Recent Folsom, Granite Bay, El Dorado Hills, and Sacramento Real Estate News Posts
Making Your Home More Environmentally Friendly
Post Your Comments Published by Patrick Warholic on December 14, 2007 at 11:52 PM.
One: Use Fluorescent Bulbs. Replace conventional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). They cost a little more, but last up to 10 times longer, use two-thirds less energy and give off 70 percent less heat.Two: Look for the Energy Star Label. Energy Star-qualified refrigerators use about half as much energy as refrigerators made before 1993.
Three: Get Unplugged. Many home electronics still consume energy even when they are turned off. Many devices with a "standby mode" will continue to use power. Also, chargers and power adapters continue to draw power from the wall socket even if the device is not attached. Unplug these devices or use a power strip to turn off multiple units, when they aren’t being used to make sure that you aren’t wasting energy.
Four: Double-Up on Windows. Replacing old single-pane windows with double pane-windows helps reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in the summer.
Five: Turn Down the Thermostat. Lowering you thermostat by just one degree can reduce costs by about four percent.
Six: Sustainable Floors. Cork flooring not only looks great, but it’s also natural insulator. So when you look into purchasing flooring, consider using bamboo, cork or another sustainable material.
Seven: Earth-Friendly Decks. A lot of deck material comes from tropical hardwoods. These woods look great and stand up to the elements for a very long time.
Eight: Low-Flow Faucets. Low-flow water fixtures such as showerheads, faucets and toilets reduce water consumption and water heating costs by as much as 50 percent.
Nine: Buy Renewable Energy. Check with your local utility company and see if you can purchase renewable energy.
Ten: Recycle! After you replace all those inefficient, windows and fixtures, make sure you recycle all that metal and glass. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. Find more information about programs in your area at www.recycle.com.
Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist
Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills luxury homes and land.
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.
Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.
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Labels: Homes, Informational, Tips
Does a Drop in the Federal-Funds Rate Influence Fixed-Rate Mortgage?
Post Your Comments Published by Patrick Warholic on at 11:27 PM.
Mortgage rates actually follow the bond market, not the Fed-funds rate. The interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage tracks the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. Lenders typically set their base mortgage rate around two percentage points higher than the 10-year bond yield. Rates on adjustable-rate mortgages are tied to yields on two-, three- and five-year Treasuries. These short-term loans are more sensitive to Fed rate movements, and those with the shortest maturities see the greatest impact when short-term rates rise and fall.
So if you want to know the direction of mortgage rates, you need to get a sense of where bond yields are heading. Investors tend to flock to the safety of U.S. Treasury when they’re worried about the state of the economy. That "flight to quality" drives bond prices higher and their yields lower. (Bond prices move inversely to yields.)
Rather than gamble and wait on lower rates, consider a lender that is willing to let your rate "float down" if mortgage rates drop after you’ve locked in your loan, but before the closing. Lenders often charge fees for float downs - typically around 0.25% of the loan balance - so make sure you understand the loan’s terms of the float down before you choose the option. Ask your Realtor for a Mortgage Broker referral.
Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist
Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills luxury homes and land.
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.
Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
So if you want to know the direction of mortgage rates, you need to get a sense of where bond yields are heading. Investors tend to flock to the safety of U.S. Treasury when they’re worried about the state of the economy. That "flight to quality" drives bond prices higher and their yields lower. (Bond prices move inversely to yields.)
Rather than gamble and wait on lower rates, consider a lender that is willing to let your rate "float down" if mortgage rates drop after you’ve locked in your loan, but before the closing. Lenders often charge fees for float downs - typically around 0.25% of the loan balance - so make sure you understand the loan’s terms of the float down before you choose the option. Ask your Realtor for a Mortgage Broker referral.
Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist
Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills luxury homes and land.
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.
Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
Labels: Credit
Keeping Kids Calm During the Holidays
Post Your Comments Published by Patrick Warholic on at 11:04 PM.
Children are usually happy around the holidays – there is no school, they get to hang out with their friends and they get to sleep in late. Unfortunately, not all kids are in good cheer. Like many adults, children and teenagers can get stressed during the holidays. How can you tell if a child is feeling frazzled? Stressed out kids tend to be cranky, impatient and defiant, they complain of headaches, stomachaches or seem unusually tired. During the holidays, children often are involved in special events and festivals.
How can adults help?
If you have children, involve them in holiday planning and let them know ahead of time about the events that are going to take place. And as the holidays get under way, try not to overload your kids' schedules. Give the child some space as far as not making them attend every function or every family gathering. If the child wants to have some alone time, then allow that to happen. Parents need to choose activities to mark the holidays that are both meaningful and manageable. "What most kids really want is your time and attention."
Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist
Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills luxury homes and land.
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.
Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
Labels: Family, Informational
Block Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers
Post Your Comments Published by Patrick Warholic on December 12, 2007 at 7:14 PM.
Want to block the aggravation of unwanted pre-approved credit card offers? Consider "opting out". You will have to provide your name, address and social security number but they are free of charge and backed by the three major credit bureaus. www.optoutprescreen.com
OptOutPreScreen.com
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you ("Firm Offers"). The FCRA also provides you the right to "Opt-Out", which prevents Consumer Credit Reporting Companies from providing your credit file information for Firm Offers.
Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist
Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills luxury homes and land.
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.
Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
OptOutPreScreen.com
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you ("Firm Offers"). The FCRA also provides you the right to "Opt-Out", which prevents Consumer Credit Reporting Companies from providing your credit file information for Firm Offers.
Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist
Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills luxury homes and land.
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.
Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
Labels: Credit, Informational, Tips
Are You Thinking of Buying or Selling a Home in Folsom, Granite Bay, or El Dorado Hills in the Near Future or Know Someone Who is?
Please call Patrick for a personal interview and property assessment with no obligation.
Home Sale Price Medians by City for October 2007
Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist
Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills luxury homes and land.
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.
Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
Please call Patrick for a personal interview and property assessment with no obligation.
Home Sale Price Medians by City for October 2007
| County/City/Area | # Sold | 7-Oct | 6-Oct | % Change |
| SACRAMENTO COUNTY | 1138 | "$299,000.00 " | "$355,000.00 " | -15.77% |
| ANTELOPE | 54 | "$280,000.00 " | "$372,000.00 " | -24.73% |
| CARMICHAEL | 41 | "$310,000.00 " | "$383,500.00 " | -19.17% |
| CITRUS HEIGHTS | 57 | "$265,000.00 " | "$320,000.00 " | -17.19% |
| ELK GROVE | 178 | "$320,500.00 " | "$439,000.00 " | -26.99% |
| ELVERTA | 6 | "$240,500.00 " | "$329,500.00 " | -27.01% |
| FAIR OAKS | 39 | "$380,000.00 " | "$415,000.00 " | -8.43% |
| FOLSOM | 72 | "$385,250.00 " | "$448,500.00 " | -14.10% |
| GALT | 31 | "$295,000.00 " | "$399,000.00 " | -26.07% |
| MATHER | 3 | "$450,000.00 " | "$320,000.00 " | 40.63% |
| NORTH HIGHLANDS | 19 | "$158,000.00 " | "$265,000.00 " | -40.38% |
| ORANGEVALE | 17 | "$325,000.00 " | "$350,000.00 " | -7.14% |
| RANCHO CORDOVA | 92 | "$350,500.00 " | "$405,000.00 " | -13.46% |
| RIO LINDA | 16 | "$240,500.00 " | "$299,250.00 " | -19.63% |
| SACRAMENTO | 506 | "$273,000.00 " | "$325,000.00 " | -16.00% |
| WILTON | 5 | "$595,000.00 " | "$870,000.00 " | -31.61% |
| EL DORADO COUNTY | 167 | "$402,500.00 " | "$464,250.00 " | -13.30% |
| CAMINO | 4 | "$282,500.00 " | "$369,000.00 " | -23.44% |
| COOL | 2 | "$348,500.00 " | "$393,000.00 " | -11.32% |
| DIAMOND SPRINGS | 2 | "$283,500.00 " | "$320,000.00 " | -11.41% |
| EL DORADO | 3 | "$320,000.00 " | "$349,500.00 " | -8.44% |
| EL DORADO HILLS | 45 | "$569,000.00 " | "$624,995.00 " | -8.96% |
| GRIZZLY FLATS | 4 | "$235,000.00 " | "$315,000.00 " | -25.40% |
| PLACERVILLE | 18 | "$345,000.00 " | "$374,500.00 " | -7.88% |
| POLLOCK PINES | 8 | "$262,500.00 " | "$288,500.00 " | -9.01% |
| RESCUE | 6 | "$373,500.00 " | "$981,500.00 " | -61.95% |
| SHINGLE SPRINGS | 23 | "$378,000.00 " | "$464,500.00 " | -18.62% |
| SOUTH LAKE TAHOE | 51 | "$423,000.00 " | "$448,750.00 " | -5.74% |
| PLACER COUNTY | 477 | "$400,000.00 " | "$425,500.00 " | -5.99% |
| ALTA | 2 | "$298,500.00 " | n/a | n/a |
| AUBURN | 24 | "$388,750.00 " | "$372,000.00 " | 4.50% |
| COLFAX | 5 | "$250,000.00 " | "$307,000.00 " | -18.57% |
| FORESTHILL | 6 | "$445,000.00 " | "$312,000.00 " | 42.63% |
| GRANITE BAY | 12 | "$830,000.00 " | "$679,000.00 " | 22.24% |
| HOMEWOOD | 3 | "$460,800.00 " | "$465,000.00 " | -0.90% |
| KINGS BEACH | 4 | "$554,500.00 " | "$483,500.00 " | 14.68% |
| LINCOLN | 110 | "$370,000.00 " | "$436,000.00 " | -15.14% |
| LOOMIS | 9 | "$710,000.00 " | "$410,000.00 " | 73.17% |
| MEADOW VISTA | 3 | "$460,100.00 " | "$530,000.00 " | -13.19% |
| NEWCASTLE | 7 | "$650,000.00 " | "$565,000.00 " | 15.04% |
| OLYMPIC VALLEY | 8 | "$752,250.00 " | "$787,000.00 " | -4.42% |
| PENRYN | 3 | "$500,000.00 " | "$510,000.00 " | -1.96% |
| ROCKLIN | 65 | "$400,000.00 " | "$460,000.00 " | -13.04% |
| ROSEVILLE | 193 | "$400,000.00 " | "$410,000.00 " | -2.44% |
| TAHOE CITY | 9 | "$920,000.00 " | "$468,500.00 " | 96.37% |
| TAHOE VISTA | 3 | "$625,000.00 " | "$512,500.00 " | 21.95% |
Folsom Luxury Homes and Land Specialist
Our motto is to always "Do the Right Thing", starting with providing premier executive service to buyers and sellers of Folsom, Granite Bay, and El Dorado Hills luxury homes and land.
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.
Learn how how you can be mortgage free in 8 to 11 years without re-financing. Ask for your free House Payment Free analysis.
Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.
Labels: Home_Prices
