Special offer

Chico, CA Real Estate News

By Sandi Bauman, Chico CA Realtor
(Chico Homes Real Estate)
638 W 1st Avenue, Chico, CA 95926 - $359,000638 W 1st Avenue, Chico, CA 95926FEATURESBedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 1Year Built: 1927Lot Size: 0.14Garage Size: 0School District: Chico UnifiedSquare Footage: 1071Agent Name: Sandi BaumanBroker: Chico Homes Real Estate Sales, IncMLS #: SN24034911 DESCRIPTIONTwo units on one lot within a very short distance to Chico State. Excellent opportunity to acquire an affordable, turn-key multi-unit property in Chico! It would make a fantastic parent/student investment. Live in one, rent the other! The front home is a charming 2 bedroom, 1 bath with the requisite white picket fence and adorable covered front porch. Move in and market ready with dual pane windows, spacious eat-in kitchen, tile flooring, and tons of updates. The permitted, detached studio in th...
Comments 2
By Sandi Bauman, Chico CA Realtor
(Chico Homes Real Estate)
1190 Linden Avenue, Oroville, CA 95966 - $299,9001190 Linden Avenue Oroville, CA 95966, Oroville, CAFEATURESBedrooms: 4Bathrooms: 2Parking Spaces: 2Year Built: 1950Lot Size: 0.27School District: Oroville CitySquare Footage: 1803Agent Name: Sandi BaumanBroker: Chico Homes Real Estate Sales, IncMLS #: SN24073442DESCRIPTIONClassic 1950's beauty- custom built! You don't see this type of property every day! There are ALL sorts of unique details to intrigue and delight. Brick accents and stunning wood eaves grace the exterior. Visitors are welcomed by majestic trees and a quaint front courtyard area. The interior includes a formal entry with wood paneling, generous living room with original hardwood flooring, cozy woodstove, and a wall of windows overlooking the rear yard. Bright and sunny ki...
Comments 1
 August 7, 2009 I found this great article from www.frontdoor.com that does a great job explaining the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification for a loan.  Know Your Terms Before Looking for a Home Before you begin house-hunting, it's best to know from your lender if you pre-qualify or are pre-approved for a loan. The distinction between the two is that pre-qualifying determines how much a lender will lend you. It involves obtaining a letter from the loan officer who looks at your debt ratios, gross income, and work history to see if you're qualified to make the monthly payments. This usually can take weeks while you wait for a pre-qualifying letter. Pre-approval, on the other hand, takes it a step further and usually involves non-refundable fees. This process takes into c...
Comments 1
August 5, 2009 Get ready to learn a lot!  For the next 10 weeks I will be blogging on some detrimental home buying mistakes that can really cost you.  Some of them may seem obvious, but there is more to them than the superficial title so read on.  I have found most of this information from one of my favorite user-friendly sources for real estate information for the public, www.frontdoor.com.  Over the next 10 weeks I will take one home buying mistake a week and cover it in detail.  Even if you are not looking to buy a house right now, this is good information for any future home-buyer to have.  Also, if you are already a home buyer there are still things you can learn!  Starting it off with #10, here they are: #10:Not getting pre-approved before house hunting Do you know how much of a h...
Comments 0
 July 30, 2009 As a follow-up from yesterday's post here are some more questions to ask yourself when you are searching for your next home.  For questions #1-5, check yesterday's post. 6. How many bedrooms do you want/need? It might be wise to consider along with this how long you want to live the that house and if your family will be growing during that time. 7. How many bathrooms? Again, consider how long you want to live in the home. 8. What would be the most compelling reason for you to purchase a particular property? i.e. location, price, lot size, square footage, new house, established neighborhood, etc. 9. Which of those amenities would be nice to have but not necessary? i.e. double oven, pool, 3 car garage, granite countertops, fans in bedrooms, etc. 10. What in your current hom...
Comments 0
 July 29, 2009 Answering the following questions may assist you in determining the most important features you would like in your next home. It is important to prioritize your needs in housing and also recognize that compromising on less important features will help in narrowing your selection of homes. Remember that there is no "perfect" house. 1. Are there features in your current home that you would like in your next home? What are they? 2. Do you have a floor plan preference? I.E. do you want to have a dining and living room area, master bedroom away from other bedrooms, open floor plan, etc. 3. Do you prefer single story, two-story, or multi-level living? When considering this, you may want to take into account how long you plan on living there (would stairs ever be an issue?) and ...
Comments 0
By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
July 27, 2009 Have your housing needs expanded along with your income? Are you are thinking about selling your property and looking for a new home? The transition can be accomplished smoothly by using a systematic approach. As part of your selling strategy, it is advantageous to have your present house under contract before you begin a serious search for a new home. This will make you attractive to sellers in two ways. You won't have to include a contingency in your offer to cover the sale of your present home. You will strengthen your negotiating position by improving your financial circumstance with an accepted offer. In a situation where there are multiple offers on the new home, the chances of your offer being accepted are better if it isn't dependent on selling another house before...
Comments 0
By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
July 22, 2009 If you are selling your home and it has been on the market for several months, you might start to wonder why it just isn't moving. How can you introduce some extra energy into the sale?The first thing you should do is have a frank talk with your real estate agent in order to get feedback from prospective buyers who have seen your home, and other agents who have shown it. Does your home look its best? Is it accessible for agents to show on short notice? Is the price in line with the rest of the market? Do you need to consider neutralizing any strong decorating features that may not have wide appeal? Getting your home sold is a collaborative effort between you and your real estate agent. It is important for your agent to market your property aggressively, but you must do you...
Comments 0
By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
July 15, 2009 This blog is a continuation from Monday, July 13th's blog.  Check out Monday's blog for the first 5 tips. Everyone knows if they have moved that moving is not only tedious but it can be quite pricey.  Especially if you are moving a good distance.  Here are some great tips I found from the website www.frontdoor.com on how you can help to cut moving costs.  Make sure to check back later this week for even more tips! You're moving into a new home, your pockets probably feel pretty empty right now. You've just paid a down payment, closing costs and broker fees, so the last thing you want is an expensive move. Lucky for you, we've got tips to help you pack up and ship out on a budget. 6. Ask questions to unearth hidden moving costs.Even legitimate movers might not spill all the...
Comments 0
By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
 July 13, 2009 Everyone knows if they have moved that moving is not only tedious but it can be quite pricey.  Especially if you are moving a good distance.  Here are some great tips I found from the website www.frontdoor.com on how you can help to cut moving costs.  Make sure to check back later this week for even more tips! You're moving into a new home, your pockets probably feel pretty empty right now. You've just paid a down payment, closing costs and broker fees, so the last thing you want is an expensive move. Lucky for you, we've got tips to help you pack up and ship out on a budget. If you don't need it, don't pay to move it. Movers base their prices on what you're shipping, so cutting down on clutter will simplify your life and lighten up the load in the moving truck. We're tal...
Comments 0
By Dean Gaskey
(Rancho Chico real estate)
First time home buyers dont wait to long to purchase a home. Market is heating up in the $ 250k range. Take advantage of the $ 8,000 credit before 12/1/09.www.chicojustlisted.com
Comments 0
By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
July 7, 2009 Here are the top 5  secrets of 10 (check last weeks blog for #6-#10) to selling your home.  They are from a recent article I found on HGTV's website under the Real Estate section: http://www.hgtv.com/real-estate/10-best-kept-secrets-for-selling-your-home/index.htmlThey are some great, practical tips.  Take one idea, take a couple, take them all if you really want to make your house a "hot item"! Selling Secret #5: Don't over-upgradeQuick fixes before selling always pay off. Mammoth makeovers, not so much. You probably won't get your money back if you do a huge improvement project before you put your house on the market. Instead, do updates that will pay off and get you top dollar. Get a new fresh coat of paint on the walls. Clean the curtains or go buy some inexpensive new ...
Comments 0
By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
June 30, 2009 This is a recent article I found on HGTV's website under the Real Estate section: http://www.hgtv.com/real-estate/10-best-kept-secrets-for-selling-your-home/index.htmlThey are some great, practical tips.  Take one idea, take a couple, take them all if you really want to make your house a "hot item"! Selling Secret #10: Pricing it rightFind out what your home is worth, then shave 15 to 20 percent off the price. You'll be stampeded by buyers with multiple bids - even in the worst markets - and they'll bid up the price over what it's worth. It takes real courage and most sellers just don't want to risk it, but it's the single best strategy to sell a home in today's market. Selling Secret #9: Half-empty closetsStorage is something every buyer is looking for and can never have ...
Comments 0
By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
Monday, June 29Your agent calls to say he is bringing prospective buyers to see your home at 2:00 p.m. You quickly straighten up the house and run the dishwasher. What should you do then? If you have to let them into the house--then take a drive or walk the dog!Many owners think they should linger close by while their home is being shown. They are afraid that the real estate agent might miss the storage shelves in the basement or forget to point out the beautiful new floor in the kitchen. It is better for the agent to miss something than for you to be ushering the buyers around, so resist the temptation to stay while your house is being shown.Buyers usually base their decision to buy on an attraction that often has more to do with emotions than pure logic, and a lot goes on between buye...
Comments 0
By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
June 23, 2009 Sometimes the need for a move is obvious. For example, if your work requires you to transfer to a new city, you know it is time to relocate to a new home. The impact of other life changes, such as having twins, your last child leaving home, or a big salary increase, may not be so obvious.When you notice that your house or condominium is no longer serving your needs, it may be time to call in a professional real estate agent for some expert advice. Your agent may suggest that you remodel your present home or find one that is more suitable to your current lifestyle.If you decide that a move is necessary, what should you consider before listing your present home for sale and beginning the search for a new one? You will want to know how much you can expect to get for your pres...
Comments 1
By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
June 22, 2009 There's no doubt about it--the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the whole house for many prospective buyers. Smart sellers will take a close look at how they can make their kitchen a real asset when it is time to sell.Your kitchen doesn't need to be state-of-the-art to be attractive. The first step toward enhancing your kitchen's appeal is a thorough cleaning. This includes scrubbing the walls, cabinets (inside and out), floors, and appliances. Keep the counter tops as clear as possible of small appliances and gadgets. Consider low-cost improvements which can make a big difference, such as a coat of paint, fresh wallpaper, or new floor covering. Be sure to keep the kitchen sparkling when the house is being shown. This means no dirty dishes in the sink or moldy...
Comments 0
By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
May 21, 2009 Thinking about buying a home in Chico?  If you are familiar with the area or not, here are some more good things to consider when house hunting.  Check yesterdays blog for more things to consider. 3. Type of Housing:Do you see yourself living in a condo, a duplex or a single family home?  Maybe you don't have a preference, but if you do make sure to let your Realtor know what you are looking for.  Make sure to consider any extra fees that housing such as condos has.  Also, larger housing developments, such as California Park have annual HOA dues, that aren't super pricey but it all adds up! 4. Time Frame:Make sure to start your house hunt by figuring out how much time you have to find a house.  Maybe you already live in Chico and just want to move within town.  In this case...
Comments 0
By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
May 20, 2009 Thinking about buying a home in Chico?  If you are familiar with the area or not, here are some good things to consider when house hunting: 1. Location, Location, Location:Where do you want to be located in Chico?  Downtown, close to the park, close to the mall, close to relatives, close to work...this is an important question to consider.  2. Price Range:Know your price range.  Take the time to sit down with a realtor and/or mortgage broker and figure out what exactly is your "price point" or the highest price you are willing to spend on a house.  STICK TO IT! If you don't you will end up just wasting your time and your realtors time looking at homes you really can't afford. There are typically areas or pockets in towns that have houses in a certain price range.  For examp...
Comments 0
By Sandi Bauman, Chico CA Realtor
(Chico Homes Real Estate)
Craigslist fraud. Who are the victims? I posted an ad on Craigslist last week for a wonderful home I have listed at 2617 Lakewest Drive in California Park, Chico CA. The house is FOR SALE with a listing price of $342,000.    Some industrious individual STOLE my photos of the home, my description of the property, my name, my personal photo, and my phone number to create a flyer advertising the house as a rental. He or she added this email address: baumansandi@yahoo.com, which is not mine, but certainly looks like it could be mine. Why the person used my phone number, I'll never know. But thanks to that ingenious inclusion, I must have received an additional 150 phone calls over two days time. My phone already rings off the hook day and night, so the increased volume almost put me over th...
Comments 3
By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
Many people have questions about how the federal housing tax credit for first time homebuyers works.  Here is an answer from http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/faq.php#2 to a popluar question: Is there any way for a home buyer to access the money allocable to the credit sooner than waiting to file their 2009 tax return?Yes. Prospective home buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit are permitted to reduce their income tax withholding. Reducing tax withholding (up to the amount of the credit) will enable the buyer to accumulate cash by raising his/her take home pay. This money can then be applied to the downpayment.Buyers should adjust their withholding amount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment. IRS Publication 919 contains ...
Comments 0
By Sandi Bauman, Chico CA Realtor
(Chico Homes Real Estate)
This is a question I hear EVERY day! The simple answer: The Chico Foreclosure Hotsheet button on Sandi Bauman's "The Pink Couch" blogsite. Look for the hot pink button on the left. Check it out by clicking on the link above. Also find foreclosure information for Paradise, Orland, Oroville, Willows, Magalia and surrounding areas. Need more? Foreclosures: What you should know BEFORE you make an offer, Part 1 Foreclosures: What you should know BEFORE you make an offer, Part 2 Foreclosures: What you should know BEFORE you make an offer, Part 3 Chico, California Foreclosures and West Nile Virus How Much Should I Offer On A Foreclosure Listing?   The Sandi Bauman Team is highly specialized in listing and selling foreclosure properties in Butte, Glenn and Tehama Counties. As one of the top REO...
Comments 0
By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
 May 7, 2009 Check out this comprehensive list  I found from www.frontdoor.com to get a better idea on how much it will really cost you to sell your house. When selling your home, it pays to look at the complete financial picture so you are ready to deal. Make a list of the costs of selling your house including: Realtor CommissionThere's a 4 percent to 7 percent commission on the sale price of the house if you opt to go with an agent. Usually this rate is between 5 percent and 6 percent, but it can go as high as 10 percent on vacant land deals. It's a considerable amount of money. If you sell your house for $300,000, the standard 6 percent cut for the agent will be $18,000. Closing CostsThese can add up to 2 percent to 5 percent of the purchase price and include title transfer, any coun...
Comments 0
Explore Chico, CA
Chico, CA Real Estate Professionals