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Chico, CA Real Estate News

By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
February 24, 2009 I found this interesting article from a Real Estate Website I read.  I think it's an interesting read.  I hope it helps you understand part of the Presidents stimulus plan that will affect the housing market a little better.  ----------------------------------------------- Will the Stimulus Benefit Homeowners and Buyers? "There are four primary sections of the economic stimulus plan that will benefit home owners and buyers," said Gibran Nicholas, chairman of the CMPS Institute, an organization that certifies mortgage bankers and brokers. According to Nicholas, these include: 1. Expansion of Home Improvement Tax Credit."The tax credit for making energy efficient home improvements is now 30% of the cost of the improvements up to a maximum of $1500," Nicholas said. "This ...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
I found this interesting video clip about the housing market on my favorite online place to get news www.cnn.com/video  It briefly talks about the housing market and an experts opinion on if it is at its lowest.  He talks about the sign he sees that the housing market may recover more quickly than we think. Click on it the link below to watch the interesting thoughts about the current housing market in America. http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2009/02/19/howard.housing.market.cnn?iref=videosearch Take a look at my market report for today!http://www.ryanvaught.com/chicomarketreport Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has already sold 8 homes in 2009. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions about Chico area real estate. Interested in learning more...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
February 17, 2009 I want to share some more features of the home search on my website.  Using these features will help make your home search more productive.  Please follow along with the steps I explain to see what each feature entails. Street Map: Once you click on a red link on the right hand side (i.e. Ryan's Listings) you will be brought to a page with a list of listings.  At the top of this list on the right hand side there is a link that reads ‘view street'.  Click on this and it will bring you to a Google street view.  This feature works for most neighborhoods.  By looking at the street map you will get a feel for what the neighborhood looks like.  This can save prospective buyers a lot of time.  Rather than drive to every house you see potential in, you can weed some out that y...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
February 16, 2009 I want to explain a few of the features my website has for searching for homes in the Chico area.  They will help to make your home search more productive. Visit www.ryanvaught.com and follow the steps I give below: Compare Favorites Feature: Once you click on a red link on the right hand side (i.e. Ryan's Listings) you will be brought to a page with a list of listings.  At the top of this list on the right hand side there is a link that reads ‘compare favorites'.  In order to compare favorites you simply click on the little box next to the address of the properties you are interested in comparing.  You can compare as many or as few as you want at a time.  Once you click on the little box the box will turn green.  When you are ready to see the comparison, simply click ...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
February 12, 2009 The final walk-thru is your final opportunity as the home buyers for you to be certain that the home you purchased is in the same or similar condition as it was on the date of the initial contract. The final walk- thru is not to be used as another home inspection or a tool to renegotiate items at the closing table. Use this list as a general overview of things to consider and double check as you do the final walk-thru.  You may want to add/delete things from this list as pertinent to your specific home. Any items that were negotiated to be replaced or repaired per the initial inspection Any personal property items that are to remain on the property per the contract (i.e. washer/dryers, window treatments) Doorbell Range/oven Stove/cooktop Microwave Refrigerator Garbage ...
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February 11, 2009 As I promised yesterday, here are the steps to avoid the "5 Big Mistakes Home Buyers Make" that I shared with you yesterday.  You could end up saving thousands by avoiding these common mistakes. 1. Ask mortgage bankers & lenders the right question to get the best loan for you based upon your needs & your financial goals.There are numerous types of loans so do your homework and find out what is out there.  It's not only a good idea to ask the lender lots of questions to find out what the best loan type might be but also do a little homework before hand.  Search reputable internet sites for information about loans specific to your state/area. 2. Act quickly when you find the right house...someone else may consider it to be the right house for them and you could miss out ...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
February 10, 2009 Review these mistake that are common to home buyers alike and then check back tomorrow when I will share how you can avaid making these mistakes. 1. They don't ask the lenders enough questions, or the right questions so they don't necessarily get the best loan for them. 2. They don't act quickly enough when they find the right house...and someone else buys it. 3. They don't make themselves and their offer look attractive to the seller... 4. They don't think resale BEFORE they buy... 5. They select the wrong agent and/or company to help them!  Check back tomorrow for how you can avoid these simple mistakes. Take a look at my market report for today!http://www.ryanvaught.com/chicomarketreport Currently Ryan has about 30+ listings in inventory, and has already sold 5 home...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
February 4, 2009 Looking to hear some interesting but concise real estate news?  Why not skip the ads and head over to CNN.com to listen to some hot topic real estate news without having to wait and hope to hear something on the nightly news.  You can listen to clips that range from about 2 minutes to 5 minutes in length.  I use these online clips to get my news because it allows me to pick what I want to hear and see.  Here is a link to some of the real estate clips on CNN.com: http://search.cnn.com/search?type=video&sortBy=date&intl=false&query=real+estate Go check them out!  Even though they are not stories based on the local Chico market, they will still provide you with some good, interesting information.   Take a look at my market report for today!http://www.ryanvaught.com/chicoma...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
February 3, 2009 I wanted to share with you two free websites I have been introduced to that can help to make your life as a realtor, home owner, home buyer or just random looker of my blog a little easier.  I have started implementing some tools from them such as converting my voicemail into text and it is a great way to be even more efficient! Here they are: www.jott.com It will help you if: you are the type of person, like me, who seems to always remember the important things when you are on the go and can't easily write them down. How it works: Jott is an easy way to keep your many to-dos up-to-date even when you're on the go.  On the website you can create a list.  Then, if you are out running errands or unable to write info down you can add additions to your list by calling a toll...
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January 30, 2009 Educate you regarding the purchase agreement.  If you have ever seen a purchase agreement then you know well what I am talking about!  There is a lot of technical and legal garb to sort through and understand.  Most people trying to read a purchase agreement on their own would feel like they are reading something written in a different language! Prepare an offer to purchase.  This can be a stressful and scary thing to have to do on your own.  A professional real estate agent will help you to come to a purchase price that you feel comfortable with. Assist in the negotiation of your selected property.  Going back and forth with counter offers and negoationas (i.e. if the spa and fridege will be included in the transaction) can be hard to do if you are trying to do it on y...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
January 29, 2009 They will work with you to find properties that meet your specific requirements such as location, price and amenities.  Doing this on your own can be a tedious and very time consuming chore, especially if you already have a full time job. Arrange for appointments and show you the properties selected.  They will coordinate showing you the homes you want at the times that work best for you. Provide you with information regarding the price and value of properties.  This is very important.  You want to know what you are buying is worth the price that it is being sold for.  A professional real estate agent can also show you homes that are comparable in price and in value to the ones you are interested in so that you have something to compare them to. Provide knowledge of the...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
January 27, 2009 Having your house on the market involves a certain invasion of your privacy.  This bothers some people more than it does others.   You can count on real estate agents previewing  your home.  This is where they come see the home first hand with one or more clients in mind before they bring clients through. Many real estate agents want to filter the homes they recommend their buyers.  You can also expect real estate agents showing your home to buyers with some regularity. While you want to make your home reasonably accessible to the real estate professionals and their prospects, you don't want to run the risk of stepping out of your shower just as a broker is ushering in buyers.In many areas real estate agents use a handy little tool of the trade called a "lock box". When...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
January 26, 2009 6 Characteristics Of An Economically Healthy Neighborhood 1. Pride of OwnershipThis is usually made apparent the first time you drive through the neighborhood.  Ask yourself- are the yards well maintained, are the cars in good, working condition, is the front of the house free of clutter, etc. 2. A Low Crime RateIf you are unfamiliar with Chico and you are looking to buy a house here you will definitely want to find out where the low crime rate neighborhoods are located.  A realtor can help you determine this. 3. Quality Schools In The AreaThis can be found by searching websites such as www.greatschools.net where you can find a school "report card" and find out the demographics of the school and how the students that are at that school are performing.  4. The Economic S...
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By Jeff Vandermate
(The Real Estate Book)
Hello all my Inland Empire agents and Victor Valley Agents,   I need some agents to take advantage of a huge opportunity to get unparrelled exposure. Corporate has extended the PROMO for February. If an agent comes into the book for a half page then we will automatically upgrade them to a full page. So, your only paying $320.00 versus $520.00, this includes your listings being fed to all of our partner websites, 35+ !! This is a 3 issue agreement, a savings of $600.00. As an added BONUS, the first agent in the Victorville market and the Inland Empire (Valley floor) to respond will get a home featured on the COVER for free!   I know times are tough, however we all need exposure in this market and I have the best program out there. I have a team of graphic artists waiting to build the pa...
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January 22, 2009  These are some important issuses you may want to consider and prioritize as you look into buying a home: How many bedrooms? Is your family growing?  If so, consider how many bedrooms you may want in the near future in this decision. How many bathrooms? Master bath? Ex. Are double sinks a must? How soon would you like to be in your new home? The escrow and closing process may be very different from house to house depending on each situation.  Find out from your realtor about how long the escrow will take for a given house. What type of condition does the home need to be in? Age of home? Older home vs. newer? New construction? Or resale? Type of home? Condo, townhouse, single family? Style of home? One level, two-story, multi-level? When considering this take into accoun...
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January 15, 2009Step #3Remember You Have Safety Nets Available To You... Your judgement as an educated/informed buyer.Following steps one and two (see the last two blogs) and also doing your homework and knowing the market helps you to be an educated and informed buyer. A local market report prepared by your agent.  For the Chico area please check out my daily market report on my website: http://www.ryanvaught.com/chicomarketreport A whole house inspection.  This is something that is typically done after you enter  escrow.  As the buyer you are usually responsible for paying and having this inspection done.  Although it is not mandatory, I believe that it is a must have for any buyer that does not want to end up with a "bad apple".  It pays to have someone that is experienced go through...
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January 14, 2009 Step #2After Viewing Each Property Ask Yourself These Important Questions... What did I like about the property? Write down all of the things you really liked about the property, I.E. a good location, in a good school district (if you have kids), close to work, a big backyard, a big walk in closet, etc. What, if anything, would I want or need to change?I, personally, would make this two lists- one of things that really need to be changed/fixed to make it livable and a list of things I would want to change but wouldn't have to be done right away.  If there are truly things that need to be fixed, such as a roof that needs replacing in the next year or so, then you can always negotiate this to get a credit from the seller once you write and offer.  If the price were right,...
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January 13, 2009 Step #1Approach The Home Buying Process Objectively... There is no such thing as a perfect house.  Use the 85% rule- make sure you are finding most everything you want (85%) in a house you purchase.  Write a list of ‘must haves' such as a dishwasher, 2 car garage, and three bedrooms.  Then write a list of ‘would like to have' items such as a pool, a hallway bathroom and walk in closet in the master bedroom.  It may sound wierd but it is also a good idea to make a list of the ‘must NOT have' things such as excessive road noise, a tiny backyard, etc.  This will give you and your realtor a clear and focused idea of what you want in your prospective house. Keep in mind that the good ones go quickly!  If you are serious about finding a house that suits your needs and you wan...
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By Shannon Karlstrom
(Aloha Realty)
Every once in a while, I see something that really gets under my skin, pisses me off, and reminds me that there are some real idiots out there. This morning, on my way to the office, I passed by my neighbors car parked in front of their home and was disgusted to see the vandalism shown in the picture.  It bothered me so much I left the office to return to the scene of the crime to take a couple of pictures and, if the opportunity arose, share my disdain for the cowardly act with our good neighbor. I ended up taking the pictures and chatting with another neighbor about the ridiculous things some people do and the need to watch over each other's homes' and property. Although, my neighbor (the recipient of this malicious act) is a person of color, I suspect that he was targeted, not becau...
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The new year... or maybe better, the end of an old year, gives us an opportunity to take a look back at the Chico housing market, compare some past housing numbers and try to spot any trends that may help us see where we could be headed in the future.  So, let's take a look... Total Sold     1st Qtr.    2nd Qtr.     3rd Qtr.     4th Qtr. Sold: 133 244 210 182 Avg. Price: 341,586 338,022 308,937 298,199 Median Price: 292,000 291,250 271,500 268,250 Days On Market: 92 64 86 64           REO's Sold: 5 38 47 47 Avg. Price: 343,980 257,794 239,924 255,960 Median Price: 250,000 265,500 238,000 228,900 DOM: 50 37 33 38           Short Sale Sold: 3 10 12 9 Avg. Price: 231,667 281,320 272,542 275,317 Median Price: 230,000 270,500 243,500 255,000 DOM: 99 39 105 110 *Note: descrepencies shown here...
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