Sunday, May 25, 2008

The Sacramento Jazz Festival

The 33rd annual Sacramento Jazz Festival is taking place this weekend and my parents and their large group of friends came up for the event. It is the 25 straight year my parents have come up from the Bay Area for this event!

Yesterday, Kim & I packed up our two kids and joined my parents for the event. What a great time we all had. Of course there was lots of music and some fantastic people watching. Also the event allows you access to the museums and we spent a good hour at the Train Museum in Old Sacramento. The weather wasn't so great this year but it didn't matter. The music was great and our kids had a blast.

For those of you looking for a great family outing put this on your list. It happens every year on Memorial Day Weekend. The good time we had wore our kids out . . .evidenced by the fact that it is after 8am and they our still asleep. Our 2-year old typically is awake by 6am. The quiet peaceful morning is just icing on the cake!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

HEY! GIVE ME BACK MY SIGNS!

As Realtors we run into some strange situations during our daily tasks. Well this last Sunday was an example of this.

Sunday I was getting ready to do an open house. This is one of the ways we find clients to meet and help find homes. I got up early to put out my open home signs and headed off to get a cup of coffee. On my way back to the home I noticed that one of the signs I put up was gone. As I travelled the neighborhood I noticed other signs are gone. Then I came upon a van with balloons inside of it. Yep, this is the van that has taken my signs which had balloons attached to it.

I parked my car and walk up to the van and it sped off before I could get to the drivers window. I hopped into my car and followed him. Finally he pulled over and got out of the car and started screaming at me. I demanded and got my signs back.

Turns out he was the owner of the home before the bank foreclosed on him and was angry that we were trying to find a buyer for it.

This was something they didn't prepare me for in Real Estate school.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Need a Home Equity Loan?

If you're thinking about getting a home equity loan, you should definitely check this out. Charles Schwab is offering a very attractive option.

They are offering a loan with an interest rate of "prime - 1.01%". In today's market, that translate into a loan of 3.99%! Obviously, you and your home need to qualify, but from the research I've done it is unbeatable.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Spring Has Sprung

Here in the Sacramento area the last week or so has hit many of us with a case of spring fever. The "City of Trees" as some refer to Sacramento, has exploded with fresh leaves in blossoms in all directions.

This last week I've broken out my yard tools and have begun getting my yard ready. I've fertilized the plants and lawn and have made my latest attempt to improve and amend some of the troubled areas of soil that we have.

It is also the traditional buying season for homes and the table is set for a fantastic season for home buyers. Lots of options, great loan programs & excellent prices await.

Would you like to arrange a time for us to show you what is available for you in your price range?

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Home Buyer's Workshop

This Thursday we will be having a Home Buyer's Workshop at our Prudential California Realty office in Elk Grove. The workshop will focus on educating our clients on the opportunities they have before them. Our in-house lender from The Home Loan Group will be discussing the different financing options available.

Yes, it seems like every day there is more news regarding the housing slump. Foreclosures continue to dominate the news and many analysts say we have yet to hit bottom. But you have to realize that when housing statistics are telling the story about the market 1-2 months ago. So pinpointed the bottom of the market is an inexact science at best. We really won't know the when the market has bottomed out until 6 months after it has bottomed out.

The smart buyers are getting their financing in order and preparing to take advantage of this opportunity.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Latest Housing Statistics from December '07

Today, the California Association of Realtors released the December '07 housing report. Yes, the report and statistics supporting it reflect continued fallout from the mortgage crisis and resulting fortclosures throughout California. The good news is that the stars are aligning and indicating that there is better news on the horizon for residential sales in our region.

The drop in mortgage rates, the huge amount of housing inventory and lower prices have combined to give folks an opportunity to buy when just 2 years ago it seemed like a dream. We are seeing multiple offers on homes we have been showing our clients this month. We are seeing a dramatic increase in applications for home loans. And, we are seeing our clients getting into contract to purchase and sell homes.

If you had been waiting for the market to hit "bottom", now is the time to start making your plans to act. We will not know when the market has hit bottom until 6 months after the market has hit bottom.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

A New Year For Real Estate

We're fully operational to attack 2008 after a very enjoyable holiday season. Right after Thanksgiving, Kim & I headed off to Puerto Vallarta for a vacation. It was our first time alone since our daughter was born almost 2 years ago. We were able to relax for two reasons - Our daughter was in good hands with Grandma & our clients were in good hands with our Manager at Prudential California Real Estate!

We are convinced that 2008 will be a great year for both sellers and buyers alike. There are many signs of the market beginning to stabilize. Wonderful opportunities are available!

Happy New Year!