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Redding, CA Real Estate News

By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
  In hot real estate markets around the country, bidding wars are becoming more common. While the process may be intimidating for many buyers, help them compete with other offers with these tips.   1. Prepare. Preparation is the foundation for a great competitive offer. Prepare your clients by explaining what a competitive offer situation is, what the process generally looks like and discuss any pros and cons. The more information your clients have about this time of situation, the better they will be able to handle any curve balls. 2. Discuss concessions. In multiple offer situations, the seller often chooses the offer that is the most beneficial to them. Discuss what your buyers would be willing to give up for a more competitive offer. Maybe they won’t ask for the washer and dryer to...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
  Join us once for an evening of unique chocolate delicacies and distinctive wine and beverage tastings.  Limited tickets available! Grab yours before they sell out!    This is a 21 and over event only.  Tickets will not available at the door. Tickets $35.00 each Buy Tickets Online   Buy Tickets online or at the Turtle Bay Museum Store & Coffee Bar now!
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
    DO’S AND DONT’S   Things you must know when purchasing a home or doing a refinance:   DON’T’s   DON’T quit your job or change jobs. DON’T BUY ANYTHING!  Purchase an auto or take on any additional debt. DON’T apply for credit anywhere or complete any credit application. DON’T co-Sign for ANYONE. DON’T change bank accounts or transfer money within your existing bank accounts.  If you must (i.e. C.D. matures, etc) please contact me regarding how to handle the updated information.  DON’T deposit CASH into any accounts; we cannot use cash funds! DON’T allow others to deposit their funds into your bank account(s) that are not listed on the bank account(s). DON’T have any Non-Sufficient-Funds (NSF’s) or overdrafts on your bank statements – THIS CAN BE A DEAL KILLER! DON’T purchase any othe...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
Make 2015 the year that your dreams come true! Setting realistic, measurable goals will help you achieve what you've always wanted. Not sure how to start? Here are some tips to set achievable goals.     THINK BIG. What is one thing that would inprove your life dramatically? Whether it pertains to getting healthy, ridding yourself of debt or getting a promotion at work, think of one thing that would give you the biggest boost and turn it into your goal. ANALYZE YOUR HABITS AND BEHAVIORS. Don't let bad habits and behaviors sabotage your hard work. Once you've thought of a goal, ask yourself these questions: What current habits or behaviors will help me reach my goal? What current habits or behaviors will impede my efforts? For example: If your goal is to run a marathon and you're already ...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
Do you get writer's block when you sit down to write holiday cards? If you're like many people, writing holiday cards can be a nerve wracking experience. You want your message to be memorable, but you may become hung up on finding the perfect thing to say. Instead of focusing on perfection, remember the spirit of the season and channel generosity with these five tips.      1. Start on a positive note. Beginning your note with "Happy Holidays" "Merry Christmas" "Happy Hanukkah" etc. will set a bright positive tone for the rest of the card. Example: Happy Holidays from the Jones family! Our Year has been full of many blessings.     2. Remember, it's a note, not a novel. Although it's tempting to recount everything that happened during the year, try to stick to the highlights. Focus on on...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
  Whether you're new to the neighborhood or you've lived there for years, the holidays provide a great opportunity to meet your neighbors. What better way to get to know the people on your block or in your building than to bring them a small, thoughtful gift to break the ice? The size of the gift doesn't matter; what matters is building relationships with your neighbors. Hot Cocoa or Apple Cider in Mugs will keep your neighbors toasty on a cold winter's day. Pick up a few sets at discount or department stores around the holidays.   Poinsettias are a symbol of the holiday season. Give one to your neighbor, or choose another winter flowering plant such as kalanchoe, amaryllis or paperwhite narcissus. Cookie Mixes in Mason Jars are sure to express the holiday spirit. Fill the jar with mixe...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
  In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to say thank you for your business. It’s truly an honor to serve great people like you! Below is an overview of just three of the services that I offer. If I can ever be of service, don’t hesitate to call. I’m never too busy for your referrals, so feel free to forward this information on to family and friends.   Have I told you lately that I'm thankful for your business? Your support is vital to my success, and I enjoy helping great people like you achieve the goal of home ownership. If you ever need anything, know that I'm never too busy to serve you. Here are just a few of the services I provide: Tap into my network of reliable local professionals. If your home requires maintenance, call me for a referral to a trusted professional in my network....
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
For many people, money is a source of stress. Fortunately there is hope. Follow these seven simple tips to develop good saving habits that are essential to help you take control of your financial future. Pay yourself first. Transfer a percentage of your paycheck to your savings account each payday. You earned the money; keep some of it! Save your tax refund and any work bonuses. It's tempting to spend your tax refund or bonus as soon as it reaches your bank account; however, if you can, save it in a high-yield savings account so that it can accumulate interest and grow. Cut back on your home expenses. From transitioning to a less-expensive cable television package or mobile phone plan to reducing your monthly grocery bill, there are lots of ways to cut home spending. If you're not sure ...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator. Polish your doorknobs and address numbers. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for. It's worth hiring a cleaning service if you can afford it. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
                              A reverse mortgage is a way for clients 62 or older to unlock the equity in their home turning it into tax free cash without a mortgage payment. (Borrowers are responsible for annual property taxes and insurance.)   Benefits of a HECM loan for your client A HECM loan is an effective way to convert home equity into cash liquidity for their needs. Other benefits of getting a HECM loan include: They continue to live in and own their home without having to make a mortgage payment Obtain tax free money for home repairs or improvements, property taxes and insurance, monthly proceeds to improve and more Supplemental retirement income allowing them to delay drawing from portfolio assets Cover medical expenses Improve legacy planning   How can I improve my clients r...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
A step-by-step game plan for what to expect from initial consultation all the way through to the closing of your home.        1. INITIAL APPOINTMENT     The purpose of the initial appointment is to understand your "needs and wants" as a buyer. This may be the most critical meeting of the home buying process. During this appointment, the entire purchasing pathway will be discussed.        2. DETERMINE THE PURCHASING PARAMETERS There are three criteria every buyer uses to find their home: location, price, and style/condition. These criteria, along with your "needs and wants," will determine the properties we search for and the homes we initially view.        3. ACQUIRE A PRE-APPROVAL Viewing homes without a pre-approval usually leads to a disappointment. Buyers who are wise discuss their ...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
How does the Escrow process work? The escrow is a depository for all monies, instructions and documents necessary for the purchase of your home, including your funds for down payment and your lender's funds and documents for the new loan. Generally, the buyer deposits a down payment with the escrow holder and the seller deposits the deed and any other necessary documents with the escrow holder. Prior to the close of the escrow the buyer deposits the balance of the funds required and agreed upon by the parties with the escrow holder. The buyer instructs the escrow holder to deliver the monies to the seller when the escrow holder: Forwards the deed to the title company for recording Is notified by the title company that a policy of title insurance can be issued showing title to the proper...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
We frequently refer to it as the "prelim" report, it's our office lingo but the actual terms is the Title Preliminary Report - it is an offer to issue a policy of title insurance covering a particular estate or interest in land subject to stated exceptions. Since these exceptions may point to potential problems with an intended purchase, it is important for all parties to review the report once it is received. A Preliminary Report provides a list of the matters which will be shown as exceptions to coverage in a designated policy or policies of title insurance, if issued concurrently, covering a particular state or interest in land. It is designated to provide a preliminary response to an application for title insurance and is intended to facilitate the issuance of the designated policy ...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
Protect yourself from these ten common pitfalls: Mistake No. 1 - Choosing a real estate agent who is not committed to forming a strong business relationship with you.  How to Avoid it: Making a connection with the right real estate agent is crucial. Choosing a professional who is dedicated to serving your needs--before, during and after the sale. Mistake No. 2 - Making an offer on a home without being pre-qualified.  How to Avoid it: Pre-qualification will make your life easier-- take the time to talk with bank or mortgage representatives. Their specific questions with regard to income, debt and other factors will help you determine the price range that you can afford. It is one of the most important steps on the path to home-ownership. Mistake No. 3 - Not knowing the total costs involv...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
It's Easy to forget to put money into an emergency fund until circumstances make one essential. Below is a list of the most common situations where having an emergency fund may prevent financial stress and keep you from going into debt.   You or your spouse loses a job. A job loss can happen to anyone at anytime. Regardless of the circumstances behind the redundancy, it's crucial to have enough money in savings to cover your expenses for three to six months. This will keep you current on your bills while you cut back on expenses and find new employment. Emergency medical and dental bills. Even if you have health insurance, emergencies, unexpected expenses and high deductibles can put you in a financial rut if you don't have enough money saved to cover the bill. A healthy savings account...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
What is an Escrow? Buyers and sellers of a piece of property establish terms and conditions for the transfer of ownership of the property. These terms and conditions are given to a third party known as the escrow holder. In turn, the escrow holder has the responsibility of seeing that terms of the escrow are carried out. The escrow is an independent neutral account and the vehicle by which the mutual instructions of all parties to the transaction are complied with. Why is an Escrow needed? Whether you are the buyer or the seller, you want assurance that no funds or property will change hands until all instructions have been followed. With the increasing complexity of business, law and tax structures, it takes a trained professional to supervise the transaction. How long is an Escrow? Th...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
Imagine having the money to live comfortably, take a dream vacation, pay for your child's education and maintain your lifestyle during retirement. For many, financial freedom may seem like a pipe dream; however, by adhering to a spending plan (budget), it is possible to eliminate debt, save for a rainy day and alleviate the stress you feel every month when you pay your bills. 58%of Americans track their spending against a montly budget. Budget: Spending Money on Purpose To achieve financial freedom, you must create an intentional spending plan and stick with it. Though it may feel overwhelming, a spending plan is necessary in order to meet your short-term and long-term goals. Get a clear picture of your current financial situation: List all of your fixed expenses, such as utilities, gro...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
Thinking of renovating your kitchen? You're not alone. The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms of the house to remodel. Whether you're updating your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint and more storage or you're in for a complete overhaul, here are three questions to ask before you get out the sledgehammer. What does your dream kitchen look like? Make a list of everything you want in your ideal kitchen, including the floors, countertops, appliances, fixtures, back splash, etc. Flip through interior design magazines or look online for inspiration. How much of your dream kitchen can you afford? A basic kitchen upgrade: What's included? The kitchen footprints stay intact, but the space gets a basic, DIY cosmetic makeover including new budget-friendly appliances, a lick of paint and new...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
Friends don't let friends rely on strangers for their real estate needs  The average family moves every 5 to 7 years. Whether moving across town or across the country, it's important for you and your family and friends to have an agent you can trust. I am part of an exclusive network of real estate professionals that operate throughout North America and are committed to serving and providing value to clients before, during and after the transaction. My network has closed approximately $17 billion in residential sales in 2010 through working by referral.   12.5% of Americans moved within the past year: of this percentage, 16.7% moved to a different county in the same state and 11.5% moved to a different state.   The advantages of working with an agent in my network: Our clients are more ...
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By Chris and Maria Jeantet, Top Realtors in Redding CA
(Shasta Living Real Estate)
Here are some essential tips for sellers and aspiring home buyers. Make sure you also lean into your trusted real estate professional for additional insight and guidance. Smart strategies for sellers Putting a home up for sale can be stressful, and some home owners have a hard time making objective decisions when it matters most. Homeowners consistently overestimate the market value of their homes by 5 to 10 percent. Price it right Your listing agent will perform a current market analysis. Look closely at the sales of similar homes that have closed in the last 90 days and take the number of available listings into account when agreeing to an asking price. Keep in mind Homes that have failed to attract a buyer in a reasonable period of time may be overpriced. Foreclosures or short sales ...
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