Real Estate News: Folsom, Granite Bay, El Dorado Hills, Sacramento

Housing Affordability Rises 18 Percent in First Quarter

2008-05-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

C.A.R. reports entry-level housing affordability rises 18 percentage points in first quarter

LOS ANGELES (May 20)—The percentage of households that could afford to buy an entry-level home in California stood at 44 percent in the first quarter of 2008, compared with 26 percent for the same period a year ago, according to a report released today by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.).

C.A.R.’s First-time Buyer Housing Affordability Index (FTB-HAI) measures the percentage of households that can afford to purchase an entry-level home in California. C.A.R. also reports first-time buyer indexes for regions and select counties within the state. The Index is the most fundamental measure of housing well-being for first-time buyers in the state.

Read the entire C.A.R. article and take a look at the Sacramento area results.

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.

10 Ways to Save Electricity

2008-04-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

Source: The Internet Journalist

Buy Energy Star products, as they have met “strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy”.

When building or renovating a house, place insulation in the walls, ceiling and floor. It can save as much as 55% of energy in heating and 50% of energy in cooling.

Don’t add blinds to your windows, rather “tint” them with Low-E glazing.

Invest in a washing line, and use it to dry your clothes. This way, you are taking advantage of solar power, without the solar panels!

Buy Energy Saver light bulbs, like Compact Fluorescent bulb. They can use nearly 80% less energy, but can match, or often excel the light output of a traditional filament bulb. They also emit a white light, which is more pleasant on the eye.

Buy appliances that can run off batteries, rather than plug them in the wall, like an alarm clock.

If installing light in your garden, buy the self-sufficient Solar-powered lights, which have a perfect beautiful glow.

Take part in outdoor sport, such as football or tennis. This gets you out of the house, and prevents you from relying on a TV or computer for entertainment, and thus saving electricity.

Invest in solar panels. This can be expensive, and so I’ve saved it for last, but with nearly 50% efficiency being reached in testing (If it’s not surpassed already), Solar power will become very viable and more affordable in the future.

BONUS: 10. Unplug cell phone chargers / camera chargers if you aren’t using them. They consume a constant stream of electricity when plugged in, which seems small, until you have 6 or 7 of them.

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.

The Act of Giving

2008-03-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

10 Creative Ways to Give from the Heart, Not the Pocketbook
by Nancy Twigg

Meaningful gift giving doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, some of the most precious gifts are the ones that cost very little, but mean a great deal because of the time and effort the giver took in giving the gift. Below you will find a list of gift ideas that are low-cost but high value. Rather than a large chunk of change, these gift ideas require you to invest your creativity and time with only a little of your hard-earned cash.

* Make a scrapbook of the history of your relationship with the recipient. Fill it with pictures, mementos and memories from the past. Include your own heartfelt note
thanking the recipient for the value and warmth they add to your life.

* Put your artistic abilities to work and create a piece of art in honor of the recipient. Write a personalized song, do a painting or sketch, or write a poem.

* Use your computer to make a family cookbook with a variety of recipes contributed by different family members. Or make a cookbook of all of your own special recipes to share with the recipient.

* If you have artistic flair, purchase blank note cards with envelopes. Decorate the cards with your own drawings to make personalized note cards for your loved one.

* If you can knit or crochet, make the honoree a new scarf, hat, afghan or pair of
mittens. If you sew, create a new apron, fleece throw or keepsake pillow.

* Make an “I Love You because...” or “You’re Special because...” jar. On individual slips of paper, write something you love and appreciate about the honoree. Place the slips of paper in a decorative jar. You can also make an “I Love You” book by writing each thought on a different page of a blank journal.

* Use a desktop publishing program or your calligraphy skills to create a wall-hanging featuring a inspirational quote. If you are handy with a needle and embroidery floss, do the same thing using your needlework skills. Display the finished product in an inexpensive, yet attractive frame.

* For the chocolate lover on your list, fill a gift basket with several varieties of
homemade chocolate cookies, candy, and brownies. If the recipient loves sweets but is concerned about weight gain, use recipes for goodies that are low in fat and calories.

* Make a keepsake video containing something that would be special to the recipient: children singing songs, friends telling why they love them, or you recounting funny stories of times you’ve shared together.

* Cook a meal for the recipient and/or put meal(s) in their freezer that can easily be heated and served rather than having to cook.

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.

Organize Life & Business

2008-02-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

5 Simple Steps to Get Organized & Get Energized
By: Beth Tabek

“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up." A. A. Milne

In personal development growth occurs more easily when we create space to grow. In order to experience living beyond limits in business or personal lives we must rid ourselves of the chaos and clutter that keeps us clogged up. To change life and business begin by getting organized.

1. Know Your Top Priority Zones: Focus on 3 to 5. Top priority zones are the most valuable areas of your life. Consider the roles you play throughout the day. What means the most to you long-term? Examples are spirituality, self-care, family, business, career, home, education, hobbies, volunteer work, etc. To make the best time management decisions know your priorities. You will be challenged by a new opportunity. Does it honor your priorities? If not, say 'no' for now. Under each top priority zone list the top 3-5 priorities. For instance, under self-care you could have exercise, take vitamins, eat 5 fruits/ vegetables, read for 30 minutes, and drink 8 glasses of water daily. The more you can simplify and get focused the better.

2. Schedule Blocks of Time: Blocks of time for your various priority zones give you time and a clear focus on the priorities in each area. Consider how much time you need and how much you can commit to each priority. When is the best time of day to schedule it so that you follow through? Customize your schedule to fit your energy level and personality so your time is used efficiently.

3. Now you can create your "to do" list or "toleration" list: What are you putting up with that needs to be handled. Get it out of your head and into a system such as a list, Day-Timer, palm pilot, blackberry, computer, etc. Plan to do it, delegate it, or dump it. What can you let go of? Give yourself permission to let go so you can focus on what will make the greatest difference.

4. Systematize: Create systems that save you time and make life easier. If there is an area not working for you chances are it is in need of a simple system. How often are you running to the store and what can you do to make one trip? When you buy something new, get rid of something old so your closets never get packed. How can you spend less time waiting in lines, managing e-mail, and handling paperwork? What marketing system can you put in place so you know exactly what to do each day. Create a home for everything so you know exactly where items go. Instead of items landing where they were left have a designated space for office supplies, a space for hardware, etc. Pick up more ideas at http://startingnowcoaching.com/_wsn/page16.html.

5. Set Yourself Up for Peak Performance: Take regular breaks to rejuvenate. In the book the Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal, the authors Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz suggest taking 10 minute breaks every 90 minutes. Get plenty of sleep and choose healthy energy sources vs. adrenaline for endurance. By the way...I hope you chose self-care as one of your top priorities. Take a day off, get help, do what it takes to organize your life and business. Save time doing what you don't like and more time doing what gets you pumped. That's when you will bubble over sharing the special gifts you have to offer and we will all be better off.

Starting Now!

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.

Making Your Home More Environmentally Friendly

2007-12-14T23:52:00.000-08:00

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.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

Does a Drop in the Federal-Funds Rate Influence Fixed-Rate Mortgage?

2007-12-14T23:27:00.000-08:00

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.

Keeping Kids Calm During the Holidays

2007-12-14T23:04:00.000-08:00

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.

Block Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers

2007-12-12T19:14:00.002-08:00

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.

Homes' Sales Prices - October 2007

2007-12-12T19:06:00.000-08:00

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

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%

The ABCs of Home Storage

2007-11-04T14:45:00.000-08:00

The ABCs of Storage

In many American homes, the change of seasons is a signal for storing away some stuff and pulling out other supplies. Whether it's yard tools or summer clothes, we all have items we put into storage for awhile, and pull out those things we need for another season, like holiday decorations. If you're selling your home, you should try to store away extra items to make your home appear more spacious.

"A" is for Assessment

What do you have and where can you put it? Take a look at all your stuff and then take a look at where you can tuck it away in your home. Walk through the home with a pad and pen and dedicate an hour of your time to finish this first step.

"B" is for Banish and Box

While this may sound easy, it’s where the hard decisions get made. Box up what you're going to keep and banish what needs to be thrown out, held for a yard sale or given to charity.

"C" is for Control

These two steps keep your storage areas neat and organized. They should also become a routine part of your storage plan. Maintaining your storage areas with smaller containers (such as see-through boxes, file folders or portable hanging racks) will keep items orderly and easily identifiable. Cardboard or plastic boxes with removable lids are your best bet for corralling stuff. The boxes are easy to handle and uniform in size.

When selling your home and if in doubt of what things should be stored away, ask your Realtor, he/she can give you some fantastic ideas.

Folsom Realtor: 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.

Tips To Help You Prepare For The Unexpected

2007-11-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security www.dhs.gov provides a quick primer on how to prepare for an unexpected emergency:

1. Assemble an emergency kit that would enable you to survive comfortably on your own for at least three days. You'll need:

A change of clothes
Sleeping bags
Food and water. Plan on using a gallon of water per person per day. Buy canned and dried foods that are easy to store and prepare.
Supplies. Include a flashlight, a battery-powered or wind-up radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, prescription medicines and toiletries.

2. Make a family communication plan.

It may be wise to have everyone call an out of state friend or relative.
Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone.
Select a “safe room” where everyone can gather. The best choice is an interior room with few windows and doors.

3. Learn more about readiness. Planning helps. Knowing what to expect, you and your family will be calmer during an emergency.

Find out where to turn for instructions, such as local broadcasting networks, which will broadcast information as quickly as possible about the nature of the emergency and what you should do. In case of an emergency, it's always best to be prepared.

Local Communities Speak Out Online

2007-11-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

Make a difference in your community.

Start a blog for free at www.blogspot.com, where the voice of the local citizens can be heard loud and clear. Let your local elected officials know how you feel about the local affairs.

Read what is happening in Folsom with Folsom Talks and Empire Ranch.

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.

Paying Kids for Good Grades Could Spell Trouble

2007-11-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

A plan by the New York City’s mayor and schools chancellor to pay fourth and fifth-graders for high test scores has prompted plenty of attention.

A blog written by "NYC public school parents", the authors note that the kids are holding out for higher compensation. Some students are even demanding retroactive pay for last years test scores. One mother recounts a conversation between her teenage son and his friends comparing rewards for good grades: a cell phone for straight A's, $20 per A, the latest video game station. Although these situations seem humorous, they highlight the serious problem with paying kids for grades. Once you start this trend you must continue to raise the stakes and once kids start to earn their own money, you lose leverage. A child psychologist points out that for a high achieving student, money doesn't matter. It's recommended that good grades should be rewarded with a hug, words of encouragement, or a spontaneous treat—anything but cash. That way kids learn the personal satisfaction that comes with a job well done.

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.

Homes' Sales Prices - September 2007

2007-10-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

County/City/Area	# Sold	7-Sep	6-Sep	% Change
SACRAMENTO COUNTY	1117	"$308,000.00 "	"$357,000.00 "	-13.73%
ANTELOPE	43	"$301,500.00 "	"$385,000.00 "	-21.69%
CARMICHAEL	45	"$335,000.00 "	"$400,000.00 "	-16.25%
CITRUS HEIGHTS	65	"$275,000.00 "	"$318,500.00 "	-13.66%
ELK GROVE	157	"$335,000.00 "	"$450,000.00 "	-25.56%
FAIR OAKS	36	"$449,500.00 "	"$397,250.00 "	13.15%
FOLSOM	66	"$408,000.00 "	"$452,500.00 "	-9.83%
GALT	23	"$340,000.00 "	"$379,000.00 "	-10.29%
ISLETON	2	"$840,000.00 "	"$286,000.00 "	193.71%
NORTH HIGHLANDS	20	"$178,500.00 "	"$270,000.00 "	-33.89%
ORANGEVALE	18	"$309,500.00 "	"$360,000.00 "	-14.03%
RANCHO CORDOVA	130	"$325,500.00 "	"$400,000.00 "	-18.63%
RIO LINDA	4	"$241,250.00 "	"$306,000.00 "	-21.16%
SACRAMENTO	496	"$283,500.00 "	"$330,000.00 "	-14.09%
SLOUGHHOUSE	5	"$655,000.00 "	"$599,000.00 "	9.35%
WALNUT GROVE	2	"$558,750.00 "	n/a	n/a
EL DORADO COUNTY	143	"$405,000.00 "	"$481,750.00 "	-15.93%
CAMINO	2	"$278,500.00 "	"$340,000.00 "	-18.09%
COOL	2	"$407,000.00 "	"$400,000.00 "	1.75%
EL DORADO HILLS	35	"$575,000.00 "	"$652,000.00 "	-11.81%
GRIZZLY FLATS	4	"$319,500.00 "	"$200,000.00 "	59.75%
PLACERVILLE	22	"$398,500.00 "	"$330,000.00 "	20.76%
POLLOCK PINES	13	"$380,000.00 "	"$310,000.00 "	22.58%
SHINGLE SPRINGS	16	"$389,250.00 "	"$448,000.00 "	-13.11%
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE	44	"$366,250.00 "	"$480,000.00 "	-23.70%
PLACER COUNTY	436	"$402,000.00 "	"$430,000.00 "	-6.51%
AUBURN	25	"$399,000.00 "	"$434,000.00 "	-8.06%
CARNELIAN BAY	3	"$575,000.00 "	n/a	n/a
COLFAX	5	"$387,500.00 "	"$300,500.00 "	28.95%
FORESTHILL	3	"$382,000.00 "	"$420,000.00 "	-9.05%
GRANITE BAY	16	"$829,500.00 "	"$902,000.00 "	-8.04%
KINGS BEACH	7	"$459,000.00 "	"$332,000.00 "	38.25%
LINCOLN	108	"$370,000.00 "	"$425,000.00 "	-12.94%
LOOMIS	7	"$400,000.00 "	"$499,500.00 "	-19.92%
MEADOW VISTA	3	"$450,000.00 "	"$588,000.00 "	-23.47%
NEWCASTLE	6	"$745,000.00 "	"$581,000.00 "	28.23%
OLYMPIC VALLEY	2	"$2,682,500.00 "	"$427,500.00 "	527.49%
PENRYN	2	"$662,500.00 "	"$692,454.50 "	-4.33%
ROCKLIN	65	"$400,000.00 "	"$455,000.00 "	-12.09%
ROSEVILLE	159	"$388,000.00 "	"$400,472.00 "	-3.11%
TAHOE CITY	10	"$972,500.00 "	"$887,500.00 "	9.58%

Common Questions to Getting That Home Loan

2007-10-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

What steps can I take to improve my chances of getting a loan?

Today many lenders are more flexible and allow a greater percentage of monthly income to go toward mortgage payments. But they are more stringent on credit card balances. Lenders often count 5% of the balance as a borrower's monthly payment, instead of the credit card’s minimum payment. If you are planning to pay off some debts before you apply for a loan, consider the ones with the largest monthly payment. Many lenders, for example, prefer to have a car loan paid off, because borrowers are not likely to go out and buy a new car right away. On the other hand, if credit cards are paid off, a borrower might start charging again.

Should I wait until interest rates drop?

Time is money. Can you afford to wait? Of course home buyers want to buy when interest rates are at their lowest. When interest rates are at near-record lows, potential buyers or homeowners looking to move up are asking themselves if the time is right to act. But no one can predict with certainty where rates are headed at any particular time. Waiting for a bottoming out may instead provide time for rates to rise.

What's the debt-to-income ratio lenders use to qualify borrowers?

Many lenders use two ratios when they decide whether to approve a mortgage. If, for example, the ratios are 28/36, the "front" ratio of 28% means the lender will allow a mortgage payment (including principal, interest, taxes and insurance) of up to 28% of the borrower’s monthly pre-tax income. The "back" ratio of 36% means all loan and credit payments cannot exceed 36% of the borrower’s monthly income.

For more information visit the California Home Network, your:
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 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.

Avoiding Gapital Gains Tax on the Sale of Your Home

2007-10-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

Worried about taxes eating away too much of the profit on your home? Under a law enacted about ten years ago, a married couple filing jointly usually can exclude as much as $500,000 of their gain. For someone who is single or married and filing separately, the limit is $250,000.

To qualify for the full exclusion, you typically must have owned the home and lived in it as your primary residence for at least two of the five years prior to sale.

This exclusion applies only to your primary residence. Even someone who couldn't pass those tests might qualify to exclude most or all of the gain under certain circumstances. The seller may be eligible for a reduced exclusion if that person had to sell because of a "change in place of employment", health reasons or "unforeseen circumstances." What are unforeseen circumstances? Examples cited by the Internal Revenue Service include divorce, death, or "multiple births resulting from the same pregnancy."

Some think they’re required to buy a new home to qualify for this home-sale gain exclusion. That's wrong. They're probably thinking about a law that was repealed about a decade ago, under which you could defer tax on the gain on the sale of your home by rolling over the proceeds into a new home that cost as much as, or more than, the old one. Congress eliminated that law, in part because it was viewed as unfair to people who wanted to downsize and buy a less expensive home or to sell and move into a rental. Contact Patrick Warholic, your Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and Granite Bay Realtor for details.

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 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.

Check This Out: Food 411 Dot Com

2007-10-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

Imagine a huge, searchable directory of food-related websites. For example, the Food Reads section is divided into magazines, books, blogs, and recipe sites.

For everything on the Web related to online food shopping opportunities; gourmet foods online, ingredients, recipes, regional specialties, food blogs, unique food gifts, and meals delivered--each and every listing has been carefully reviewed & hand-selected.

So for a great food resource, go to: www.food411.com

Brought to you by California Home Network,
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 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.

11 Things Every Young Child Should Know About Money

2007-10-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

What you want your child to know about money depends on your personal values. Here are some concepts that are recommended for our children to understand:

Spending, saving and sharing are ways to use money.

Saving allows you to buy something in the future because you don’t have enough money today.

People have a limited amount of money to spend.

Money can be spent only once—after you buy something you need more money to buy something else.

Planning helps people set goals and make choices about money.

People do some things for each other without being paid.

People give money to help others.

People pay for things in different ways.

Some things do not cost any money.

People in a community share the cost of some work done for everyone.

Paper money and coins are worth different amounts.

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 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.

Home Sales Prices - August 2007

2007-10-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

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.

County/City/Area	# Sold	7-Aug	6-Aug	% Change Yr-to-Yr
SACRAMENTO COUNTY	1397	"$314,000.00 "	"$365,000.00 "	-13.97%
ANTELOPE	67	"$310,000.00 "	"$381,000.00 "	-18.64%
CARMICHAEL	37	"$350,000.00 "	"$405,000.00 "	-13.58%
CITRUS HEIGHTS	72	"$285,000.00 "	"$320,000.00 "	-10.94%
ELK GROVE	205	"$351,000.00 "	"$455,000.00 "	-22.86%
ELVERTA	3	"$465,000.00 "	"$285,000.00 "	63.16%
FAIR OAKS	45	"$340,000.00 "	"$397,000.00 "	-14.36%
FOLSOM	90	"$426,000.00 "	"$470,000.00 "	-9.36%
GALT	29	"$350,000.00 "	"$474,000.00 "	-26.16%
NORTH HIGHLANDS	29	"$179,000.00 "	"$270,000.00 "	-33.70%
ORANGEVALE	26	"$332,500.00 "	"$355,000.00 "	-6.34%
RANCHO CORDOVA	114	"$333,250.00 "	"$403,500.00 "	-17.41%
RIO LINDA	15	"$270,000.00 "	"$277,500.00 "	-2.70%
SACRAMENTO	648	"$291,750.00 "	"$335,000.00 "	-12.91%
SLOUGHHOUSE	8	"$507,250.00 "	"$525,000.00 "	-3.38%
WILTON	6	"$773,500.00 "	"$1,167,500.00 "	-33.75%
EL DORADO COUNTY	185	"$460,000.00 "	"$498,250.00 "	-7.68%
CAMINO	8	"$370,000.00 "	"$310,000.00 "	19.35%
COOL	3	"$282,500.00 "	"$355,600.00 "	-20.56%
DIAMOND SPRINGS	2	"$312,000.00 "	"$298,000.00 "	4.70%
EL DORADO HILLS	64	"$614,750.00 "	"$675,000.00 "	-8.93%
GEORGETOWN	5	"$350,000.00 "	n/a	n/a
GRIZZLY FLATS	3	"$180,000.00 "	"$289,000.00 "	-37.72%
PLACERVILLE	13	"$380,000.00 "	"$374,250.00 "	1.54%
POLLOCK PINES	12	"$277,000.00 "	"$325,000.00 "	-14.77%
SHINGLE SPRINGS	25	"$400,000.00 "	"$554,000.00 "	-27.80%
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE	46	"$409,500.00 "	"$434,500.00 "	-5.75%
PLACER COUNTY	568	"$429,000.00 "	"$445,000.00 "	-3.60%
ALTA	3	"$350,000.00 "	n/a	n/a
AUBURN	29	"$407,000.00 "	"$475,000.00 "	-14.32%
CARNELIAN BAY	5	"$650,000.00 "	n/a	n/a
COLFAX	7	"$357,000.00 "	"$379,000.00 "	-5.80%
FORESTHILL	7	"$585,000.00 "	"$365,000.00 "	60.27%
GRANITE BAY	42	"$810,000.00 "	"$760,000.00 "	6.58%
HOMEWOOD	3	"$685,000.00 "	n/a	n/a
KINGS BEACH	6	"$365,000.00 "	"$434,250.00 "	-15.95%
LINCOLN	100	"$390,250.00 "	"$424,000.00 "	-7.96%
LOOMIS	19	"$400,000.00 "	"$695,000.00 "	-42.45%
MEADOW VISTA	9	"$560,000.00 "	"$655,000.00 "	-14.50%
NEWCASTLE	5	"$516,500.00 "	"$690,000.00 "	-25.14%
OLYMPIC VALLEY	5	"$870,000.00 "	"$755,000.00 "	15.23%
PENRYN	3	"$674,500.00 "	"$637,500.00 "	5.80%
ROCKLIN	72	"$415,500.00 "	"$460,000.00 "	-9.67%
ROSEVILLE	230	"$409,000.00 "	"$425,000.00 "	-3.76%
TAHOE CITY	9	"$749,000.00 "	"$1,212,500.00 "	-38.23%
TAHOE VISTA	3	"$485,000.00 "	"$325,000.00 "	49.23%

Excited about the New Home, Adjusting to a New School

2007-09-15T00:31:00.000-07:00

You are excited about your new home but just as important is your children settling into their new environment. A new school is important both academically and socially. The best way to help children start well is to register before school starts, if possible, to be sure any curriculum problems can be ironed out ahead of time

Before school starts. Communication with the school administration should start as early as possible by mail or while visiting the destination area on a house-hunting trip. Take the child by the school and walk around, check in the classrooms and where the restrooms are located. Those coming from gifted or other special programs or magnet schools, check with the school secretary on extracurricular activities.

During the school year. If the move is during the school year, parents should check back with the school and monitor their children’s work to be sure they are adjusting well and are in the correct levels or classes. But don’t expect disaster. Often "new kids" are a popular novelty during the year, and nothing beats the bus for making new friends.

Making friends is important. A good social adjustment at the start is just as important as academic adjustment – especially for junior high or middle school students. While a teacher may assign a buddy for the new child for the first few days in elementary school, junior high students are often left to fend for themselves. Parents can help by making a point of finding at least one schoolmate for their child and arranging a meeting before starting school.

Check with your Realtor for your local schools and also neighborhood after school programs to meet other children.

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 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.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.

The Emerging Market of Condominiums

2007-09-15T00:24:00.000-07:00

Condominiums are designed to provide multi-family housing and are good solutions for many homebuyers.

Indicators for a Strong Market in Multi-Family Housing Units

Single and Non-Traditional households represent the majority of housing consumers.

Single Women make up nearly a quarter of the homebuyer market and they prefer Multi-family Housing.

Condos are also gaining interest among first time home buyers, empty nesters and retirees.

Condos are great second homes

And usually they are owner occupied instead of renters.

If condos are such a good investment - why are there so may for sale?

The supply outweighs the demands. When a single home is offered, that is one home on the market but when a developer sells a project, it is usually 500 plus homes to the market. An oversupply doesn’t always mean the product is deficient. When affordable housing is available, why would you pass it up? Ask your realtor about the great Condominiums or Townhomes in your area. Your Realtor has the connections for exactly what you are looking for.

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 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.

Contact Patrick Warholic, Realtor, CCRA, SRES, ASP, and e-PRO certified.