CHICO REAL ESTATE - National Housing Inventory Report - Chico Houses   The following information begins to bring some perspective to the present real estate market: A healthy housing inventory is generally considered a 3-6 month supply. The convergence tough of inventory and price  indicate a continued trend toward a normal balance between the two. While "real estate is local" the national housing picture can provide a good indication of the direction of our economy.                                                                Note: Shaded areas are periods of economic recession.   Buyers and Sellers Seeking Assistance With Chico Real Estate Transactions Contact: Phone 530-370-1818                                                                   Email: steve@chainrealestate.net S... 01/10/2010

My family just had the pleasure of previewing the film “Ready, Set, Bag!” It is a documentary that follows eight grocery bagging champions from states across the US as they prepare to compete in the National Grocers Association’s Best Bagger competition in Las Vegas. I won’t lie. My kids, upon hearing the words “documentary”, both chimed in with the requisite moans and groans. I wouldn’t expect anything less from a pair that is normally entertained by the likes of “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos.” Keep reading after the jump to the Pink Couch! 01/09/2010

Chico Real Estate, INTEREST RATE WATCH, FFIEC Urges Banks-Prepare For Higher Interest Rates   Interest rates are at or near 50 year lows in large part due to the Federal Reserve's policy to set the interest rate it charges lenders at 0-.25%.  The Fed has shown a firm commitment to nurse the US economy back to health. Typically the Federal Reserve begins to raise interest rates to stave off the effects of inflation that can accompany a growing economy. The FFIEC, which includes the Federal Reserve, FDIC, Office of the Comptroller and Office of Thrift told Banks Thursday:      Have procedures in place to minimize their risks from loans when present interest rates start to rise. The advisory wasn't meant to signal any upcoming change in interest-rate policy by the Fed.  A Fed spokeswoman d... 01/09/2010

CHICO REAL ESTATE - Federal Reserve Reports Principal Reduced Loan Mods Save Homes - Chico Houses                A new study by the New York State Federal Reserve Bank  reported that loan modifications that included principal reductions are: Less likely to default. More successful at reducing redefaults by reducing negative equity. Providing greater incentive to remain current on the loan. Chico Houses In addition the study found borrowers owing 15% or more over the value of their home were at a 51% higher risk of redefaulting. Chico Real Estate If you are a borrower seeking assistance with a loan modification please contact me and I will provide you with FREE INFORMATION and a list of resources. Buyers and Sellers Interested In Good News About Chico Real Estate Contact: Phone 530-370-1... 01/06/2010

Chico Real Estate - 2010 - Governor Proposes $10K Home Buyer Tax Credit - Chico Houses Today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered his annual State of the State address before a joint session of the California legislature.   The Governor made it clear that his number one priority in 2010 is fostering a business-friendly economy and creating jobs. He proposed a $10K Home Buyer Credit as well as a jobs initiative to be presented to the legislature.                                                   source: gov.ca.gov/press-release Buyers And Sellers Seeking Good News About Chico Real Estate Contact: Phone 530-370-1818                                                                   Email: steve@chainrealestate SEARCH CHICO REAL ESTATE                                                   ... 01/06/2010

Words are not always necessary...                            Cal Park Neighborhood in Chico, CA at sunset   One of the best features (in my opinion) of the California Park neighborhood?  The beautiful walking trails.  No where else in Chico can you enjoy the reflection of the sun in the late afternoon!   Subscribe to this Blog Listing Updates and Chico MLS Search Ask Me Anything 01/05/2010

    Brandi Laffins | Century 21 Jeffries Lydon | brandi@laffins.com | 530-321-9562 4 Glenoak Ct., Chico, CA Close to Bidwell Park 3BR/2BA Single Family House   offered at $309,000 Year Built 1987 Sq Footage 1,429 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking Unspecified Lot Size 4,791 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION AMAZING CUL-DE-SAC LOCATION. CLOSE TO BIDWELL PARK & SIERRA VIEW SCHOOL. DELIGHTFUL 3 BEDROOM HOME WITH SPANISH STYLE FLAIR. WARM DECORATOR COLORS, TILE FLOORS, VAULTED CEILING, WOOD STOVE, SKYLIGHT & SPACIOUS DINING ROOM. UNBELIEVABLE GARDEN RETREAT WITH FOUNTAINS, TROPICAL PLANTS AND DOG RUN. DON'T MISS THIS RARE LOCATION.   see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Tile floor... 01/04/2010

  CHICO REAL ESTATE, (BUYERS ONLY) Strategic  Tax Credit Success 2010, CHICO HOUSES   Is one of your resolutions for 2010 to own a new home in Chico? What do you do now? You're probably aware of the new HABA Act of 2009. Perhaps you're also aware: The 1st deadline to capture the credit requires that the  Buyer  sign the contract by April 30, 2010. But entering into contract doesn't insure receiving the Tax Credit. This+ is the potential weak link in the process. If the contract date requirement is met, but the contract later fails to close escrow the window of opportunity for capturing the Tax Credit will have been missed. Buyers should time the contract and the closing of escrow on their new home to insure successfully qualifying for the Tax Credit. 2nd deadline requires the Buyer must... 01/03/2010

CHICO REAL ESTATE, S&P Case Shiller National Housing Market Report 2009 Market Still Improving   Home Prices Still Improving but at a Moderating Pace Entering the Fourth Quarter of 2009 According to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices New York, December 29, 2009 – Data through October 2009, released today by Standard & Poor’s for its S&P/Case-Shiller1 Home Price Indices, The leading measure of U.S. home prices, show that the annual rate of decline of the 10-City and 20-City Composites improved compared to last month’s reading.  This marks approximately nine months of improved readings in these statistics, beginning in early 2009.  The annual returns of the 10-City and 20-City Composite Home Price Indices, reflect declines of 6.4% and 7.3%, respectively, in October compared to the sa... 01/01/2010

If Billy Madison can do it you can too.  One thing I like about education no matter what you do in life as a way to earn $$ an education can never be taken away from you.  I have my masters degree and have taught at all levels.  The thing that education does for me is it gives me choices on what I want to do.  Anyone can do it.  I am not book smart I am street smart and very good at street smarts.  Education is not about being smart it is about sticking with something and finding a way to get it done.  Period... Get your education for free!   Obama will give you $2,500 a year to go to school (ARA) - By now, everyone knows that the Obama administration's stimulus bill is designed to get the economy moving again. However, you may not know that most of the bill's $70 billion for education ... 01/01/2010

The Test That Guys Still Need (Not an I.Q.!) YOU Docs Daily Home Three Soothers for Tired Eyes Posted in: The Truth About Good-for-You Foods May 29, 2009 5:44 PM by Mehmet C. Oz, MD, and Michael F. Roizen, MD | 6 comments Q: So many restaurants are serving catfish, and people keep telling me it's healthy. I thought it was considered a dirty bottom-feeder, and that you had to be careful with it. Which is it -- healthy, or not? -- Julie, New York City If you're ordering it at a reputable restaurant or buying it at the store rather than catching it out on a lazy river somewhere, the humble catfish is A-OK to eat. In fact, U.S. farm-raised catfish is a good fish choice: It's flavorful and inexpensive, it's considered eco-friendly and sustainable, and one 3-ounce serving has about 25% of you... 01/01/2010

Chico Real Estate- How To Miss Market Opportunity 2009-2010 - Chico Houses   Anyone who's paying attention knows the present real estate market is a unique Buyer's market.  What are the primary factors that create this buyers market? Reasonably priced inventory Historically low interest rates Federal Tax Credits of $6,500 to $8,000 The purpose of this article is to explain in 3 simple steps how to miss the opportunity to capitalize on this unique Buyer's Real Estate Market in Chico Real Estate                                                    MISS THE TAX CREDITS: Don't take steps now to insure you are in contract on your home by April 30, 2010.  This has to be the home you move into by June 30, 2010. Note: It won't pay to fall out of contract after  April 30, 2010 and expect to captur... 12/27/2009

Came across this off yahoo news from Michelle Crouch, Readers Digest magazine.  There are some really good points to remember which helps you practice being nice or your food could pay the price, ha,ha.  I disagree with a couple points ordering water that isn't drank, calling a person to refill my drink,  and staying longer after you eat.  1st off if we order water for everyone that is just a redundancy of what should already be ordered by our table person.  i personally do not like to see waisted water because there are a lot of starving plants in the world.  If I'm getting your attention to fill my drink well your not doing your job.  One of the top jobs is to make sure all drinks are NEVER empty and should be topped off before that is even the case.  When we come in and are paying we... 12/27/2009

I received an email with an update to save money on energy for the winter time.  This is something most people already know but have forgotten.  It is also new for some.  Just wanted to pass it on. 4 Essential Steps to Conserve Energy and Save Money Through the Winter (ARA) Now that winter has arrived, it's important to take these four steps to improve your home's energy efficiency - they'll save you money and keep you warm, all season long. 1. Insulate Insulating areas such as attics, basements and crawlspaces can make your home more comfortable and lower your energy bills. 2. Seal your windows Use silicone caulk to seal air leaks or place shrink wrap film over drafty windows to help reduce energy loss. 3. Have your furnace inspected and clean your HVAC system "Having your HVAC system ... 12/26/2009

Here is some great info for hooking up facebook with your web sites.. enjoy. If you belong to Facebook you will want to increase your networking power by letting people know you're there and by giving them a link to your Facebook page. One way to do this is to make a Facebook badge and display it on your blog or website. Here is how. Things You'll Need: A Facebook account A place to display your Facebook badge Step 1 Become a member of Facebook if you are not already registered (see link in Resources below). Step 2 Sign in to your Facebook account. Step 3   Facebook Menu Find the Profile link in the menu at the top of the page. Click Profile. Step 4 On the Profile page, scroll down. Watch the column on the left until you see a link saying, "Create a Profile Badge." Click Create a Profil... 12/26/2009

CHICO REAL ESTATE - California Housing Market Report- CHICO HOUSES There are numerous factors driving California's real estate market.  CAR (california association of realtors)    reports the following:                                                             GOING DOWN: Sales volume bottomed out over 24 months ago. Median home prices bottomed out February 2009. GOING UP: California remains ahead of the nation in market recovery (source CAR VP/ Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young). Median home prices are $60,000 higher than 2 years ago. Median home prices are up 5.8% over 1 year ago and presently stands at $304,520. Sale volume has increased 26.3% in November relative to 1 year ago. MARKET MOMENTUM MATTERS: There are 3 factors that fuel the present market: Interest rates are histor... 12/25/2009

This home in Chico, CA only had 27 days on the market, from list to close.  Thanks to a well-coordinated effort, both buyer and seller accomplished their goals.  The key ingredients to a successful transaction? 1.  Seller lists property at or near market value in a declining market. 2.  Buyer comes to the table prepared with a current prequalification letter. 3.  Both Buying and Selling agents swiftly address concerns in the negotiation stage. 4.  The lender is expedient and professional.  (Special thanks to Corina Lemmus, Bank of America) 5.  Realtors, lender, and title company work in concert to meet the needs of their clients.   Chico CA real estate does sell during the holidays!    Some happy new homeowners were just handed keys only 2 days before Christmas!  Sandi Bauman Chico Rea... 12/23/2009

It is our goal to provide you with the highest standard of excellence and professionalism in the greater Chico, California real estate market. Our business is based on integrity, top performance, and honesty in every aspect of each transaction. To meet the goals of our clients, The Sandi Bauman Team! utilizes the latest advances in the industry to yield the highest rate of return and greatest satisfaction. Ongoing education and networking with respected professionals nationwide are cornerstones to providing the best service possible. It is my pleasure to present to you our team of highly efficient, talented individuals. We would consider it a distinct privilege to assist you in your real estate endeavors. Our service areas are Butte, Glenn and Tehama Counties including: Chico, Paradise... 12/20/2009

One of the easiest and most important things to do when selling your home is to deee-clutter, or simplify.  This may seem like a daunting task, but once you start is moves along quickly. Begin with one room and work your way through your home.  I usually recommend starting with the closet and work your way out.  Make a pile of things you no longer need. You can either donate to your local Salvation Army or have a garage sale.  This chore will make packing much easier. What else should you remove?  Start with personal photos, stacks of books, and nick knacks.  You want your buyer to imagine themselves living in your home.  Your personal items will make that harder . Your kitchen counters should be sparse with only a few decorative items. Need more space?  Look around and see if you have ... 12/19/2009

FANNIE, FREDDIE & CITIGROUP Cease Foreclosure Evictions for Holidays   Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Halt Evictions: From Dec. 19, 2009 to January 3, 2009 All 1 to 4 unit properties Citigroup, Inc. suspends foreclosure sales & evictions: 30 Day Hold Through Jan. 17,2010 Does not apply to investor contracts citation:  California Association of Realtors   MERRY CHRISTMAS         12/18/2009