Recent Folsom, Granite Bay, El Dorado Hills, and Sacramento Real Estate News Posts
Benefits of a "Green" Home
Post Your Comments Published by Patrick Warholic on April 5, 2007 at 5:48 PM.
With the increasing awareness of the dangers of global warming and the recent Academy Award given to Al Gore for his film "An Inconvenient Truth", we are seeing more and more information regarding Green, Sustainable, Eco-Friendly, or Earth Friendly living. This new trend is proving to be another means that homeowners can take advantage of to not only benefit the environment and their own quality of living, but to increase the value and sales appeal of their home.
A recent study of U.S. homebuilders by Green Builder Media/IMRE Communications indicates that, nationwide, over 80% of potential home buyers prefer to buy homes that incorporate sustainable or energy efficient features. Of those buyers, half are willing to pay 11-25% more for environmentally friendly homes.
Many buyers are specifically requesting to see homes built or remodeled utilizing green products and principles and energy-efficient products. Green remodeling can be done in small ways and doesn’t necessarily have to encompass the entire home. Keep these ideas in mind when you are ready to do some remodeling on your home.
*Tax credits are available for many types of home improvements including adding insulation, replacement windows, and certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment.
See the chart at: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#s2. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined is $500 during the two year period of the tax credit. This tax credit applies to improvements made to your primary residence from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007.
For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
A recent study of U.S. homebuilders by Green Builder Media/IMRE Communications indicates that, nationwide, over 80% of potential home buyers prefer to buy homes that incorporate sustainable or energy efficient features. Of those buyers, half are willing to pay 11-25% more for environmentally friendly homes.
Many buyers are specifically requesting to see homes built or remodeled utilizing green products and principles and energy-efficient products. Green remodeling can be done in small ways and doesn’t necessarily have to encompass the entire home. Keep these ideas in mind when you are ready to do some remodeling on your home.
- Use non-toxic paints and sealants
- Install programmable thermostats
- Install energy efficient appliances and lighting
- Consider natural materials from sustainable resources such as bamboo flooring
- Use local building materials and/or recycled building materials
- Tighten up your house with new windows*, outside doors*, insulation*, or a new roof* – the tighter your house is, the less energy you’ll consume to heat and cool it and the fewer outdoor pollutants get inside.
- Landscape using native plants that are in balance with the local climate and require minimal resource inputs, such as fertilizer, pesticides and water
- Look for a "green" contractor who is willing to use sustainable building practices
- Install energy efficient heating and cooling systems* or opt for solar energy systems*
*Tax credits are available for many types of home improvements including adding insulation, replacement windows, and certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment.
See the chart at: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#s2. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined is $500 during the two year period of the tax credit. This tax credit applies to improvements made to your primary residence from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007.
For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
Labels: Informational
Many local utilities provide financial incentives for purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights. To find out if rebates or other incentives are available in your area, visit the Energy Star Rebate Finder.
Go to: http://www.energystar.gov And click on "Rebate Finder" under the PRODUCTS tab.
For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
Go to: http://www.energystar.gov And click on "Rebate Finder" under the PRODUCTS tab.
For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
Labels: Informational, Tips
Do You Have Questions About Property Taxes?
An often overlooked resource for homeowner information is the County Assessor’s Office. "The County Assessor's Office is responsible for locating all taxable property in the County, identifying ownership, establishing a value for all property subject to local property taxation, listing the value of all property on the assessment roll, and applying all legal exemptions."
This office provides information on:
For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
An often overlooked resource for homeowner information is the County Assessor’s Office. "The County Assessor's Office is responsible for locating all taxable property in the County, identifying ownership, establishing a value for all property subject to local property taxation, listing the value of all property on the assessment roll, and applying all legal exemptions."
This office provides information on:
- How to calculate your property taxes
- What items are collected on your tax bill
- Common property tax exemptions and how to apply for them
- Who qualifies for help with paying taxes
- What triggers reappraisals and how can you appeal a reappraisal
- What is a Supplemental Assessment
- Important dates for property owners
- How to permanently or temporarily reduce the assessed value, and/or transfer the protected Proposition 13 assessed value of your home
For some local county tax assessor links see the following:
Sacramento County: http://www.assessor.saccounty.net
El Dorado County: http://www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/assessor
Placer County: http://www.placer.ca.gov/Assessor.aspx
For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
Labels: Informational
10 Common Tax Return Mistakes
Post Your Comments Published by Patrick Warholic on April 4, 2007 at 8:39 AM.
Even a simple error on a taxpayer’s return can needlessly delay a refund and may even cause an overpayment.
Below is a list of some common tax filing mistakes.
For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
Below is a list of some common tax filing mistakes.
- Social security number(s) incorrect, missing, or don’t match name(s)
- Required documentation (W-2s, etc) not attached
- Return not signed
- Incorrect filing status recorded
- Math errors (Note: According to the IRS, a math error is an incorrect number entered on the return. There need not be a calculation. Example: reporting wages of $29,472 as $24,972.)
- Incorrect or missing forms and schedules
- Standard deduction used when itemizing is more advantageous
- Social security taxable benefits worksheet not completed
- Failing to claim credits (child tax credit, earned income credit, etc) or figuring credits incorrectly (Often because of not understanding credit eligibility or calculating incorrectly)
- Omitting income items – such as interest from savings or checking accounts
For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
Labels: Tips
Homes Sales Prices - February 2007
Post Your Comments Published by Patrick Warholic on April 3, 2007 at 10:01 AM.
Are You Thinking of Buying or Selling a Home in the Near Future or Know Someone Who is?
Please call for a personal interview and property assessment with no obligation.
For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
Please call for a personal interview and property assessment with no obligation.
| County/City/Area | # Sold | Feb-07 | Feb-06 | % Change |
| Sacramento County | 1222 | 356,250.00 | 383,000.00 | -6.98% |
| ANTELOPE | 45 | 365,000.00 | 395,000.00 | -7.59% |
| CARMICHAEL | 46 | 331,500.00 | 400,500.00 | -17.23% |
| CITRUS HEIGHTS | 76 | 302,500.00 | 330,000.00 | -8.33% |
| ELK GROVE | 182 | 413,500.00 | 474,000.00 | -12.76% |
| ELVERTA | 3 | 254,000.00 | 449,000.00 | -43.43% |
| FAIR OAKS | 40 | 391,750.00 | 419,000.00 | -6.50% |
| FOLSOM | 123 | 432,000.00 | 475,000.00 | -9.05% |
| GALT | 19 | 350,500.00 | 390,000.00 | -10.13% |
| HERALD | 3 | 737,000.00 | 150,000.00 | 391.33% |
| MATHER | 4 | 316,000.00 | 418,000.00 | -24.40% |
| NORTH HIGHLANDS | 14 | 254,500.00 | 294,500.00 | -13.58% |
| ORANGEVALE | 22 | 355,500.00 | 357,000.00 | -0.42% |
| RANCHO CORDOVA | 70 | 415,500.00 | 473,500.00 | -12.25% |
| RIO LINDA | 12 | 299,250.00 | 275,000.00 | 8.82% |
| SACRAMENTO | 547 | 329,000.00 | 337,500.00 | -2.52% |
| SLOUGHHOUSE | 10 | 526,750.00 | 504,250.00 | 4.46% |
| WILTON | 5 | 500,000.00 | 730,000.00 | -31.51% |
| El Dorado County | 153 | 480,000.00 | 486,500.00 | -1.34% |
| CAMINO | 2 | 271,000.00 | 490,000.00 | -44.69% |
| COOL | 2 | 392,500.00 | 460,000.00 | -14.67% |
| DIAMOND SPRINGS | 2 | 260,000.00 | 358,000.00 | -27.37% |
| EL DORADO HILLS | 64 | 592,500.00 | 640,000.00 | -7.42% |
| GEORGETOWN | 2 | 307,500.00 | n/a | n/a |
| GRIZZLY FLATS | 2 | 263,750.00 | 355,000.00 | -25.70% |
| PLACERVILLE | 17 | 325,000.00 | 370,000.00 | -12.16% |
| POLLOCK PINES | 8 | 314,850.00 | 294,000.00 | 7.09% |
| RESCUE | 3 | 549,000.00 | 700,000.00 | -21.57% |
| SHINGLE SPRINGS | 18 | 432,000.00 | 428,250.00 | 0.88% |
| SOUTH LAKE TAHOE | 32 | 500,000.00 | 465,000.00 | 7.53% |
| Placer County | 494 | 440,000.00 | 465,000.00 | -5.38% |
| AUBURN | 30 | 359,500.00 | 427,000.00 | -15.81% |
| COLFAX | 10 | 397,500.00 | 410,000.00 | -3.05% |
| FORESTHILL | 2 | 399,500.00 | 362,000.00 | 10.36% |
| GRANITE BAY | 25 | 675,836.00 | 730,000.00 | -7.42% |
| KINGS BEACH | 2 | 420,000.00 | 518,000.00 | -18.92% |
| LINCOLN | 122 | 434,000.00 | 481,000.00 | -9.77% |
| LOOMIS | 10 | 845,000.00 | 690,000.00 | 22.46% |
| MEADOW VISTA | 3 | 610,000.00 | n/a | n/a |
| NEWCASTLE | 3 | 880,000.00 | 767,500.00 | 14.66% |
| OLYMPIC VALLEY | 3 | 530,000.00 | 665,000.00 | -20.30% |
| PENRYN | 3 | 503,500.00 | n/a | n/a |
| ROCKLIN | 73 | 434,000.00 | 500,000.00 | -13.20% |
| ROSEVILLE | 195 | 420,000.00 | 421,500.00 | -0.36% |
For more information from California Home Network visit Patrick Warholic, The Internet Home Marketing Specialist for free MLS Home and property searches, free real estate reports, information for sellers, information for buyers, and find out exactly what your home is worth with a free home valuation, with current up-to-date market information provided for you.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
Labels: Home_Prices
