first-time buyer who had co-workers that owned homes and were telling her how horrible it was to own a home because of the repairs. And yes, once you own, there is no landlord to call when things break; however, home ownership goes well beyond repairs.

Owning a home is a lifestyle. It's putting down roots, a place to raise kids, make friends, and know your neighbors. It goes well beyond an investment or tax incentive. It's a space of your own to do as you please. Paint everyone room a different color, remodel, plant trees, put in a pool. And, most importantly, you won't have a landlord making "property condition inspections" or giving you notice to move.

Need a Laugh?

Since real estate and life are sometimes too serious, here's a website for a good laugh. FunnyOrDie.com:
http://www.funnyordie.com/  has video spoofs with all our favorite comedians.

New Short Sale Website

The California Association of Realtors has launched a new short sale website for consumers and Realtors. This site has a fantastic amount of information to help clear up the confusion associated with short sales. Information such as the foreclosure process, timely new topics, tools, the HAFA program. The site is easy to use and not overwhelming.


For more info, visit: http://www.shortsalescalifornia.org/

What's New in Elk Grove

If you happen to live in Elk Grove as I do (and 150,000 other people), there is more going on than residents know about. You can find out new "happenings" on the City's website: http://www.elkgrovecity.org/community/announcements.asp

One fun thing my family likes to do is attend Elk Grove 1st Friday in Old Town. The shops all stay open late and with weather finally sunny, it's a great way to spend a Friday evening. Hope to see you there this April 1.

A Note to God App

There is a young man, Allen Wright, who lives in our area who developed the app, A Note to God, where people could put there prayers into cyberspace. This young man now also needs our prayers as he is in the hospital after a hit and run accident this past Sunday. Let's help him out, download his app, and send a prayer his way.

For the full story, visit: http://www.sacbee.com

Today Full Page Ad in Sac Bee on Short Sales

Today on page A11, the California Association of Realtors has published an advertisement on the difficulty of our housing marketing with regard to foreclosures and short sales. The ad states that nearly 30 percent of homeowners are underwater on their mortgage. That's a huge percentage which means this housing crisis isn't going anywhere in the near future. On top of that, those that try avoid foreclosure by doing a short sale, are only successful with three out of five short sales.

This "crazy market" seems to be our now normal market, and it's not for sissies!

Military Members Can Get Free Credit Scores

Not only can military members and their spouses get free credit scores, but they can also get free tax advice, and a plethora of financial advice. All provided by the non-profit, FINRA Investor Education Foundation, which helps military members manage all aspects of their finances.

For more info, visit: http://www.saveandinvest.org/Military/index.htm