How You Can Turn $14 into $564
April 3rd, 2008 categories: Green Living
We are always trying to be more earth friendly and budget conscious, so I was excited when I saw that Costco had energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs in packs of 10 for $13.99. That’s $1.39 per bulb, which is way cheaper than most places I have seen them. I’ve seen them at the grocery store for about $5 bucks a pop. I always thought it would cost a small fortune to replace all of the bulbs in our house, but now it is affordable. The savings gets even better. On the box it states that you will save $564 in energy costs per package. In our house that is a $2820 savings. That is a nice vacation!
Environmental Benefits:
• They last 10 times longer than the standard 60 watt 1000 hour bulbs.
• In one package of the compact fluorescent bulbs you save enough energy to light the average home for over 2 years.
• The greenhouse gases saved using the bulbs in 1 package are the equivalent to planting 80 trees.
For more information on the benefits of compact fluorescent lighting as well as buying tips visit:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls
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Blue Bird Special
April 3rd, 2008 categories: Fun
The spring skiing doesn’t get much better than this! Blue skies, 55 degrees, and Squaw Valley. We hit the freeway by 10am. Stopped at Awful Anniesin Auburn for a late breakfast & were on KT-22 by noon. To my surprise it was far less busy than I thought it would be, being spring break and a Friday. We didn’t wait in one lift line all day.
I also forgot how big the mountain is. Thirty-three lifts access 6 peaks, 4,000 acres, and 2,850 vertical feet of terrain. Compared to our home mountain of Sugar Bowl which has 4 peaks, 1500 acres, and 1500 vert. It’s 3x’s the terrain. Squaw has had 416 inches at 8200 ft this year. There’s going to be snow for months.
So we cruised the hill from KT to Shirley. Then we did laps in the Belmont Park to hit some jumps & bonk around. Then it was off to Gold Coast for Blue Moon’s & garlic fries. Before you know it, the bartender called last call & we were buttering around in the afternoon slush. Soooooooooo Funnnnnnnnnnnnn.
We landed at the base of the village and there was a wine & chocolate tasting. It’s just so fun to sit out on the deck in the sun to people watch & listen to tunes.
To end the day was a medium pizza at Le Chamois. Tons of local folks. Super low key & relaxed. Wonderful pizza.
So for all of you thinking about getting out the boat, IT’S STILL SNOWBOARD SEASON.
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FHA Loans Are Back And Ready To Play Ball
March 26th, 2008 categories: Real Estate News
FHA loans are off the bench and are back in the home loan game.In recent years FHA loans took the bench while conventional loans had the field of buyers. Up until now I haven’t had a buyer go for an FHA loan in 5 years. Now most of my buyers are going for an FHA loans for a couple of reasons.
#1 The conforming loan rate increase. As part of the president’s stimulus package the conforming loan limit for the Greater Sacramento Area changed from $417,000 to $580,000. What does this mean? It means that you can finance $580,000 with out having to get a jumbo loan. Jumbo loans, especially in recent months have had much higher interest rates. This increase is only good until December 31st, 2008.
#2 Lower down payment requirements. Most conventional loans at this time require at least a 10% down payment to purchase, while FHA requires a smaller 3% down payment. Less cash to close makes the FHA loan appeal to more buyers.
1 Thing to know about qualifying for an FHA loan:
You need to have a satisfactory payment history for 12 months. This is one of their requirements, so it is advisable to get all of your ducks in a row with qualification before going out home shopping. With all of the financing changes in the market it is critical to know what your options are before go out looking. As always having a professional in your corner can insure that your home buying experience is a home run and not a strike out. If you are starting your home buying process give us a call. We would be happy to sit down with you, and discuss your options. 916-628-4598 or 916-628-8086
For more information on FHA loans go to WWW.FHA.COM
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Foreclosures Hit Hard in Lincoln California
March 24th, 2008 categories: Forclosures
Traveling down the 65 used to be the sleepy town of Lincoln…….that is until the developers moved in. Quickly Lincoln became a city with a Lowe’s and a Home Depot (that’s when you know your on the map). Communities such as, Twelve Bridges, Lincoln Crossing, Foskett Ranch, and Catta Verdera quickly grew into the Lincoln we all know today.
These communities being established from 2002 until today is one of the main reasons why the area has been hit so hard by the foreclosure market. Home buyers were purchasing in the peak of the 103% financing, adjustable rate mortgage boom. Surrounded by building still in progress, home owners watched their equity dwindle while the builders started to struggle to sell homes thus slashing prices and offering huge incentives.
Fast forward to today. The foreclosure fiasco that Lincoln has found itself in has created an incredible opportunity for buyers. With some of the best deals we are seeing in the market, buyers are taking notice. Check out these current statistics for Lincoln, CA.
33 Active Bank Owned Properties Average List Price $316,317
59 Pending Bank Owned Properties Average Price $307,500
66 Sold Bank Owned Homes Since 1/01/08 Average Price $335,134
Home are selling for an average of 93.5% of asking price.
This presents a great opportunity to buy an almost new home at an impressively affordable price, and seeing these numbers tells me that plenty of people are taking advantage of the deals.
Sparky and I have been working the Lincoln market since the first new homes started going up. It is a great area with a lot to offer. If you are considering a purchase . Call us with any questions. 916-628-4598 or 916-628-8086
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Luxury Estate Living in Loomis
March 11th, 2008 categories: Real Estate News
Sierra De Montserrat is a brand new custom home community in Loomis.
This community is unlike any other; offering 62 custom home-sites on 320 acres of natural landscape and vineyards. Driving down Barton Rd. toward Indian Creek Golf Course you will see the entry on your right hand side. I poked my head in there the other day to see what was going on, and I went straight home to tell Sparky we are moving!
I love the concept Westwood Homes has designed here. Luxurious estates paired with the natural magnificence already provided by mother nature, and enhanced by the vineyards. The lots range in size from 4.6 acres to 6.3 acres. You can build your own custom home or have Westwood build you one of their estate homes ranging from 4,424 sq ft to 6,785 sq. ft. They have four different floor-plans to choose from inspired by Spanish and Italian architecture.
The appeal for me is the 200 acres that are conservation easements. The majestic oak trees, wetlands, and vineyards give this community a rustic natural feel. You feel like you are out in the countryside, but only minutes from everything you could ever need or want. The best part is that when I went out and picked up a price sheet, the lots are starting at $335,750.
If you want to see more info about this community you can go to www.SierraDeMontserrat.com or you can give us a call @ 916-628-4598.
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