The days are getting noticeably shorter, and maybe there's a nip in the air - sure signs that fall is on its way. Now is the perfect time to get your home in shape before winter rolls in, while the weather is still pleasant enough for spending time outdoors.
Seal it up: Caulk and seal around exterior door and window frames. Look for gaps where pipes or wiring enter the home and caulk those as well. Not only does heat escape from these openings, but water can enter and may eventually cause mold problems and even structural damage.
Look up: Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Winter weather can cause serious damage to a vulnerable roof, leading to a greater chance of further damage inside the home. Although you should always have a qualified professional inspect and repair the roof, you can do a preliminary survey from the ground using binoculars.
Clear it out: Clear gutters and eaves troughs of leaves, sticks, and other debris. Consider installing leaf guards if your gutters can accommodate them - they are real time savers and can prevent damage from clogged gutters. Check the seams between sections of gutter, as well as between the gutter and downspouts, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
Warm up time: Have the furnace inspected to ensure it's safe and in good working order. Most utility companies will provide basic inspections at no charge, but there can often be a long waiting list come fall and winter. Replace disposable furnace air filters or clean the permanent type according to the manufacturer's instructions. Using a clean filter will help the furnace run more efficiently, saving you money and energy.
Light that fire: If you enjoy the crackle of a wood-burning fireplace on a chilly fall evening, have the firebox and chimney professionally cleaned before lighting a fire this season. Creosote, a byproduct of wood burning, can build up to dangerous levels and cause a serious chimney fire if not removed.
Pillers to Post Happy Fall!
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Monday, September 11, 2017
California Housing Crisis
More and more people are being priced out of the California Housing Market Place when it comes to buying homes (downsizing, up-sizing, first time and even renters) Prices are increasing in all these areas and with the shortage of available homes on the market for sale or for rent it only promises to get worse.
There has been fewer and fewer new home starts based on several things, the down turn in the market in 2006-07 (builders often left sites unfinished, cities putting restrictions on new starts. ( a lot of restrictions being put into place with land use, when, where, and how many homes, condo's, etc. can be built. Housing of all types are being effected.
Over 230,000 homes needed to be built per year over a several year period and that was a drastic difference over what was built. (About 120,000 per year) According to the current demand we need to build about 200,000 per year and that is a far cry from the figure currently being built of about 100,000 per year.
This housing shortage is hurting people at every economic level, but made it very difficult for lower income and first time buyers. There have been more cuts in affordable housing funding which has also contributed to the crisis. Cost of building has risen drastically as well. All in all it means less homes on the market, even as many people are leaving the state many more are moving in. California needs to take action to protect it's housing market and provide more affordable housing for people needing mid range housing to lower income families.
We can all help by encouraging our cities to take actions that will attract more builders, with more reasonable costs for building.
There has been fewer and fewer new home starts based on several things, the down turn in the market in 2006-07 (builders often left sites unfinished, cities putting restrictions on new starts. ( a lot of restrictions being put into place with land use, when, where, and how many homes, condo's, etc. can be built. Housing of all types are being effected.
Over 230,000 homes needed to be built per year over a several year period and that was a drastic difference over what was built. (About 120,000 per year) According to the current demand we need to build about 200,000 per year and that is a far cry from the figure currently being built of about 100,000 per year.
This housing shortage is hurting people at every economic level, but made it very difficult for lower income and first time buyers. There have been more cuts in affordable housing funding which has also contributed to the crisis. Cost of building has risen drastically as well. All in all it means less homes on the market, even as many people are leaving the state many more are moving in. California needs to take action to protect it's housing market and provide more affordable housing for people needing mid range housing to lower income families.
We can all help by encouraging our cities to take actions that will attract more builders, with more reasonable costs for building.
Monday, August 21, 2017
What is happening on the market front?
Signs that the economy is doing well are good, consumer spending went up higher than expected in July over June. June was at 0.3 and July was 0.6. Spending makes up about two-thirds of the economy so this is good news.
Housing starts fell by about 4.8% from June due to lack of land available for building and material prices rising. The state needs about 180,000 new housing starts per year to keep up with the population growth and it is building less than 80,000 on average annually.
Feds are concerned about low inflation, no start date for the reduction in the Fed's $4.5 trillion balance sheet, and the housing starts falling which all added up to an increase in bond rates. The increase in bond prices helps the mortgage interest rates stay lower.
All of this adds up to it being a good time to sell as home prices have jumped considerately and interest rates are staying at all time lows. We are starting to see a few more homes coming on the market as people are beginning to sell.
All of the above information is from different reports I have been reading. I have not verified it personally.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Housing Inventory Begins Seasonal Climb
On July 31st, 4,405 residential properties were posted as active and available for sale throughout the 4-county Greater Sacramento region. That number marked a 10 percent increase in supply when compared to June, but remained 12 percent below July of last year. Currently, the region enjoys its highest inventory level since September of 2016. This market information is presented by Lyon Real Estate based upon data provided by Trendgraphix Inc., a Sacramento-based reporting company.
During the month of July, 2,481 properties were reported as sold and closed. This represented a 17 percent fall off versus a very robust June. “Due to protracted escrow periods and the number of business days in a month, it is best to look at longer periods to accurately assess trends,” says Pat Shea, president of Lyon Real Estate. “For instance, if we compare unit numbers from May, June and July combined, closed sales were up 1.4 percent versus last year.”
The rate of new open escrows or pending sales, support expectations that closed sales will remain strong in the coming months. New escrows opened in July were up 3 percent compared to June. They also stand 5 percent higher over the past three months compared to last year at this time.
The average closed sale price of $433,000 and median price of $392,000 posted in July were both more than 9 percent greater than last year. Sellers received 99 percent of their original list price and were on the market an average of 24 days prior to accepting a contract. Below the one million dollar price point across the entire region, there remains a meager 1.5 months of inventory based upon the current rate of sales. A seller’s market is typically viewed as anything less than 4 months.
“All of these key market metrics further reflect the stability and sustainability of the Greater Sacramento real estate market,” says Shea. “Expect inventory to climb slightly over the next few months but sales to remain very steady. All of the news surrounding our Northern California and local economy is good and consumer confidence is quite high. It’s still an excellent time to buy or move-up, all throughout our region.”
About TrendGraphix, Inc.
TrendGraphix, Inc. is a real estate reporting company based in Sacramento that uses local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data to provide highly-visual market statistical graphs to real estate brokers, agents, and MLS/Realtor associations across the country. TrendGraphix’s programs are currently used by tens of thousands of agents in more than 250 brokerages in 48 states. For more information about TrendGraphix, visit www.trendgraphix.com.
Category Real Estate
Thursday, March 9, 2017
7 IRISH PUBS TO CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN THE SACRAMENTO AREA
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner! There is no better place to celebrate this holiday than an Irish pub or Irish-themed bar with an abundance of Guinness, Irish fare, lively crowds, and a sea of green. Make plans to visit one of these Irish pubs in and around Sacramento on St. Patrick’s Day or the days leading up to March 17!
1. THE BOXING DONKEY IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT
The Boxing Donkey Irish Pub is located in historic Old Town Roseville, serving incredible Irish food, beer and whiskey. Their inviting and hospitable service in a comfortable setting makes your experience extra enjoyable, furthered by live music and a daily happy hour. The Boxing Donkey has quite the day planned on St. Patrick’s Day. In fact, they open at 6 a.m. on March 17 to start the festivities early! (Photo above represents the Boxing Donkey’s German festivities.)
2. MALT & MASH IRISH PUB
Malt & Mash Irish Pub in the heart of downtown puts a modern twist on the classic Irish pub, evident in their gorgeous interior and exterior designs and their delicious food and drink menus. The name Malt & Mash refers to the usual grain mixture used in the brewing and distillation of beer and whiskey, both of which they specialize in. This authentic pub celebrates the history of Irish-American culture in an effortless and captivating way.
3. DE VERE’S IRISH PUB
de Vere’s Irish Pub is owned and operated by an Irish family originally from Dublin who moved to Sacramento in 1984. The atmosphere is so authentically Irish at both of de Vere’s locations in Sacramento and Davis. In fact, they even had the pub fixtures and furnitures designed and built in Ireland. de Vere’s provides innovative Irish food, friendly service, and of course, 20-ounce pints of Guinness!
4. PITCH AND FIDDLE
Pitch & Fiddle is an authentic Irish pub in Sacramento serving the finest selection of Irish whiskeys and beers. Their Irish fare is to die for — especially the fish and chips and their famous Irish corned beef tacos. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Pitch and Fiddle, or treat every day like an Irish holiday with their daily happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m.!
5. 36 HANDLES PUB & EATERY
This easy-going Irish pub in El Dorado Hills serves classic Irish fare and drinks, with a strong emphasis on beers. In fact, they have 36 handles (hence the name!), including 28 commonly found beers and 8 alternating taps, offering variety and interest for beer connoisseurs. Join their membership club by drinking a handle of every beer on tap, and you will receive perks and discounted refills at each visit!
6. O’MALLY’S IRISH PUB
Located in the heart of Old Sacramento, O’Mally’s Irish Pub offers one of the most authentic Irish experiences around. With wooden furniture, traditional Irish fare at reasonable prices, a wide selection of drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere, this no-frills pub is the real deal. This year, O’Mally’s is celebrating their 20th anniversary, so they’re throwing an especially big party on St. Patrick’s Day!
7. THE BLARNEY STONE IRISH PUB
This Orangevale pub is popular amongst residents and those in neighboring towns. The Blarney Stone serves 22 beers on tap, including all of your Irish favorites, and a full bar with a great selection of Irish whiskeys. Relax with friends and family on the covered patio with some Guinness-battered fish and chips, or belly up to the bar with a pint of Guinness!
LÁ FHÉILE PÁDRAIG SONA DUIT, SACRAMENTO!
Translation: Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Sacramento!
Monday, February 13, 2017
5 Things Every Loving Homeowner Should Know About Their Own Home
Your relationship with your home is one that will hopefully last a long time, so it pays to learn its most intimate details. And not to be weird, but we really do mean intimate: what turns it on (or off), what makes it hot (or cold), and its delicate inner workings.
Your relationship with your home is one that will hopefully last a long time, so it pays to learn its most intimate details. And not to be weird, but we really do mean intimate: what turns it on (or off), what makes it hot (or cold), and its delicate inner workings.
Because, after all, your home takes care of you—it keeps you warm, safe, well-fed—so it has every right to act a little high-maintenance and demand some TLC in return. Neglect your house, and there could be hell to pay later in the form of floods, electrical outages, and worse.
So as a sort of how-deep-is-your-love kind of test, ask yourself if you know these five things about your home—and if not, maybe you should go find out.
Q: Where is the main water shut-off valve?
Imagine you’re anywhere in your house where water is a feature: bathroom, kitchen, laundry room. They’re all connected by a network of pipes that come from your main water source. If any of those tangential pipes springs a leak, you’ll need to shut off the water until it can be fixed.
Every home is different, but you can likely find your main valve near the perimeter of your house, at ground level, nearest your water meter. If your water pipes are visible (in the basement, for example), follow them until you reach the main inlet and valve.
It’s possible your shut-off valve could be in a crawl space, closet, or somewhere out of the way, but it should definitely be in plain sight, rather than covered over with drywall. But rather than sit there and wonder, be sure to ask the previous home seller before you move in or check your home’s blueprints for a clue.
Q: Where is your circuit box, and is it properly labeled?
A circuit box is your house’s bodyguard against sudden spikes in electricity that run through the wires. Know your circuit box! It may enable you to avoid hiring a technician for simple electrical issues.
Most circuit boxes are located in a house’s basement, but some are also found in garages or utility closets. The switches inside correspond to rooms and sets of outlets in your home. Hopefully, they’re labeled properly—and if not, you should get on that pronto to avoid a tortuous guessing game every time you need to turn your power on and off.
If power suddenly goes out in a room (usually because you have too much plugged into one outlet), you can identify the tripped circuit by the switch that’s flipped in the opposite direction to the others. That means you may need to plug in your lava lamp elsewhere.
Q: What is a thermocouple, and do you know how to change it?
When your furnace goes out, you’ll be left in the cold—but not if you know how to change its thermocouple.This is the part of the furnace that shuts off the gas if your pilot light goes out, preventing that gas from seeping into your home. (You know, the gas that can kill you if left to run amok.)
If the furnace won’t stay lit, there’s a good chance you have a faulty thermocouple. Learning how to replace or adjust yours can be the difference between a $10 trip to the hardware store, and a $90/hour visit from a technician. Most thermocouples are held in place by brackets, which can be gently unscrewed to insert the replacement thermocouple.
Keeping a spare thermocouple on hand during winter is especially smart, because furnace problems can be more inconvenient—and costly—during the peak times of the year.
Q: Where are all your filters, and when was the last time they were replaced?
Lots of appliances in your home have filters. In fact, any device that conducts air or water should have some sort of filter in place to remove impurities and particulates. Changing these filters routinely can save you money, and keep you safe, which is why it’s helpful to know when they’re due to be replaced. Furnace filters should be replaced every two to three months; HVAC, ice maker, and water dispenser filters must change at least once a year. But that varies based on the manufacturer, so be sure to check your maintenance manual and not let it slide.
Q: Does your home have a sump pump, and do you know how to maintain it?
A sump pump is a pump (duh) installed in certain basements and crawl spaces to keep these areas of your home dry, which it does by collecting water that tries to seep in and moving it far, far away (or at least as far as the drainage ditch in your yard). They’re especially common in regions where basement flooding is an issue. Without a sump pump, the invading water can result in thousands of dollars in damage.
The good news, though, is that sump pumps are relatively easy to maintain. Check both lines, in and out, to make sure they’re not clogged with debris, and make sure the float component (this is the little bob that floats upward when water begins to fill the sump pit, activating the pump) can move smoothly.
By Matt Christensen | Feb 8, 2017
Friday, February 3, 2017
New Article Highlights Tech and Development In Elk Grove
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Letter to Buyers
By Ryan Lundquist on Feb 01, 2017 07:55 am
Dear Buyers,
Yesterday I talked with a few buyers who are in the trenches of the market. One is feeling frustrated at not get offers accepted, and the other is starting to feel like affordability is beginning to vanish. I was actually taken aback with a real sense of hopelessness for the latter individual, so I wanted to share some perspective as an appraiser when it comes to making offers in an aggressive-feeling market. Whether you are in Sacramento or elsewhere, I hope this helps. Any thoughts?
Advice for buyers in an aggressive market:
Advice for buyers in an aggressive market:
1. Shop below your price range: We are in a market where multiple offers are commonplace in many price ranges and neighborhoods. This means if you are qualified up to $300,000 and money is tight, you might want to consider homes that are priced $270,000 to $300,000 instead of just $299,000. This allows you some space in case there is a bidding war.
2. Expect to get beat: Sorry to be a downer, but you probably aren’t going to get into contract on the first home you offer on. Remember, real estate is a bit like dating. You often don’t marry the first person you go out with. So take heart and expect you’ll submit many offers until something sticks.
3. Know when listings usually hit the market: There is a season in real estate, just like there is a season for baseball, weather, or elections. It’s true inventory is sparse, but it’s also true listings don’t start to hit their stride until March through August. Sometimes February will be a stronger than usual month, but we still don’t see the bulk of what’s going to hit the market until May through July / August. If you don’t believe me, look at the light green listings below over the past few years. In short, don’t freak out in February if there isn’t much on the market.
4. Don’t let sensational headlines stress you out: Headlines these days often talk about how hot the market is, but my advice would be to read stories carefully and ask a few real estate professionals what they think too. For instance, one headline says “Sacramento will be one of the hottest markets in the nation” as values are projected to increase by 7% in 2017. This one story has seriously saturated the market and I’m hearing this sentence about everywhere I go. The irony though is a 7% price increase is about what happened in 2016, which means the headline could have just as easily said, “The market looks like it’ll do about the same thing this year.” I don’t say this to gloss over how competitive the market is, but only to highlight we need to read articles carefully and think critically rather than immediately stress out.
5. Don’t mistake low-ball pricing for the market: Some properties are attracting 15-20 offers, but my sense is when that happens it’s usually more about low pricing than the actual market. This week I saw a property listed at $290,000 that probably should have been listed at $350,000. We can look at the 15 offers and bemoan how intense it is out there or we can realize this one was priced ridiculously low.
6. Be careful of bidding up to “no man’s land”: While it’s plausible to think the contract price might get pushed up a bit with multiple offers, don’t forget to be realistic about what the home is actually worth. If you know you don’t have cash to pay for the difference between a realistic appraised value and the contract price, you might not want to offer that high then. Somehow you’re going to need to stand out as a buyer to the seller, but an unrealistic offer well beyond a reasonable value probably isn’t going to help you in the long run.
7. Realize cash doesn’t always win: There is a false idea that cash investors from the Bay Area are beating out financed buyers all the time – especially those bringing very little money to the table. The truth is 1 in 4 sales last year in Sacramento County were FHA buyers who put down 3.5% (or less if they used down-payment assistance). Keep in mind only 14% of all sales were cash during this same time. Moreover, 27.4% of all sales under $500,000 had FHA loans in 2016 in Sacramento County.
8. Find a way to stand out: There could be multiple offers, so you need to figure out a way to stand out and make a positive impression on the seller. Of course the strength of your offer is the first place to start, but beyond that find a way to make an emotional connection with the seller too if possible. I might recommend brainstorming ideas with your agent. When my wife and I bought a house a couple of years ago there was actually a higher offer on the property, but the seller accepted our offer instead. When touring the home we were fortunate to meet the seller and we hit it off a bit. During the conversation the seller mentioned her son was going to start at a new private school. Anyway, when we submitted the offer we wrote a personal letter complimenting the house and reminding the seller who we were. We also looked up the school and found it was $1400 per month. We then wrote in our offer we were going to give the seller an extra $1400 at the close of escrow to help pay for her son’s school (The underwriter actually freaked out because she’d never seen a buyer do that). I’m not saying you need to do something like this, but in our case it definitely made a huge impression. It showed that we listened, we truly cared, and we were very serious about the home.
9. Listen to your agent: You probably know the market pretty well by now because you’re scouring listings in an obsessive compulsive way on Redfin, Zillow, and MLS. This also means you are most likely going to find your eventual home before your agent does. That’s how it works these days. Just remember finding the home is the easy part, but the most important thing your agent can do for you is negotiate on your behalf and offer professional guidance and advice along the way. Will you listen?
I hope this was helpful.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
10 Credit Tips to Improve your Life in 2017
10 Credit Tips to Improve your Life in 2017
Carrying a Balance Will Hurt You More
Until a year ago, Federal Reserve rates were at zero for more than half a decade. A rate hike in December of 2015 and another hike in December of 2016 has changed the trend. Expect three more rate hikes in 2017. Creditors and credit card companies are likely to raise rates to match the Fed's rate hikes. The cost of carrying a balance will be higher in 2017.
Replace your Debit Card with a Credit Card
Trying to be a responsible consumer? Don't want to spend money you don't have? Those are great goals, but don't hurt your credit rating in that pursuit. Creditors don't report Debit Card usage to the credit bureaus. 30% of a credit score is based on utilization. Get a credit card and use it, but don't spend money that you don't have and pay it off 100% each month. You won't pay interest and you'll increase your credit score substantially.
Eliminate Nuisance Balances
One of the items your score considers is how many of your cards have balances. It is better to pay off some credit cards and keep a higher balance on the others versus paying them all down equally. Pay off those with lower balances if possible and it will help your credit score.
Avoid Paying Double for Auto Insurance
According to a new report by InsuranceQuotes, credit has a significant impact on what you pay for car insurance. The study found that if you have poor credit, your premium increases by 104% on average. Most U.S. Insurance companies use credit to set auto premiums, except those states where the practice is not allowed (California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts). Improve your credit score so you don't waste money on car insurance premiums.
Avoid Paying Double for Home Insurance
"In most states, insurers are putting more emphasis on credit scores this year," says Laura Adams, a senior analyst with InsuranceQuotes.com. According to a new report, homeowners with poor credit pay twice as much for homeowner's insurance as people with excellent credit. Improving your credit scores will lower your home insurance premiums.
Request Credit Limit Increase
If you only have one credit card and you typically use much of the credit limit, call the credit card company and ask for an increase in your credit line. Remember, you want to have more credit available and then not use it. Improving your utilization can come from paying down balances or increasing Credit Limits.
Don't Try to Remove Old Debt
35% of a credit score is based on credit history. Don't attempt to close old credit cards or remove old accounts that have a good payment history. Credit expert, John Ulzheimer says, "Trying to get rid of old debt "is like making straight A's in high school and trying to expunge the record 20 years later. You never want that stuff to come off your history".
Don't Obsess - Do Strategize
Pay your bills on time and use credit responsibly. When you know you will be applying for credit, do this. Call your credit card company and find out when they report to the bureaus. It is likely to be the day they send your statement. Pay your bill down or pay it off prior to the reporting date and your utilization will be much stronger and your score higher.
Don't Dawdle on Credit Applications
10% of a credit score is based on new credit. Credit inquiries and applications lower your credit score. If you are shopping for a home, a car, or a student loan, it pays to do your rate shopping within a short period. Depending on the scoring software, you have 14 to 45 days to rate shop and have it count as just one inquiry.
Know what is in Your Credit Report
According to an American Bankers Association survey, only about 60% of Americans have checked their credit report in the last year. It is imperative to know what is in your report prior to applying for credit and not be surprised by what you find. You might be torn between paying an unnecessary higher rate or waiting for months to get your credit back to where you want it. AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to access your free credit report. Don't google "free credit report" and get duped by those trying to get you to pay for more than what you need.
Erik Partridge
1st Choice Lending
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Friday, January 20, 2017
Best Spots to Watch the Super bowl Sacramento
Downtown Sacramento is considered the heart of the city and the generous amount of bars and sports bars reflect this fact. Venture out on Super Bowl Sunday and cheer for your team at the city’s hottest sports bars. Bring your friends and enjoy great specials and entertainment at these outstanding Sacramento establishments. Read the full story at the link below
http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2012/01/26/best-spots-to-watch-the-super-bowl-in-sacramento/
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Percentage of homeownership with Millennials (Look at Elk Grove)
These millennials aren’t afraid of commitment.
Just over 35% of people ages 18 to 35 own a home, according to the latest data from the Census Bureau, compared to nearly four in 10 who did just six years ago. That’s a big reason the homeownership rate for all ages hit its lowest level since 1965 last year, and has only ticked up slightly since.
But in four cities in America, the majority of millennials are bucking that trend, according to a study released Tuesday by financial firm SmartAsset. Using Census Bureau data, the firm looked at homeownership rates in households headed by someone under 35 in the 200 largest cities in America.
The 4 cities where more than half of millennials own a home
1. Elk Grove, Calif. 61%
2. Gilbert, Ariz. 57%
3. Frisco, Texas 55%
4. Port St. Lucie, Fla. 54%
1. Elk Grove, Calif. 61%
2. Gilbert, Ariz. 57%
3. Frisco, Texas 55%
4. Port St. Lucie, Fla. 54%
Also see: 5 charts that prove that today’s 30-year-olds are NOT adults
The No. 1 city for under-35 homeownership: Elk Grove, Calif. You’ve probably never heard of it -- for many decades it was a small agricultural city -- but in the past 15 years, its population has grown for two reasons: (i) homes there cost around $350,000, compared to nearly $1 million in San Francisco and (ii) it’s well located, says Asees Singh, a spokesperson for the site. Elk Grove is only about 20 minutes to the state capital of Sacramento, which has a lot of technology jobs, and under two hours to San Francisco. Indeed, millennials who do buy homes are often looking for a combination of affordability and well-paid jobs, among other lifestyle factors, says Cheryl Young, the senior economist at real estate site Trulia.
The other three cities in which more than half of millennials own homes: Gilbert, Ariz., Frisco, Texas and Port St. Lucie. Similar to Elk Grove, millennials like both Gilbert and Frisco because they are short (roughly 45 mintues) drives to major cities with jobs — Phoenix and Dallas, respectively — says Singh. And in Port St. Lucie, low home prices are likely the draw: The median home is under $180,000 versus about $190,000 nationwide.
By
CATEY
HILL
EDITOR
CATEY
HILL
EDITOR
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Millennials, and money
Millennials’ Money, Just 38 percent of the millennial generation (those born from the early 1980s to the early 2000s) have ever used a physical bank facility other than an ATM, according to the website BusinessInsider.com. And in the past five years, 42 percent of millennials have used such questionable financial services as payday loans, pawnshops, auto title loans, tax refund advances and rent-to-own products, says CBS MoneyWatch. We have got to get them better educated of the pitfalls of poor money management. This is a well educated group of young people who are learning the hard way that they loose a ton of hard earned cash by using payday loans, tax advance advances, etc. If you have any millennials in your life I encourage you to get them tuned into the pitfalls of all these easy money places that pray on their age group.
Monday, January 9, 2017
FHA Reduces Mortgage Insurance .25%
FHA Reduces Mortgage Insurance .25%
on most loans.
Great news, FHA just announced that they are reducing the monthly mortgage 25 basis on most loans and here are the specifics.
Reduction occurs for loans closing on January 27, 2017
so if you have FHA buyer in contract you may want to call them about the good news
Thursday, January 5, 2017
10 Things Sellers Can Do to Protect Their Property Wen Selling
DECEMBER 2016 | BY TRACEY HAWKINS
After Christmas, many people put the empty boxes their expensive gifts came in out on the curb. What do you think that says to potential burglars? It screams, “I just got a brand-new TV! Come and rob me!”
National Snapshot of Burglaries
A burglary is committed every 20 seconds, with nearly 1.6 million such crimes nationwide annually, according to the FBI’s 2015 Crime in the United States report. That’s down 7.8 percent from 2014. Total property crime, which includes arson, larceny theft, and motor vehicle theft, reached nearly 8 million instances in 2015, down 2.6 percent from 2014.
1. Maintain your property. Especially in the wintertime, many people stay indoors and neglect issues such as peeling trim or an overgrown yard. But if the home looks unkempt, thieves may think it’s abandoned and, therefore, an easy target. Shoveling your walkways to clear them of snow and debris and removing holiday decorations and fallen tree branches in a timely manner will signal that the home is occupied.
2. Know your neighbors. Many people don’t really know their neighbors; it’s more than just saying hi and being friendly. Invite them over to see your home before it goes on the market, and introduce them to the people they may see regularly stopping by during this time (especially your agent). Then they’ll know who is and isn’t supposed to be at your home and can better assess when there may be a threat while you’re gone.
3. Assess your home’s vulnerability. Walk to the curb and face your house. Ask yourself, “How would I get in if I were locked out?” The first thing you think of, whether it’s the window with a broken lock or the door that won’t shut all the way, is exactly how a thief will get in. Think like a burglar, and then address the issues that come to mind.
4. Respect the power of lighting. Criminals are cowards, and they don’t want to be seen. The house that is well-lit at night provides a deterrent because thieves don’t want the attention and the potential to be caught by witnesses. It’s wise to invest in tools that make nighttime light automation easy. That includes dusk-to-dawn adapters that go into existing light fixtures and motion detectors. But beware of leaving your exterior lights on at all times, which signifies the occupant is gone for an extended period of time.
5. Use technology to make your home look occupied. In addition to lighting, smart-home technology has made it easier to make it appear like people are home, even when they’re not. Systems that remotely control lighting, music, and appliances such as a thermostat can help you achieve this. Though not considered smart-home tech, simple lamp timing devices available at hardware stores are also good for this purpose.
6. Yes, it has to be said: Lock your doors. It’s amazing how many people think they live in a safe-enough neighborhood not to have to lock their doors when they leave. Some facts sellers should know: In 30 percent of burglaries, the criminals access the home through an unlocked door or window; 34 percent of burglars use the front door to get inside; and 22 percent use the back door, according to the FBI Uniform Crime Report.
7. Reinforce your locks. A good door lock is nothing without a solid frame. Invest in a solid door jam and strike plate first, and then invest in good locks. Know the difference between a single-cylinder and a double-cylinder deadbolt. Double-cylinder deadbolts are recommended because they require a key to get in and out. For safety and emergency escape purposes, you must leave the key in when you are home. But double-cylinder locks are against regulations in some places, so check with your local police department’s crime prevention office.
8. Blare the sirens. Burglars are usually in and out in less than five minutes, and they know police can’t respond to an alarm that quickly. Their bigger concern is witnesses to their crime. For that reason, an external siren is invaluable, whether as part of a monitored security system or a DIY alarm. Even if you don’t have an alarm, it’s not a bad idea to invest in fake security signs and post them near doors.
9. Consider surveillance cameras. The Los Angeles Police Department started a program encouraging homeowners to install a device called Ring, a doorbell with video surveillance capability that allows homeowners to view what’s outside their door on their smartphone, in a neighborhood that was a target for burglaries. After Ring was installed in hundreds of homes, the burglary rate dropped by 55 percent, according to reports. Most state and local regulations require posting a warning that people are being recorded. (But again, this can be effective even if you don’t actually have the cameras installed!)
10. Mark your valuables and record details. Use invisible-ink pens or engravers to mark identifying information (driver’s license or state ID numbers) on items. Log serial numbers and take photos of your belongings. Check to see if your police department participates in the Operation Identification program. They will have stickers for you to place on doors or windows warning would-be thieves that your items are marked. These steps may prevent them from pawning or selling stolen items and can help you reclaim recovered belongings
National Snapshot of Burglaries
A burglary is committed every 20 seconds, with nearly 1.6 million such crimes nationwide annually, according to the FBI’s 2015 Crime in the United States report. That’s down 7.8 percent from 2014. Total property crime, which includes arson, larceny theft, and motor vehicle theft, reached nearly 8 million instances in 2015, down 2.6 percent from 2014.
1. Maintain your property. Especially in the wintertime, many people stay indoors and neglect issues such as peeling trim or an overgrown yard. But if the home looks unkempt, thieves may think it’s abandoned and, therefore, an easy target. Shoveling your walkways to clear them of snow and debris and removing holiday decorations and fallen tree branches in a timely manner will signal that the home is occupied.
2. Know your neighbors. Many people don’t really know their neighbors; it’s more than just saying hi and being friendly. Invite them over to see your home before it goes on the market, and introduce them to the people they may see regularly stopping by during this time (especially your agent). Then they’ll know who is and isn’t supposed to be at your home and can better assess when there may be a threat while you’re gone.
3. Assess your home’s vulnerability. Walk to the curb and face your house. Ask yourself, “How would I get in if I were locked out?” The first thing you think of, whether it’s the window with a broken lock or the door that won’t shut all the way, is exactly how a thief will get in. Think like a burglar, and then address the issues that come to mind.
4. Respect the power of lighting. Criminals are cowards, and they don’t want to be seen. The house that is well-lit at night provides a deterrent because thieves don’t want the attention and the potential to be caught by witnesses. It’s wise to invest in tools that make nighttime light automation easy. That includes dusk-to-dawn adapters that go into existing light fixtures and motion detectors. But beware of leaving your exterior lights on at all times, which signifies the occupant is gone for an extended period of time.
5. Use technology to make your home look occupied. In addition to lighting, smart-home technology has made it easier to make it appear like people are home, even when they’re not. Systems that remotely control lighting, music, and appliances such as a thermostat can help you achieve this. Though not considered smart-home tech, simple lamp timing devices available at hardware stores are also good for this purpose.
6. Yes, it has to be said: Lock your doors. It’s amazing how many people think they live in a safe-enough neighborhood not to have to lock their doors when they leave. Some facts sellers should know: In 30 percent of burglaries, the criminals access the home through an unlocked door or window; 34 percent of burglars use the front door to get inside; and 22 percent use the back door, according to the FBI Uniform Crime Report.
7. Reinforce your locks. A good door lock is nothing without a solid frame. Invest in a solid door jam and strike plate first, and then invest in good locks. Know the difference between a single-cylinder and a double-cylinder deadbolt. Double-cylinder deadbolts are recommended because they require a key to get in and out. For safety and emergency escape purposes, you must leave the key in when you are home. But double-cylinder locks are against regulations in some places, so check with your local police department’s crime prevention office.
8. Blare the sirens. Burglars are usually in and out in less than five minutes, and they know police can’t respond to an alarm that quickly. Their bigger concern is witnesses to their crime. For that reason, an external siren is invaluable, whether as part of a monitored security system or a DIY alarm. Even if you don’t have an alarm, it’s not a bad idea to invest in fake security signs and post them near doors.
9. Consider surveillance cameras. The Los Angeles Police Department started a program encouraging homeowners to install a device called Ring, a doorbell with video surveillance capability that allows homeowners to view what’s outside their door on their smartphone, in a neighborhood that was a target for burglaries. After Ring was installed in hundreds of homes, the burglary rate dropped by 55 percent, according to reports. Most state and local regulations require posting a warning that people are being recorded. (But again, this can be effective even if you don’t actually have the cameras installed!)
10. Mark your valuables and record details. Use invisible-ink pens or engravers to mark identifying information (driver’s license or state ID numbers) on items. Log serial numbers and take photos of your belongings. Check to see if your police department participates in the Operation Identification program. They will have stickers for you to place on doors or windows warning would-be thieves that your items are marked. These steps may prevent them from pawning or selling stolen items and can help you reclaim recovered belongings
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Make a Differance
We are beginning a new year, and it is in each of our power to make a difference this year. It starts with you in your own home, , in your own heart, and the changes you choose to make. Lyon Real Estate is increasing it's giving power this year and though it's hard working agents donations through the Lyon Cares program and Lyon matching each donation they are able to increase the amount of money each office can give to charities in their own area's. As an individual each of us can give back to our community through so many ways. You don't need money to do that, you need a giving heart and the desire to help other people. Start by caring about each and every living thing on this planet. People of all nationalities, life choices, religious choices, animals, the environment, and the list goes on. Get out and volunteer in some non-profit organization, take on a family in need, volunteer at a local school, help an elderly person who can't do for their selves, volunteer at an animal shelter, etc. Ask yourself,who am I? And what am I doing to make this world a better place? Then go out and do something. I challenge all of you to make a difference this year in the life of someone else who needs a helping hand to make their life a little better.
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