Sacramento Real Estate Voice

Sacramento Reverse Mortgage Tip

July 29th, 2010 categories: Sacramento Real Estate Videos, Seniors

Reverse Mortgage for seniors over age 62 has greatly improved since 1988 when the Insurance Companies and the Banks made the rules that hurt the senior citizen. Since 2001 FHA and HUD made it a fantastic program & put safeguards in to protect the senior.

The senior retains the home and the home remains in their name until they decide to either sale the house or if they die. There is a cap on the value FHA & HUD place on the home of $417,000. For example, if your home has a value of $350,000 you can actually use $200,000-$300,000 of that equity. In other words you have access to 58%-85% of the equity.

Did you know you can actually buy a house and use a Reverse Mortgage during the purchase? Check out the HECM’s Reverse Mortgage through FHA.

This is a good way for a senior who is “house rich but cash poor” to secure retirement and enjoy those “Golden Years.” You need to have 15%-40% equity in order to do a Reverse Mortgage and once you qualify and meet with an FHA counselor to go over the terms, any money you pull out of your equity is tax free and does not interfere with Medicare or Social Security.

There are 3 different ways to use a Reverse Mortgage

Seniors can take out a lump sum
Seniors can have a line of credit
Combination of any of the above

The senior must continue paying property taxes and any maintenance on the home. In California, the average senior opts to get around $1500 per month to supplement their income. With Baby Boomer’s born between 1946 through 1964 most will have a mortgage and this is a solution to consider. Even if the senior has used all the equity in the house, they may remain in the home.

For more information be sure to take a look at the Reverse Mortgage for Seniors through HUD.

Many times people ask what happens when the seniors who took a reverse mortgage on their home, dies. The heirs have the option of paying off the home or selling the house. However, the heirs have 12 months to either pay off the mortgage or sell the house.. Otherwise, the house will go into foreclosure. Under some circumstances, a few extensions can be requested if the property is visibly for sale.

It is important to note that if what is owed on the mortgage exceeds the value of the house (what the house sells for), the heirs owe nothing.

Perhaps, you would like to live in a gated community or an active community for adults, be sure to check out homes for sale by clicking on Sacramento Real Estate Neighborhoods.

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Five Fun Things to Do in Sacramento in July 2010

July 26th, 2010 categories: Fun Things

I don’t do real estate ALL the time!

Here are my BEST 5 picks for FUN in July around Sacramento…not much time left…let me know if you have BEST of Sacramento picks, too!

SACRAMENTO
The California State Fair came early this year. Usually the CA State Fair is held during the Labor Day weekend but this year it came to Sacramento July 14th and will end on August 1st.

The California State Fair at Cal Expo ends each night at 10 p.m.

Food prices are down this year due to the economy but unfortunately parking is still $10 and entrance fees did not change from $12, seniors $10 and kids 5-12 yrs of age $8.

I have to admit I love going each year and checking out what wonderful things there are at the exhibit halls. It’s hard to go the State Fair and not smile…it’s a good feeling place with so much to do and see.

Hope to see you at the California State Fair!View Larger Map

ELK GROVE

Looking for a FREE event? Come on over to Elk Grove Regional Park and attend the Strauss Festival at Strauss Island for the 23rd year live concert and dancing in the park on July 22-25, 2010 at 7:45 p.m. The show begins each evening at 8:15 pm and ends at 10 p.m. The park does charge a $10 parking fee. Bring a picnic, a blanket, chairs and a nice bottle of wine and enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars! Maybe, I’ll see you at the Elk Grove Strauss Festival…View Larger Map

OLD TOWN SACRAMENTO

Did you know about all the underground streets in Sacramento? Are you aware that when you go to Old Town and see the shops that you are walking in on the 2nd level? The first level is underground due to all the flooding in Sacramento back in the 1800’s, the streets were built up.

Now starting July 10, 2010 there are tours of the underground areas that last about an hour. It costs $15 for adults and $10 for children. Tours of the underground are on Thursdays and Fridays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. These tours will take place through October 31st of this year and will not resume again until April 2011. Get your tickets, it’s not only historical but it is entertaining as well. Historical Old Sacramento Underground Tour I can’t wait to go and see it all myself!View Old Town Sacramento in a larger map

ROSEVILLE

Every Tuesday night from 5:00 pm to 9 pm in Downtown Roseville from May through July Vernon Street fills up with classic cars, food, farmers market, vendors, music and entertainment. Roseville Tuesday Nights ends on July 27th so you don’t have much time. Admission is FREE and so is parking! I understand they have pony rides and lots of activities for the kids. Check out Roseville Tuesday Nights if you haven’t already…not much time left!View Larger Map

El Dorado Hills

El Dorado Hills Town Center offers FREE Thursday night concerts at the Steven Young Amphitheater in what they call LIVE on The Boulevard. The concerts start July 17 through September 2, 2010 and held from 6 pm to 8 pm. The amphitheater is across from Bistro 33 and seating is based on arrival. Plenty of good food at the Town Center plus there is also food during the concert. FREE parking. Check out the concert line up for 2010 at El Dorado Hills Town CenterView El Dorado Hills Town Center in a larger map

Do you have a favorite special event in Sacramento?

Previous Fun Things in Sacramento:

Sacramento, The CA State Fair is Here!

Elk Grove Celebrates 2009 Strauss Festival

Sacramento Real Estate At the CA State Fair

Sacramento, Come Celebrate at the CA State Fair

California State Fair in Sacramento-Come For Some Fun!

Elk Grove Celebrates the Strauss Festival

Sacramento Fun Things To Do

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

Is A Short Sale Different When It’s A Rental?

July 23rd, 2010 categories: Sacramento Real Estate Videos, Short Sale

While working on a Sacramento Short Sale for an investor who owns property that they do not live in but instead rents I found negotiating with the bank crucial in trying to keep the costs as low as possible that the bank requires the investor to pay in order to approve the Short Sale. Investors do not qualify for loan modifications either in most cases. Many investors have found themselves on hard times as well in Sacramento. It’s important to realize that investment property is handled differently from owner occupied property.

With double digit unemployment, job loss, divorce and illness there are many who are having a hard time.

The investors referenced in the video have settled on paying $2,500 to the Mortgage Insurance Company with the bank indicating the loan amount has been satisfied. We are awaiting the Short Sale approval and I will be checking to make sure the bank has that verbiage in the approval.

As a CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert), not only is it important to negotiate the Short Sale in the best interest of the seller but it is essential to keep the buyer’s agent informed along the way. I take great pride that each week I keep the buyer’s Realtor ® updated and informed of the Short Sale. Everyone has a stake in this Short Sale.

As always, it’s a good idea to check with your CPA and an attorney for what is considered the best action for you to take with your investment property if you are an investor. Remember, that a 1099C may be issued by law for reporting any principal balance on the loan that was written off as per the IRS.

Soon, there will be a lucky home buyer who will have a beautiful home that my sellers have made sure is clean and ready for them to occupy. It’s so nice when we all work together.

*** UPDATE***

Short Sale approval for investor in record time -- 36 days!!!

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

Sacramento Real Estate Videos Indexed

July 21st, 2010 categories: Home Buyer, Relocating, Sacramento Real Estate Videos, Seller

Below are a few video links Sacramento Realtor ®, Gena Riede of Riede Real Estate has for home buyers, home sellers, homeowners and those relocating to the Sacramento and surrounding areas with a brief explanation of each video as well as those videos that apply to neighborhoods.

Home Buyer Videos (Click links below)

Why Home Buyers Should Get a Home Warranty - Why a home warranty is important and what 2 things break down the most in a home or condo

Are YOU Throwing Away $10,000? video reminding Sacramento homebuyers of the CA first time home buyer tax credit

What Makes A Good Home Buyer? Video shares who is a serious home

Do You Know What Home Buyers MUST Have? This video talks about home insurance

What Makes A Good Home Buyer? Video shares who is a serious home buyer that has seen a lender

Sacramento Home Buyers Need to Check Out Neighborhoods Video about how important a neighborhood is and what to check out.

Number 1 Question Home Buyers Ask Video about when a home buyer gets their keys to their new home

Exciting NEWS For Home Buyers! Video about home buyers getting a break with FHA, only have to put down 3.5% and the Federal tax credit.

New Home Buyer Requirements Hurt Home Buyers Video about the difficulty sometimes FHA home buyers have getting their loan

Are Banks Discriminating Against VA Homebuyers? Video with VA home buyers who are sick and tired of not being accepted on contracts due to them getting a VA loan

Big Tip for New First Time Homebuyers Video for home buyers when writing offers on homes for sale

A Home Buyer MUST Do! Video about all the things a home buyer should check out BEFORE buying a home or condo

Short Sales Are NOT Short Video explaining Short Sales for home buyers

Number 1 Key to Success Video to help home buyers have a successful experience buying a home or condo.

Sacramento Home Buyers Having Hard Time Getting Accepted Video sharing how many homes are for sale and how difficult home buyers are having getting their offers accepted.

If You Are A Homebuyer, Do You Know the 90 Day Rule? Video explaining the 90 day Flip rule and what it means for the home buyer

Sacramento Home Buyer Real Estate Questions Video about home buyer deposit checks and what is single agency and dual agency

Home Buyers Have You Checked Your Realtor’s License Video about how important it is to check and make sure your Realtor has a license and where to check it out

Sacramento Short Sale Tip Video giving Short Sale Tip for all the home buyers writing offers and the mindset you need to have

Real Estate Tip for Sacramento Home Buyer Video about disclosures you receive when as a home buyer your offer is accepted and contingencies.

Tip for Sacramento Real Estate Home Buyers - Video about real estate in Sacramento and what banks are charging home buyers on their acceptance and what this means for home buyers

Sacramento Home Buyers Need Pest Inspections - Video on the importance of a Pest Inspection for all home buyers buying a house or condo

Who PAYs the Realtor? Video explaining who pays for the Realtor to help you, the home buyer

You Can’t Be A Toast Watcher and Buy A Short Sale Video explaining Short Sales and the process of a Short Sale

Home Buyers Protect Your Rights-Sign Petition - Video on what HVCC has done to the home buyers

What Every Home Buyer Must Do - Video explaining Good Faith Deposit Checks and how much money a home buyer needs when making an offer on a house or condo

What Gives A Home Buyer Peace of Mind? - Video about Home Warranty and why it is so important

Sacramento Short Sales & MORE $$$ for Home Buyers - Video about Federal tax credit and the moratorium on Foreclosures and how Short Sales will be taking over the real estate market

Home Buyer Etiquette - Video that every home buyer needs to watch that explains when to call a Realtor

Don’t Buy a House BEFORE you Do This - Video for home buyers thinking of buying a house or condo and what you need to do BEFORE you ever decide on a neighborhood.

Roseville Real Estate Chit Chat - Video explaining market statistics and how those numbers may be helpful when thinking of purchasing a house or condo

Why Home Buyers End Up With No House - Video that every home buyer should listen to that explains why some home buyer that were approved for a loan ended up not getting their loan and how to avoid that

1st Time Home Buyer Talks About Buying Foreclosed Home - Video of a Natomas home buyer who just had her home inspection on her bank owned home and how she qualified for the First Time Home Buyer tax credit.

Who Is A First Time Home Buyer - Video explaining who is a 1st Time Home Buyer…you will be surprised at who is considered a First Time Home Buyer

Home Buying in Sacramento - Video explaining what happens next when a home buyer gets their offer accepted

Sacramento Home Buyer Tip - Video explaining multiple offers and how you as a home buyer needs to be properly prepared so your offer is accepted

Sacramento Home Buyers Need Home Inspections - Video explaining the importance of a home inspection whether it is a bank owned home, a Short Sale, a traditional home sale or a new builder home.

Want to Buy a House and Get $18,000? - Video detailing the $18,000 Home Buyer tax credit

Sacramento Realtor Shares Home Buyer Tip - Video about how important it is for all home buyers to get PreApproved by a Lender BEFORE looking at homes for sale

How To Have Peace of Mind When Buying a Home - Video explaining why it is important to have a home inspection

Two Very Lucky Home Buyers in Roseville CA - Video of two First Time Homebuyers at Title while signing their documents and the escrow officer explaining the different ways a home buyer can take Title

Elk Grove CA Real Estate - Video about a bank owned home a home buyer bought

Sacramento Condo Buyer for Sac State - Video about parents buying a condo for their son who attends Sac State

Sacramento Bank Owned REO Homes For Sale - Video about bank owned homes requesting home buyers be PreApproved by your own Lender and their Lender

Sacramento Home Buyer Finally Gets His House - Video about a bank owned Curtis Park home & the buyer gets his key

Sacramento Realtor Talks About First Time Home Buyer - Video about foreclosed, bank owned homes and some banks not accepting offers when home buyers ask for assistance in closing costs

Homeowners Videos

Why Home Buyers Should Get a Home Warranty - Interview with Fidelity National Home Warranty asking what is covered on a home warranty plan and the importance of having a home warranty.

Don’t Wait Till It Costs You MORE! This video shares an important homeowner tip about painting your home and keeping up with normal maintenance

Who Are The People in YOUR Neighborhood? Video about how important your neighborhood looks and how you can help build your equity

Money Saving Tip For Homeowners Video helping homeowners save money by checking their gutters

Do You Want To Save Money? Video helping homeowners about what not have in your backyard, standing water

Kitchen Tip That Can Save You Money Video to help homeowners with kitchen tip by installing money saving safety flood kit

Want to Know A Real Estate Tip to Save You Money? Video on what every homeowner should do to take care of their home.

Did You Check Your Property Tax Bill? Video for homeowners and how you should ALWAYS check your property tax bill…mistakes are made

New Homeowners Get Lien Notices - Video about how some new homeowners are getting lien notices when buying a bank owned, REO home

Double Check Your Property Taxes - Video of the importance that all homeowner should check their property taxes each year. When a mistake is made unfortunately if not caught in time, the state does not return your money.

Why is This Sacramento 1st Time Home Buyer Smiling? - Video of a new 1st Time homeowner in Sacramento

Home Seller Videos

Showing Homes For Sale in Folsom CA Video for home seller about including more information on MLS and how home sellers should be proofing what their Realtor has put into the MLS

Sacramento Realtor in Greenhaven With Seller Tip Video taken in Greenhaven, The Pocket area sharing a real estate tip on selling your home. The neighborhood is what the home buyer is looking at.

Early Bird Gets $10K Tax Credit So HURRY Video regarding the $10,000 State Tax Credit

What Every Short Sale Seller Should Know Video for Short Sale sellers about tax implications

Sacramento Short Sale Agent Helps Home Sellers Video sharing how this Sacramento Realtor is now a CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert helping homeowners having trouble paying their mortgage payment to avoid foreclosure by selling as a Short Sale

Before You List Your House For Sale - Video for all home sellers about what you should do BEFORE you list your home for sale with a Realtor. Have you Googled your Realtor’s name?

Is A Short Sale Different When It’s A Rental? - Video for sellers owning investment properties who are having trouble paying their mortgage and need to sell as a Short Sale.

Neighborhood Videos

Sneak Preview of Pilot Hill Home Coming! Video about Pilot Hill, CA about upcoming home for sale

Whitney Oaks in the Sierra Foothills of Rocklin Video of Whitney Oaks master-planned community in Rocklin

Introducing the Haunted Mansion Buyer Video of the a haunted house and the home buyer that bought the Snowball Mansion.

Home Buyers Love Rancho Murieta, CA - Video about Rancho Murieta, a master-planned gated and guarded community

Why I Bought A Home in Roseville CA - Video from a new homeowner in Roseville, CA telling home buyers why he and his wife bought a home in Roseville.

Sacramento Affordable Neighborhood: Hollywood Park - Video of Hollywood Park, a Sacramento neighborhood

Featured Neighborhood in Sacramento: River Park - Video of River Park, a Sacramento neighborhood

River Park, A Secret Neighborhood in Sacramento - 2 Videos of River Park and some of the neighbors in this Sacramento neighborhood

Come Take A Tour of Home Buyer’s New Loft - Video of the new lofts for sale at Ironworks in West Sacramento, CA

Tour Land Park Homes in Sacramento - Video of Land park, a Sacramento neighborhood

Land Park Home of the BEST Neighborhood Park! - 2 Videos of the amenities you will find in Land Park, a Sacramento neighborhood along with a few of the homes in Land Park

Land Park, An Outstanding Neighborhood in Sacramento - Video tour of Land Park and a few of the homes you will find in this Sacramento neighborhood along with a little nostalgia of Tower Cafe

Come Take A Look At Land Park in Sacramento - Video of some of the many homes in Land Park, a Sacramento neighborhood

Freeport Bakery is Your Tasty Neighbor in Land Park and Curtis Park - Video and interview of the trainer at the Freeport Bakery in Land Park

Sacramento Real Estate Got The Scoop - Video of Curtis Park neighborhood in Sacramento and an interview of Taylors Market on Freeport.

A Hidden Treasure in Sacramento, Land Park - Video of South Land Park at Le Rivage Hotel

Ever Considered Buying a Loft? - Video of Lofts in West Sacramento

Featured City ~ Elk Grove, California - 3 Videos introducing Elk Grove, CA a Sacramento neighborhood

Elk Grove California Overview - Video of Old Town Elk Grove, a Sacramento neighborhood

Rancho Murieta California Is A Secret - A Video of Rancho Murieta, a gated guarded Sacramento master-planned community.

Wilton California Country Living At Its Best - Video of Country living in Wilton, a Sacramento neighborhood

Tour Granite Bay California - Video of some of the BEST Granite Bay neighborhoods

Tour West Roseville for Homes 95747 - Video of some of the neighborhoods in West Roseville

Central Roseville Tour 95678 - Video of Central Roseville, the Downtown of Roseville

Roseville CA Home Buyer - Video of some Great neighborhoods in and master planned communities in Roseville

Roseville California …Best Shopping, Dining and Living - 3 Videos and highlights of Roseville, CA

Celebrate the Holidays in Sacramento - Video of East Sacramento homes in the Fab 40’s

New To California ~ Relocating - Video of some of my favorite places in Sacramento

Elk Grove Real Estate - Video highlighting Elk Grove

Elk Grove, CA Real Estate Is HOT - 3 Videos of Downtown Elk Grove, and neighborhoods in each of the 3 zip codes in Elk Grove

It Took A Village to Make A Park in Elk Grove CA - Video of what happens when a neighborhood community gets together to make things happen

Home Buyers and Home Sellers Videos

Choose YOUR Realtor Wisely A video helping both home buyers and home sellers to understand the importance of making good choices when choosing a Realtor

Sacramento Homeowner and Home Buyer Yard Tip - Video for homeowners and home buyers real estate tip about the backyard

Relocating Videos ( Be sure to watch Neighborhood Videos)

Buying A Home in Sacramento vs East Coast This video discusses the differences in closing on a house/condo in Sacramento

Miscellaneous Videos

Sacramento Reverse Mortgage Tip - Everything you always wanted to know about Reverse Mortgage and how it helps the senior to live out those Golden Years in style.

Is A Short Sale Different When It’s A Rental? How the banks look at aninvestor versus a homeowner who is having trouble paying their house payment.

Sacramento Real Estate in The Dark? Video about 2010 real estate predication by Sacramento Realtor

Future of Sacramento Real Estate - Video about the future of Sacramento Real Estate

Roseville Strawberry Festival for Mother’s Day Weekend - Video about the annual Strawberry Festival in Roseville, CA

A Day With A Sacramento Realtor - Video of what a Realtor does on a typical day

Sacramento Real Estate Christmas - Video for all the readers during the Christmas holidays

Sacramento Bank Owned Foreclosed Homes For Sale - Video of the in’s and out’s of bank owned foreclosed homes

Come Take A Ride With Sacramento Realtor - Video explaining what a bank owned home looks like

Happy Sacramento Halloween - A Midtown Sacramento Haunted House raising money for a good cause

Christmas Fun in Sacramento - A Holiday message

I hope you find these real estate videos helpful and bookmark this to come back for future reference. I’ll be adding to it.

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: 2 Comments »

Why Home Buyers Should Get a Home Warranty

July 16th, 2010 categories: Home Buyer, Sacramento Real Estate Videos

Sacramento Real Estate Voice is happy to introduce the Assistant Vice President of Fidelity Home Warranty who goes over what is included in the Comprehensive Plus Plan and shares the 2 top home features that typically fail in a home.

I personally have a home warranty plan with Fidelity National Home Warranty and actually used it this year when suddenly my air conditioner was not cooling. It turned out to be a failed thermostat. I can tell you that I was pleased with the service person who came to my home and installed a new thermostat.

The home buyers who work with me always get the Comprehensive Plus Plan through Fidelity National Home Warranty and so far everyone had been grateful and pleased with the results. A home warranty gives a homeowner peace of mind and that speaks volumes.

Yvonne Nelson will be back to answer a few more questions for Sacramento home buyers and homeowners about the ins and outs of a home warranty in the future but in the meantime if you need a home warranty feel free to give her a call at 1-800-308-1424 extension 5845. You’ll be glad you did!

Other home buyer videos:

Sacramento Videos for Home Buyers - one place to find all the home Buyer videos

Sacramento Home Seller Video Tips - one place to find all the Home Seller videos

Sacramento Videos For Homeowners - one place to find all the Homeowner videos

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: 2 Comments »

Neighborhood Videos for Sacramento Relocation

July 16th, 2010 categories: Sacramento Real Estate Videos

Are you relocating to Sacramento? You may be wondering about some of the neighborhoods in Sacramento. Sacramento Realtor, Gena Riede shares Sacramento neighborhood videos for those relocating to the Sacramento area to help become familiar with some of the neighborhoods and areas of homes for sale.

There are also real estate videos tips for Sacramento home buyers, home sellers and homeowners.

Neighborhood Videos

Sneak Preview of Pilot Hill Home Coming! Video about Pilot Hill, CA about upcoming home for sale

Whitney Oaks in the Sierra Foothills of Rocklin Video of Whitney Oaks master-planned community in Rocklin

Introducing the Haunted Mansion Buyer Video of the a haunted house and the home buyer that bought the Snowball Mansion.

Home Buyers Love Rancho Murieta, CA - Video about Rancho Murieta, a master-planned gated and guarded community

Why I Bought A Home in Roseville CA - Video from a new homeowner in Roseville, CA telling home buyers why he and his wife bought a home in Roseville.

Sacramento Affordable Neighborhood: Hollywood Park - Video of Hollywood Park, a Sacramento neighborhood

Elk Grove, CA Real Estate Is HOT – 3 Videos of different neighborhoods as well as downtown Elk Grove

Featured Neighborhood in Sacramento: River Park - Video of River Park, a Sacramento neighborhood

River Park, A Secret Neighborhood in Sacramento - 2 Videos of River Park and some of the neighbors in this Sacramento neighborhood

Come Take A Tour of Home Buyer’s New Loft - Video of the new lofts for sale at Ironworks in West Sacramento, CA

Tour Land Park Homes in Sacramento - Video of Land park, a Sacramento neighborhood

Land Park Home of the BEST Neighborhood Park! - 2 Videos of the amenities you will find in Land Park, a Sacramento neighborhood along with a few of the homes in Land Park

Land Park, An Outstanding Neighborhood in Sacramento - Video tour of Land Park and a few of the homes you will find in this Sacramento neighborhood along with a little nostalgia of Tower Cafe

Come Take A Look At Land Park in Sacramento - Video of some of the many homes in Land Park, a Sacramento neighborhood

Freeport Bakery is Your Tasty Neighbor in Land Park and Curtis Park - Video and interview of the trainer at the Freeport Bakery in Land Park

Sacramento Real Estate Got The Scoop - Video of Curtis Park neighborhood in Sacramento and an interview of Taylors Market on Freeport.

A Hidden Treasure in Sacramento, Land Park - Video of South Land Park at Le Rivage Hotel

Ever Considered Buying a Loft? - Video of Lofts in West Sacramento

Featured City ~ Elk Grove, California - 3 Videos introducing Elk Grove, CA a Sacramento neighborhood

Elk Grove California Overview - Video of Old Town Elk Grove, a Sacramento neighborhood

Rancho Murieta California Is A Secret - A Video of Rancho Murieta, a gated guarded Sacramento master-planned community.

Wilton California Country Living At Its Best - Video of Country living in Wilton, a Sacramento neighborhood

Tour Granite Bay California - Video of some of the BEST Granite Bay neighborhoods

Tour West Roseville for Homes 95747 - Video of some of the neighborhoods in West Roseville

Central Roseville Tour 95678 - Video of Central Roseville, the Downtown of Roseville

Roseville CA Home Buyer - Video of some Great neighborhoods in and master planned communities in Roseville

Roseville California …Best Shopping, Dining and Living - 3 Videos and highlights of Roseville, CA

Buying A Home in Sacramento vs East Coast This video discusses the differences in closing on a house/condo in Sacramento

Celebrate the Holidays in Sacramento - Video of some of the homes in East Sacramento Fab 40’s neighborhood

New To California ~ Relocating - Video of some of my favorite haunts in Sacramento

Elk Grove Real Estate - Video highlighting real estate in Elk Grove

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: 1 Comment »

Sacramento Home Seller Video Tips

July 14th, 2010 categories: Sacramento Real Estate Videos, Seller

Below are video links for Sacramento home sellers. These real estate videos are designed to help home sellers with real estate tips from Sacramento Realtor ®, Gena Riede

There are real estate video tips for home buyers, relocating tips with neighborhood videos and homeowner real estate tips, as well.

Home Seller Videos (Click video links below)

Choose YOUR Realtor Wisely A video helping both home buyers and home sellers to understand the importance of making good choices when choosing a Realtor

Sacramento Homeowner and Home Buyer Yard Tip - Video for homeowners and home buyers real estate tip about the backyard

Showing Homes For Sale in Folsom CA Video for home seller about including more information on MLS and how home sellers should be proofing what their Realtor has put into the MLS

Sacramento Realtor in Greenhaven With Seller Tip Video taken in Greenhaven, The Pocket area sharing a real estate tip on selling your home. The neighborhood is what the home buyer is looking at.

Early Bird Gets $10K Tax Credit So HURRY Video regarding the $10,000 State Tax Credit

What Every Short Sale Seller Should Know Video for Short Sale sellers about tax implications

Before You List Your House For Sale - Video for all home sellers about what you should do BEFORE you list your home for sale with a Realtor. Have you Googled your Realtor’s name?

Is A Short Sale Different When It’s A Rental? Video for investment properties where an investor needs to sell as a Short Sale

Other Real Estate Videos

Sacramento Videos For Homeowners

Sacramento Videos for Home Buyers

Sacramento Home Seller Video Tips

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

Lebron James, Over-Improvement & Sacramento Real Estate

July 12th, 2010 categories: Remodel

Today, Sacramento Real Estate Voice has a guest writer. Ryan Lundquist is a Sacramento appraiser whom I have asked to join us today with a special article I hope you all enjoy….take it away Ryan.

The big news today was that Lebron James would be moving on from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat. Even if you’re not a sports fan, you’ve probably heard of LBJ’s drama of team selection since it’s been dragging on now for months.
Call me a real estate geek, but beyond the impact to the NBA, the first thing I thought of was Lebron’s mega-mansion in Ohio. What is he going to do with it when moving to Miami? Are there really any buyers in the Cleveland market looking for a 35,000 square foot 11-bedroom property that includes a bowling alley, casino and barber shop?
Let’s give some perspective to the sheer size of this beastly home. One acre is 43,560 square feet, so Lebron’s house is 0.80 acres. A typical house in the Sacramento area might be 1,400 square feet in size, which would mean Mr. James’ home is exactly 25 times larger. A fairly common lot size in Sacramento is 0.14 acres or 6,098 square feet. In effect Lebron’s house would cover six entire parcels.

Can you say “over-improvement”? In real estate terminology, this is when the improvements on a property are excessive in comparison with the improvements of similar properties. Lebron’s house is very unique for sure, but ultimately its overbuilt for the market because it’s certainly excessive in size.

Here’s the point. If you’re considering remodeling or improving your house, think about resale value and what will be most acceptable to a pool of typical buyers in the future. You should certainly retain your sense of style and update your property to enjoy life, but don’t over-improve so you never get your money back or add features that are going to turn away buyers in the future. For example, a $100,000 kitchen remodel in a $250,000 neighborhood is likely an over-improvement because your house probably won’t sell for $350,000. Or if you double your square footage, you’ll be hard-pressed to get your money back in the market when your house is extraordinary larger than any other house in the neighborhood. The lower-priced sales around your property will not help boost your home value. Or if you paint your house bright sunburst orange, pave over the front yard to create a six-car driveway, or display your prized collection of 300 garden gnomes in the front yard, you’ll have to ask yourself if these are really marketing points to buyers.

What have you seen a home owner do to a property that might negatively impact its resale value? What type of improvements do you think really help a home owner sell and gain maximum price in the market?

Guest Post by Ryan Lundquist

You can catch up with Ryan Lundquist on his website, the Sacramento Appraisal Blog, Facebook Page, and Twitter.

Thank you Ryan, for sharing an excellent real estate tip for homeowners who are thinking of remodeling and improving their homes. This real estate information will help guide the homeowner before spending and over valuing their homes. Nothing like spending money to improve your home only to find that when you place your home for sale you didn’t bring in a higher value.

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: 11 Comments »

Sacramento Videos For Homeowners

July 9th, 2010 categories: Sacramento Real Estate Videos

Sacramento Real Estate Broker, Gena Riede shares real estate tips in the following videos for homeowners to help maintain their homes and condos. These real estate tips will help you save money on future repairs.

Sacramento Realtor ® also shares video real estate tips for home buyers, home sellers and those relocating with neighborhood videos.

Homeowners Videos

Don’t Wait Till It Costs You MORE! This video shares an important homeowner tip about painting your home and keeping up with normal maintenance

Who Are The People in YOUR Neighborhood? Video about how important your neighborhood looks and how you can help build your equity

Sacramento Homeowner and Home Buyer Yard Tip - Video for homeowners and home buyers real estate tip about the backyard

Money Saving Tip For Homeowners Video helping homeowners save money by checking their gutters

Do You Want To Save Money? Video helping homeowners about what not have in your backyard, standing water

Kitchen Tip That Can Save You Money Video to help homeowners with kitchen tip by installing money saving safety flood kit

Want to Know A Real Estate Tip to Save You Money? Video on what every homeowner should do to take care of their home.

Did You Check Your Property Tax Bill? Video for homeowners and how you should ALWAYS check your property tax bill…mistakes are made

New Homeowners Get Lien Notices - Video about how some new homeowners are getting lien notices when buying a bank owned, REO home

Why is This Sacramento 1st Time Home Buyer Smiling? - Video of a new 1st Time homeowner in Sacramento

Authored by Gena Riede | Discussion: Comments »

Home Statistics for Sacramento June 2010

July 6th, 2010 categories: Sacramento RE Stats

Sacramento area real estate market report for residential properties in all of the Sacramento area by the end of June 2010 shows 6,767 homes for sale. June brought an increase of homes for sale over the past few months. 2,388 homes received offers putting the houses into pending sale. More importantly, there were 1, 671 homes sold in June, down from May. The average sold price was $216,474 up from last month with an average of 1,724 square feet.

Take a look at the May 2010 statistics as well as a chart from 2008 to 2010 and then at the market chart below for Sacramento from March 2009 thru May 2010.

With the Federal home buyer tax credit ending and the amount of homes for sale as well as interest rates being at an all time low it will be interesting to see if the home buyers figure out that this is a better time for them to buy a house since the competition won’t be against them.

With 38 months worth of homes on the market last month, June will bring about a better chance for those home buyers who are looking for a home.

Take a look below at the real estate market chart from March 2009 through May 2010 for comparison.