I did an occupancy check for a bank yesterday, my mission was to find out if the previous mortgagor had vacated the property. I pulled up public records and realized that the auction had occurred just 3 days ago. Wow, the bank is moving fast on this one. When I returned to my office to data enter my findings, the last prompt was to upload a file. It doesn't say what to upload, it just gives me the option of uploading a jpeg or pdf. This wasn't an optional field, mind you, it was required. I thought about this for awhile, and figured what I was supposed to upload was a photo of the front elevation. I decided instead to upload a photo that would speak volumes. This is a high-end home. Leaving the pool the way it is will be leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table. I'm not sure w... 09/23/2011

FHA 203k consultant in Fairfax to Santa Rosa FHA 203k consultant or HomeStyle renovation consultant Wow, we are very thankful for the volume of business we get from the local communities. This has been a very busy past few weeks... not too busy but it is fun to see an area as the local real estate market embraces the FHA 203k.  I've always been excited when someone new understands the power of the 203k but when a community or local area gets it, it is phenomenal. Kudos t you in Marin and Sonoma Counties for getting on board and moving those "hard to sell" properties as you are. Go for it. We have a couple that are fire burned and we'll be restoring them and one has an addition as well. Another is a home that has just grown old with the seller and had very little updating. A few walls ca... 09/23/2011

This ancient adage simply means that the facts of a matter point to one conclusion.  Since I write articles about lending and real estate, I’ll give you the facts and let’s see if “all roads lead to Rome”, that is, we conclude the same thing.   Interest rates on 30 year and 15 year fixed rate mortgages are at historic lows. Mortgage interest deduction is still intact. Property values are at or near the bottom of the market in many areas. Owning a home is as cheap as renting in many areas of the country. There are lots of homes being sold everywhere in the country. Loans are being made in all areas of the country. FHA ( Federal Housing Administration) still makes loans to Buyers with 3.5% down and there are still zero down programs! Hard Money loans now account for 1% of all loans done ... 09/21/2011

I confess...Spring Lake Park in Santa Rosa, CA beckoned me so I played hookey (hookie? hooky? You know what I mean!) yesterday afternoon. The late summer weather was a perfect 78 degrees and it was just too nice to stay inside and work, so I jumped in our ’65 VW convertible and headed over to glorious Spring Lake Park in Bennett Valley.       Spring Lake is one of my favorites of the 46 inspiring regional parks in our magnificent Sonoma County parks system and it is almost within walking distance of my home in Santa Rosa.  Situated in Bennett Valley, there are numerous hiking trails, a great family picnic and swim area at the Lagoon, bike trails, playgrounds, boat launches, horse trails, overnight camp grounds and of course the lovely Spring Lake. This park is typically filled with lots... 09/06/2011

Elise Groves, Mortgage Broker, interviews Debra Speer from Property ID about the extensive information provided in a Property ID Natural Hazards Report about earthquakes. You need to be informed about the location of critical fault lines when you are looking to buy a home. Get those inspections done, then make a decision! A Property ID Report is the most thorough in the industry, so insist that your agent obtain the best for you. For more information, call Debra Speer at 707.974.0387. For all your home financing needs, call Elise Groves at 707.546.0440. www.GrovesTeam.net 08/24/2011

3 Days Left! ~ Sonoma County Fair 2011 ~ 1350 Bennett Valley Rd. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 This years Sonoma County Fair dates are July 27th - August 14th, 2011.  Only three days left to enjoy all the fun and excitement!  The Sonoma County Fair is celebrating it's 75th Anniversary with a Diamond Jubilee Celebration you won't want to miss!  It's everything you'll love about the annual Fair plus loads of Special events and surprises planned just for this milestone occasions.      Fair Dates:  July 27th - August 14th, 2011 Fair Hours:  11:00am - 11:00pm Tickets: General Admission $9 (ages 13+) Children:  7 - 12 $3 (Free on Thursdays) Children:  0 - 6 (Free everyday) Seniors (60+):  (Free on Wednesday)   Don't forget to stop by the Garden Show at the annual Sonoma County Fair 2011.  It's a beaut... 08/12/2011

 Home Staging Success Stories ~ 8/7/11 Home Stagers make up one part of the successful sale of a home...  the presentation part.  Stagers are trained to see a home through the buyers eyes... and from start to sale we the Stager, Realtor and Homeowner all have the same goal in mind.  We all want the house to sell in the shortest amount of time for the best price. There are many kinds of success stories.  For a Home Stager it could be a kind word from the Realtor or Homeowner when they tell you what a difference you made on their listing or home.  Or after you have staged a Homeowner's home and they ask you to come and stage their new home that they are moving to.  It could be a referral from a Homeowner or a Realtor.  Or when a Realtor calls you in to stage their listing and give it a gr... 08/07/2011

Home Staging Tips ~ Advice for Sellers ~ 8/3/11 When selling a home PRICE and PRESENTATION are KEY to a SUCCESSFUL SALE.  The right PRICE gets buyers in the door and the PRESENTATION brings in offers.  The two together can equal success.  When you are preparing your home for sale and before you put it on the market ask yourself...  have I done everything I can to make my home a captivating home that buyers will find irresistible?  Does your home stand out above the competition in your area?  Will your home make an emotional connection with every potential buyer that walks through your door? Buyers are looking for a turn key home... a home that is in move in ready condition.  First and foremost...  your home should be clean..  as clean as clean can be!  No clutter of any kind... your hom... 08/04/2011

Sonoma County Fair 2011 ~ Sonoma County Fairgrounds ~ 1350 Bennett Valley Rd. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 This year's Sonoma County Fair dates are July 27th - August 14th, 2011.  The Sonoma County Fair is celebrating its 75th Anniversary with a Diamond Jubilee Celebration you won't want to miss!  It's everything you'll love about the annual Fair plus loads of special events and surprises planned just for this milestone occasion. Fair Dates:  July 27 - August 14th Fair Hours:  11:00am - 11:00pm Tickets:  Gereral Admission $9 (ages 13+) Children 7 -12:  $3 (Free on Thursdays) Children 0 - 6:  (Free everyday) Seniors (60+):  (Free on Wednesdays) Parking Pavilion Lot: $8 Median Lot: $8 Veterans Bldg. Lot: $7 Brookwood Lot: $6 Special Attractions Music Trace Adkins ~ Huey Lewis and The News ~ David... 07/14/2011

Sold 329 Pythian Road Sales Price: $260,000 Beautiful views of the golf course and Hood Mountain Charming two-dedroom, two-bathroom B-unit Bright, spacious living room with fireplace Dining room has lots of natural light For more information on the community of Oakmont, please click on www.oakmontcalifornia.com     07/14/2011

1928 Sansone Drive Santa Rosa, CA 95403 is Under Contract A nicely remodeled home located in a very nice neighborhood with 3 Bedrooms and 1 Bathroom.  This home was built in 1983 and is 996 square feet and has a one car garage.  With a very large backyard and mature trees this home makes a perfect setting for family gatherings and entertaining. Lot's of upgrades...  New Kitchen Cabinets and hardware, all new Stainless Steel Appliances and sink.  New Light Fixtures, Granite Counter Tops and new paint throughout.  This home is a great buy at only 225K. Presented by:  Hermie Bacus BEST Realty Services 925.522.5454 hermie@bestrealty-ca.com MLS# 21114571 Breathtaking Beauty located at 1928 Sansone Drive Santa Rosa, CA 95403                 This Home was Beautifully Staged by With Divine Styl... 07/11/2011

Who is The Groves Team   Specializing in Santa Rosa CA Mortgages, California Home Loans, Northern CA Mortgage Lender, FHA Loans, FHA Mortgage,VA Loans & Jumbo Loans, Santa Rosa Sonoma County CA Refinance.  Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Windsor, Rohnert,Glen Ellen, Forestville, Graton, Sonoma County California.   For over 25 years we have been grateful to call Santa Rosa and the beautiful Northern California wine country our home.   It’s been said that if you are comfortable in your environment, you will thrive and it’s true.  What’s not to love about Sonoma County and it’s beautiful year round weather,  drop dead gorgeous scenery in every direction, wonderful communities of ‘real’ people, world class wineries, restaurants and spas,  and it’s close proximity to magnificent San Francisco.   To... 07/09/2011

 Sold 8655 Oakmont Drive Sales Price: $645,000 Backs to the 15th fairway of the east golf course 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms Annadel floor plan Kitchen remodeled with raised counters and tile countertops Updated bathrooms with tile countertops and designer lights Family room has built-in shelving, recessed and spot lighting Lattice-work patio covering for outdoor entertaining For more information on the community of Oakmont, please click on www.oakmontcalifornia.com     07/07/2011

Sold 8832 Oakmont Drive Sales Price: $399,000 Bright, spacious, 3-bedrooms, 2-baths, Aspen floor plan Lovely kitchen with lots of natural light Open living room and dining room with firplace Newer roof, dual pane windows and newer appliances Lovely back yard with views of Hood Mountain For more information on the community of Oakmont, please click on www.oakmontcalifornia.com     06/30/2011

Sold 91 Aspen Meadows Circle Sales Price: $319,000 Beautifully updated Oakwood floor plan 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Remodeled kitchen with granite countertops Jetted tub in master bathroom Charming patio, perfect for outdoor entertaining Walking distance to West Rec Center and downtown Oakmont For more information on the community of Oakmont, please click on www.oakmontcalifornia.com 06/29/2011

Meet Zen at Dr. Ty Affleck Office in Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Zen is a service dog who lives with my Family Doctor.  Zen spends all day at the office and then goes home with my Doctor at night!  He absolutely loves people... he greets you at the door and will look at you with those adorable eyes that say; won't you play with me? With his toy rope in mouth he will give you a nudge and if you play with him you will have a best friend for life!!!  He loves to play dead and will pose for any pictures that you wish to take of him.  My Doctor has had the privilege of having him for over 9 years now and he said that Zen is the best dog he has ever had!   Ty Affleck, MD Santa Rosa Sports Medicine 1255 North Dutton Avenue Santa Rosa, California 95401 Family Practice ~ Sports Medicine 707.546.9400  ... 06/26/2011

 Sold 121 Valley Lakes Drive Sales Price: $440,000 3-bedrooms, 2-baths, Cedar floor plan Spacious kitchen with lots of natural light Bright, open living room with fireplace Lovely views from dining room Located on the 17th fairway of the west golf course For more information on the community of Oakmont, please click on www.oakmontcalifornia.com 06/23/2011

 Just Sold 6349 Stone Bridge Road Sales Price: $370,000 Light and bright 3-bedroom, 2-bath Juniper floor plan Spacious kitchen and breakfast area with lots of storage space Large, open living room with fireplace Beautiful and private yard backing to wooded area Close to West Recreation Center and Annadel Park For more information on the community of Oakmont, please click on www.oakmontcalifornia.com       06/22/2011

Just Sold 369 Twin Lakes Drive Sales Price: $205,000 Bright 2-bedroom, 2-bath, Sequioa 16C floor plan Living room with lots of natural light Lovely private patio Located near the east golf course For more information on the community of Oakmont, please click on www.oakmontcalifornia.com 06/21/2011

Just Sold 424 Woodley Way Sales Price: $510,250 Bright and spacious, 3-bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms Beautiful Annadel model with hardwood floors Spacious kitchen and breakfast area with lots of natural light Large, open living room with fireplace For more information on the community of Oakmont, please click on www.oakmontcalifornia.com   06/15/2011