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Chico, CA Real Estate News

By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
October 24, 2008 Many home sellers are disappointed by the first offer they receive. For example, when your agent calls to say that she has an offer on your home, your adrenaline might start flowing profusely. You get really excited, but your happy bubble bursts when you are presented with the contract. It's just not enough! The buyers asked for your new washing machine, and they also want to postpone the closing for three months. You don't see how it can work! Before rejecting any offer on your property, you should consider making a counter offer. Rarely does an offer look the way it would if you had written it yourself. Consider the good and bad points of the offer, and work with the agents to find a middle ground that you and buyers can live with. You may have to go back and forth s...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
October 23, 2008 This is a loaded question with no definite answer but let me give you some tips.  Right now, many people believe that the market in Chico is in favor of buyers, being that the housing prices are down some from what they were a year or so ago.  With that being said, most buyers have to also sell their current house in order to buy their next home.  So in that case, you may not be able to sell your house for the ultimate "high" price but if you go to buy another house in Chico, or an a town with a similar market, then you will not be spending as much either.  This makes it a wash.  Some exceptions to this may include, if you are a first time home buyer right now market conditions are in your favor.  Or if you are moving from a different town that may have a different mark...
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By Jeanne Newton
(Coldwell Banker Dufour Realty)
I just left my client who I am helping in a short sale process.  She purchased the run-down home 3 years ago in a run-down neighborhood. She secured a loan through a well-known lender even though she had only a small income coming in: monthly SSI of $856.00, adoption care credit of $617.00 per month and $295.00 of monthly welfare money. It was her very first home purchase and she knew nothing of the process. She did not have a realtor and did not have any inspections done on the property.  Immediately after moving in, the roof started leaking,  It was cold and drafty.  She had rats and foul odors from an unknown source. The gas pipe broke outside, most of the house siding flew away in a wind storm and she just financially could not fix anything.  This woman told me she cooked her Thanks...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
October 21, 2008 21+ Common Closing Costs For Buyers 1. Down Payment2. Loan Origination Fee and Points3. Appraisal Fee4. Credit Report5. Flood Letter6. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Premium7. Home Owners Insurance Premium8. Mortgage Insurance Escrow9. Home Owners Insurance Escrow10. Property Taxes Escrow11. Closing Fees12. Recording Fees13. Mortgage Title Policy14. Owner's Title Policy15. Mortgage Interest Adjustment16. Survey17. Termite Inspection and Building Inspection Fee18. Tax Servicing Fee19. Lender Inspection Fee20. Notary Fees21. Federal Express (if needed)* Other - Misc. Fees ----------------------- Take a look at my latest market reporthttp://www.ryanvaught.com/?cf=mls/report1 Currently Ryan has about 40+ listings in inventory, and will have sold over 23 homes so far in 20...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
October 20, 2008 18 Steps Most Buyers Take To Buy Their Home Step #1. Look for an agent to help you through the maze. Step #2. Interview the agent...set an appointment with an agent to find out if they have the skills, services and professional attitude you're looking for. Step #3. Discover if the agent is working "for" you or "with" you... client or customer? Step #4. Clarify your wants and needs to your agent...let them know your objectives and timetable. Step #5. Have the agent help you establish your purchasing power...this may include getting preapproved. Step #6. Select the best three to five properties to see. Step #7. View each property objectively. Step #8. Write the offer to purchase following the "6 Keys To Making You & Your Offer Look Great". Step #9. Have your agent presen...
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The following questions to ask yourself are the keys to being ready, willing and able to purchase when you find the right home. Doing the homework and getting your papers in order will make the home buying process much easier. Question #1. Do you have a current lease? Question #2. Can you sublet your current residence? Question #3. How important is it to remain in your current residence until the lease expires? Question #4. Can you be flexible on dates? The following questions to ask yourself are the keys to being ready, willing and able to purchase when you find the right home. Doing the homework and getting your papers in order will make the home buying process much easier. Ryan's Properties For Sale   Page 1 of 4Compare Favorites 000 Grubbs Rd, Oroville $2,600,000         Small acrea...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
October 2, 2008 Key Questions To Ask A Home Inspector Before Hiring One •· What type of licenses, certificates or designations do you hold? •· What is the scope of your inspection? How detailed will the inspection be? •· How many inspections do you do per year on residential homes like ours? •· How long does the actual on-site inspection normally take? •· Will you allow us to accompany you on the inspection? •· What type of report will we receive and will it include estimates of costs to correct defects? •· Do you carry errors-and-omissions insurance or give any warranties/guarantees? •· How much does an inspection cost for a property like ours? •· How quickly can we get it done? •· Do you have a list of past customers and clients that we may call as referrals?   Interested in learning ...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
September 30, 2008 Issue #1 Why buy a condominium?Make a list of all the reasons you want a condominium rather than a single family detached house. Issue #2 Is what you're looking at really a condominium?If you want a condominium be sure you're not buying a look-alike (ex: townhouse, zero lot line, etc.). Make sure it is technically a condominium. Issue  #3Pay close attention to the covenants, restrictions, by-laws, indentures, etc.Are these things you would be okay adhering to? Issue #4Don't hesitate to contact the "Board of Directors" for questions and concerns.This is the body who should be able to give you the facts on key issues that may be important to you and also make you aware of past problems. Issue #5Take time to learn the key rules governing condominiums.3 Federal, state and...
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#1 There is no perfect house......when you find a house/property that is consistent with your top few priorities -consider writing an offer. Seldom does a buyer find a property that has more than 85% of what they want/need. #2The popular properties priced right go quickly-so be actively looking on places such as ryanvaught.com for the newest property listings in your area.  #3Package yourself and your offer so that both look good to a seller. You may be in competition with one or more buyers for the same property. See post from September 26, 2008 "5 Keys To Making You & Your Offer Look Great in Chico". #4The home buying process is complex, so consider using professional service providers such as real estate agents, attorneys, etc. Also, do your homework and research the home buying proc...
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Key #1Proof of ability to pay... have evidence of loan approval or cash. A preapproval letter from a lender is best. Key # 2 Earnest Money...put down enough earnest money to make your offer look attractive to the seller. Think about 10-20% as a good guideline for a down payment. Key #3 Offer a realistic price for the property that you think the seller might accept. If you are putting in an offer way under asking price your chance of acceptance is much lower.  However, when making an offer consider how long the house has been on the market and how "hot" or popular it is with other potential buyers. Key #4 Be careful not to include too many terms, conditions & contingencies that might make your offer less desirable to the seller. Only include those terms, conditions & contingencies you re...
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By Shannon Karlstrom
(Aloha Realty)
Today in Chico, CA, there are 446 active single family homes available on the market as indicated in the Sierra North Valley MLS. 92 homes are currently pending sale, representing a 21% absorption rate. During the month of August: 68 single family homes were reported sold, Average sale price, $302,339, Median sale price, $279,450, Average DOM (Days on Market), 74 Sold homes sold for an average of 92% of their list price. Compared to the activity during Q2 of 2008: Click ChicoRealEstateVoice.com to read more...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
Some information I have collected over the years on your decision of selling your home.http://www.ryanvaught.com/?cf=articles/seller/shouldyousellyourhome Time to move on? Selling your home is always a big undertaking, but if you're armed with the right strategies and a bit of finesse, you'll be out the door at the price you want. This guide will show you: When to put your home on the market to up your shot at a quick sale How to price your home fairly and effectively in order to attract buyers The entire process of selling a home, explained step-by-step in plain English Should You Sell Your Home? Selling your home is a big decision that you should make for only the right reasons. Good Reasons to Sell Your Home Circumstances may force you to sell your home, or you may have your own reas...
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By Suzi Enders, Paradise California Realtor
(North Star Real Estate)
One of the favorite things to do is to enjoy concerts in the part in Chico, Ca.   Music fills the City plaza on selected summer evenings.  Every type of music from jazz to swingcounty even raggae will keep your toes tapping or bring about the mood for a little dance.   Another very entertaining activiity is Movies in the Park at the One Mile Recreation Area in Chico's Bidwell Park.  Come and enjoy a variety of childrens favorites including "The Great Muppet Caper", "The Never Ending Story" and "The Bee Movie".  These will delight! For times, dates and showings, visit www.chicoer.com.      
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By Shannon Karlstrom
(Aloha Realty)
Depreciation slows as sales activity picks up and Chico houses sell faster! 2nd Quarter 2008: 242 Single Family Homes Sold Average price of $339,282 Median price of $289,750 Average Days on Market, 65 1st Quarter 2008:* 133 Single Family Homes Sold Average price of $341,549 Median price of $292,000 Average Days on Market, 92 *Revised slightly from my market snapshot posted on May 23, 2008 Despite a barrage of negative financial and housing news, the Chico real estate market appears strong. IndyMac Bank may be down the tubes. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are getting help from the government in an attempt to stave off investor worries. And, perhaps scariest of all, Budweiser, the all American "King of Beers", is being taken over by a Belgian company! But, as the numbers show, the Chico, CA ...
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By Ryan Vaught
(Ryan Vaught Real Estate)
Over the years I have put together a few tips for my sellers. Here are the top 8 steps to selling your home. Starting with what you need and why, and ending with closing. The more informed a seller is the better I can help them get to their next home. Define your needs. Write down all the reasons for selling your home. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to sell and what do I expect to accomplish with the sale?" For example, a growing family may prompt your need for a larger home, or a job opportunity in another city may necessitate a move. For your goals, write down if you'd like to sell your house within a certain time frame or make a particular profit margin. Work with your real estate agent to map out the best path to achieve your objectives and set a realistic time frame for the sale. Nam...
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By Sandi Bauman, Chico CA Realtor
(Chico Homes Real Estate)
  Search for ALL Chico foreclosure listings! Chico, Paradise, Magalia, Oroville, Orland, Willows Home Search Links Search for Additional Chico Foreclosures Photo Gallery Description This property will be irresistible for those savvy investors looking for a GREAT fixer. Lots of square footage here for the money! Located on a great big fenced lot in town, on a wide, shady street. Original hardwood, some newer windows, and 3 bonus rooms. Features Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1.25 Year Built: 1950 Lot Size: .34 Acres Garage Size: Converted Square Footage: 1398 Agent Name: Sandi Bauman Broker: Chico Homes MLS #: 200803746 Location 852 Lindo Lane Chico CA Powered by vFlyer.com vFlyerId: 1620566 MUST HAVE information: Foreclosures: What you should know BEFORE you make an offer, Part 1 Foreclosures: ...
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By Shannon Karlstrom
(Aloha Realty)
Since the previous Market Report 5/12/2008: 27 Single Family Homes have sold in the greater Chico, CA area with an average sales price of, $306,052 and a median sales price of, $285,000. Average days on market of those sold was 53. The most active market with 4 homes sold, was the $280,000 to $284,999 price range. These figures reflect a 21% decrease in sales activity from the previous 2 week period, a 9% decrease in average sale price and 3% decrease in median sales price. Average days on market improved substantially, from 79 to 53, representing a 33% reduction in days on market for homes sold. Currently: 440 Single Family Homes are for sale (including those reported as contingent and temporarily off market). 121 Homes are Pending sale. Average days on market of available homes is, 1...
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Snapshot Comparison: Average Sold Prices for Chico, CA 1st Quarter 2008: 132 Single Family Homes Sold Average price of $340,955 Median price of $292,000 Average Days on Market, 91 1st Quarter 2007: 207 Single Family Homes Sold Average price of $366,835 Median price of $330,500 Average Days on Market, 92 1st Quarter 2006: 187 Single Family Homes Sold Average price of $374,134 Median price of $339,000 Average Days on Market, 69 Analysis: The Chico, CA real estate market has experienced continued home price declines in home values as reported during the 1st quarter of the past three years. 7% reduction in price from 1st Qtr. 2007 to 1st Qtr. 2008 2% reduction in price from 1st Qtr. 2006 to 1st Qtr. 2007 That's a total of only 9% reduction in average home values comparing 1st Qtr. 2006 to 1...
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By Shannon Karlstrom
(Aloha Realty)
Here in Chico, California, we are lucky to have so many great resources for fun and leisure. One of the best resources to learn or to develop a new skill or hobie, is the Chico Area Recreation and Parks District (C.A.R.D). Their motto is, “Helping People Play”.  And, that is just what they do. This week will be the last of a 3 week (6 session) class for learning the basics of tennis I have enjoyed with my wife, mother-in-law, and about 10 other folks. We have really enjoyed the classes taught by, patient and entertaining, tennis instructor, Jerry Brayton. But, the best part could very well be the free use of the ball machine that cranks out ball after ball. Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 to about 7:30pm at the Community Park Tennis Courts… check their website for future clas...
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By Shannon Karlstrom
(Aloha Realty)
  "I Heard on the news that the Real Estate Market will continue to Decline, so I'm going to wait and see What Happens Before I Buy" You know what I'm talking about. You've probably heard something similar to this from clients dozens of times in recent months. Or, you've heard it from friends and colleagues. It is the kind of attitude that frustrates markets and stagnates economies. But, it works both ways. Think back, if you will, to the frenzied activity of just a few short years ago. Back then, when the real estate market was really cooking, the "buzz" was about enormous value gains and fortunes being made. These reports-stimulated by the media- helped to fuel the biggest real estate boom in history. Consumers were driven, despite rationality in many instances, to to jump in and buy...
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