So...you have decided to join the fast-growing trend of eco-friendly living and want to purchase a green home. As with so many "Green" products currently available, from organic milk to hybrid cars, it's tough to know if the house you'dl ike to buy is good for the environment. So how do you determine what makes a house green?
Going Green-Where to start: The first step is ensuring that the house is built to standard. Find out if the builder is a member of his or her local home-building association's green building program.
A good resource for this information is the National Association of Home Builders website http://www.nahb.org the site also features an outline of new home building green standards, which include: energy, water, and resource efficiency; lot and site developement; indoor air quality; global impact; and homeowner education.
Another source of good information is Home Depot's eco-friendly product guide http://www.homedepot.com/ecooptions Buying eco-friendly products is a growing trend with no end in site.
For more information on this, and any other Home buying or selling topic, contact:
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Connect Realty
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Toll Free 866-333-6333
wendmae@wendimae.com
http://www.wendimae.com
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Why do you need a Realtor?
Buying or selling a home, or buying investment Property-is one of the most important things one does in their lifetime...other than marriage or having children.
Why wouldn't you want a Professional working right beside you?
In this Supercharged marketplace, you need more than just a Realtor. You need a professional with the unique training and know-how to create opportunities, and identify potential pitfalls up front, and make your home buying experience an unqualified success.
You need a Certified Residential Specialist. A Specialist gives you Exposure, Professionalism, Financing Expertise and Connections, Pricing and Market Knowledge, Negotiaion skills, Advice, Protection, Not to mention Knowledge of Real Estate Law.
Let's Blog...
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Connect Realty
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Vice Chair Land Use & Environmental
wendimae@wendimae.com
http://www.wendimae.com
Toll Free 866-333-6333
Why wouldn't you want a Professional working right beside you?
In this Supercharged marketplace, you need more than just a Realtor. You need a professional with the unique training and know-how to create opportunities, and identify potential pitfalls up front, and make your home buying experience an unqualified success.
You need a Certified Residential Specialist. A Specialist gives you Exposure, Professionalism, Financing Expertise and Connections, Pricing and Market Knowledge, Negotiaion skills, Advice, Protection, Not to mention Knowledge of Real Estate Law.
Let's Blog...
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Connect Realty
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Vice Chair Land Use & Environmental
wendimae@wendimae.com
http://www.wendimae.com
Toll Free 866-333-6333
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Energy Efficiency-Learn to be GREEN!
It is easier than you think to be Green...Home improvements don’t have to be epic to relieve utility costs. Here are ideas to start you off-thinking GREEN!
Some things you can do, that cost little to no money-AND over time, will actually save you lots of cash:
-If you have a home office-buy an “All-in-one” FAX, Scanner, and Copier...saves A LOT of energy, and costs you less to operate.
-When you go to bed at night, or out of town-or even during the day when not using your TV or VCR-turn off the power strip...keep in mind, when your appliances are off, but still plugged in-they pull and use power. This will save you anywhere from $60.-$100. a year on your Electric bill.
-Recycling, in general, is huge. It is so much better to buy a re-usable beverage bottle-than to buy bottled water...just think of how much you will save-using filtered water, over buying bottled water.
-Turn up the air conditioner thermostat.
-Change filters often.
-Plant trees on the South and West sides of the home to provide shade and reduce interior temperatures.
-Landscape with drought-resistant or indigenous plants, which retain more water.
-Add motion sensor lights, to save electricity.
-Install a gas fireplace in an addition, such as a den or sunroom, which will extend heat to that room.
-Replace appliances with Energy Star-rated versions. They exceed Government energy-efficiency standards by 10-25%.
-Invest in new, more energy efficient heating and cooling systems.
-Paint your home’s exterior a light color-as darker colors retain more heat.
-Plug up air leaks, which are equivalent of leaving a window open all year.
This can save up to 10% of your energy bill.
-Install double-glazed windows with low-emisson glass, which allow maximum light while keeping out heat and cold.
-When replacing roofing, install light-colored shingles made of material or tile to reflect heat.
-Add insulation in walls.
This is just a start! Feel free to email me-should you like more information or links to helpful energy saving “GREEN” websites!
Check out: http://www.epa.org
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate
Connect Realty
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Toll free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
Some things you can do, that cost little to no money-AND over time, will actually save you lots of cash:
-If you have a home office-buy an “All-in-one” FAX, Scanner, and Copier...saves A LOT of energy, and costs you less to operate.
-When you go to bed at night, or out of town-or even during the day when not using your TV or VCR-turn off the power strip...keep in mind, when your appliances are off, but still plugged in-they pull and use power. This will save you anywhere from $60.-$100. a year on your Electric bill.
-Recycling, in general, is huge. It is so much better to buy a re-usable beverage bottle-than to buy bottled water...just think of how much you will save-using filtered water, over buying bottled water.
-Turn up the air conditioner thermostat.
-Change filters often.
-Plant trees on the South and West sides of the home to provide shade and reduce interior temperatures.
-Landscape with drought-resistant or indigenous plants, which retain more water.
-Add motion sensor lights, to save electricity.
-Install a gas fireplace in an addition, such as a den or sunroom, which will extend heat to that room.
-Replace appliances with Energy Star-rated versions. They exceed Government energy-efficiency standards by 10-25%.
-Invest in new, more energy efficient heating and cooling systems.
-Paint your home’s exterior a light color-as darker colors retain more heat.
-Plug up air leaks, which are equivalent of leaving a window open all year.
This can save up to 10% of your energy bill.
-Install double-glazed windows with low-emisson glass, which allow maximum light while keeping out heat and cold.
-When replacing roofing, install light-colored shingles made of material or tile to reflect heat.
-Add insulation in walls.
This is just a start! Feel free to email me-should you like more information or links to helpful energy saving “GREEN” websites!
Check out: http://www.epa.org
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate
Connect Realty
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Toll free 866-333-6333
http://www.wendimae.com
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Location, Location, Location! attop the Hills of Cameron Park
Residential lot offered for: $225,000 -.69 Acre view lot. Panoramic views of the foothills and Lake. Excellent court location. Check out that Sunset!
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Vice Chair Land Use & Environmental
Toll Free 866-333-6333
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Property Values Re-Assessed
Property owner information: www.parcelquest.com
El Dorado County Records: www.governmentregistry.org
Public Records: www.govtregistry.com
Call or Email your Assessor at: 530-621-5719 or
jwinners@co.el-dorado.ca.us
PRESS RELEASE FOR EL DORADO COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS FROM ASSESSOR TIM HOLCOMB
El Dorado County Assessor Tim Holcomb announces 12,000 properties to be reviewed for lowered assessments Placerville, March 28, 2008: Tim Holcomb, El Dorado County Assessor, today announced that more than 12,000 properties are under review and considered for lower property tax assessments. Generally, the reviewed properties are those with assessments resulting from changes in ownership or new construction that occurred during the peak of the real estate market. Holcomb explained the process involves three steps. "First, we have already selected all properties which sold or had some reassessment activity between June 2004 and December 2007. Now, we are currently processing sales and new construction values through the end on March 2008, in order to get an accurate picture of the market in January. Finally we will evaluate the decline in the market and decrease assessments accordingly." The reduced assessed values will be reflected in the tax bill for the 2008/2009 fiscal year, which begins July 1st, 2008.
Holcomb says that, depending on what other charges are on the property tax bill, property owners could see a reduction of up to twenty percent in the tax bills mailed out this coming fall.
The Assessor went on to clarify that a 1978 constitutional amendment (Proposition 8), requires the Assessor to recognize a temporary loss in value. Each year, the Assessor is to enroll the lower of the factored base year value or current market value as of the lien date, January 1st. Normally, the factored value assessed under Prop13 is lower than market, but in a down market, the reverse can occur, and when it does, the Assessor temporarily lowers the assessed value.
"The property is assessed at whichever is lower, the factored base year value or the market value" Holcomb explained "As we understand the current market, if the property was purchased before somewhere around the middle of 2004, before the market really took off, the trended base year value is still lower than the market value.
The most likely
candidates for a reduction are those who purchased or built a home sometime after the middle of 2004."
Property owners whose values have been reduced will receive a notice from the Assessor showing the new assessed value. The Assessor's Office will also review property at the request of the owner. The Assessor reviewed and lowered several hundred properties retroactively for the 2007/2008 fiscal year. Under current law, the Assessor has until July 1st of 2008 to recognize declines in value as of January 1st, 2007.
Once a reduced assessment is in place, California law requires the Assessor to track real estate market trends and reappraise the properties to current market value as of January 1st annually, until the market value exceeds its factored base year value. At that time, the trended or factored base year value is re-enrolled, regardless of how high the market value climbs.
Proposition 13, passed in 1978, requires a reappraisal to current market value, on a change in ownership or completion of new construction. This value, the base year value, increases annually by a maximum of 2%. Annual ad valorum property taxes are charged at 1% of the trended base year value. If a subsequent change in ownership occurs, a new base year value is established. New construction is appraised at fair market value and added to the existing trended base year value.
The Proposition 8 reductions reflect a widespread decline in real estate prices in El Dorado County since early 2007.
Property owners who have questions or who wish to request a review of their assessed values can call the Assessor's Office. The main office is located at 360 Fair Lane in Placerville, CA. Office hours are 8-5 and the main phone number is 530.621.5719. The South Lake Tahoe Office is located at 3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Suite 103, SLT CA 96150.
Office Hours are also 8-5 and the phone number is 530.573.3422. The Assessor's web site, www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/assessor has both information on a variety of property tax issues as well as an on line application for Prop 8 review.
Contact - Tim Holcomb, Assessor, 530-621-5719.
tholcomb@co.el-dorado.ca.us
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Vice Chair Land Use/Environmental Committee
www.wendimae.com Toll Free 866-333-6333
El Dorado County Records: www.governmentregistry.org
Public Records: www.govtregistry.com
Call or Email your Assessor at: 530-621-5719 or
jwinners@co.el-dorado.ca.us
PRESS RELEASE FOR EL DORADO COUNTY PROPERTY OWNERS FROM ASSESSOR TIM HOLCOMB
El Dorado County Assessor Tim Holcomb announces 12,000 properties to be reviewed for lowered assessments Placerville, March 28, 2008: Tim Holcomb, El Dorado County Assessor, today announced that more than 12,000 properties are under review and considered for lower property tax assessments. Generally, the reviewed properties are those with assessments resulting from changes in ownership or new construction that occurred during the peak of the real estate market. Holcomb explained the process involves three steps. "First, we have already selected all properties which sold or had some reassessment activity between June 2004 and December 2007. Now, we are currently processing sales and new construction values through the end on March 2008, in order to get an accurate picture of the market in January. Finally we will evaluate the decline in the market and decrease assessments accordingly." The reduced assessed values will be reflected in the tax bill for the 2008/2009 fiscal year, which begins July 1st, 2008.
Holcomb says that, depending on what other charges are on the property tax bill, property owners could see a reduction of up to twenty percent in the tax bills mailed out this coming fall.
The Assessor went on to clarify that a 1978 constitutional amendment (Proposition 8), requires the Assessor to recognize a temporary loss in value. Each year, the Assessor is to enroll the lower of the factored base year value or current market value as of the lien date, January 1st. Normally, the factored value assessed under Prop13 is lower than market, but in a down market, the reverse can occur, and when it does, the Assessor temporarily lowers the assessed value.
"The property is assessed at whichever is lower, the factored base year value or the market value" Holcomb explained "As we understand the current market, if the property was purchased before somewhere around the middle of 2004, before the market really took off, the trended base year value is still lower than the market value.
The most likely
candidates for a reduction are those who purchased or built a home sometime after the middle of 2004."
Property owners whose values have been reduced will receive a notice from the Assessor showing the new assessed value. The Assessor's Office will also review property at the request of the owner. The Assessor reviewed and lowered several hundred properties retroactively for the 2007/2008 fiscal year. Under current law, the Assessor has until July 1st of 2008 to recognize declines in value as of January 1st, 2007.
Once a reduced assessment is in place, California law requires the Assessor to track real estate market trends and reappraise the properties to current market value as of January 1st annually, until the market value exceeds its factored base year value. At that time, the trended or factored base year value is re-enrolled, regardless of how high the market value climbs.
Proposition 13, passed in 1978, requires a reappraisal to current market value, on a change in ownership or completion of new construction. This value, the base year value, increases annually by a maximum of 2%. Annual ad valorum property taxes are charged at 1% of the trended base year value. If a subsequent change in ownership occurs, a new base year value is established. New construction is appraised at fair market value and added to the existing trended base year value.
The Proposition 8 reductions reflect a widespread decline in real estate prices in El Dorado County since early 2007.
Property owners who have questions or who wish to request a review of their assessed values can call the Assessor's Office. The main office is located at 360 Fair Lane in Placerville, CA. Office hours are 8-5 and the main phone number is 530.621.5719. The South Lake Tahoe Office is located at 3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Suite 103, SLT CA 96150.
Office Hours are also 8-5 and the phone number is 530.573.3422. The Assessor's web site, www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/assessor has both information on a variety of property tax issues as well as an on line application for Prop 8 review.
Contact - Tim Holcomb, Assessor, 530-621-5719.
tholcomb@co.el-dorado.ca.us
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Vice Chair Land Use/Environmental Committee
www.wendimae.com Toll Free 866-333-6333
Friday, March 7, 2008
The Foreclosure "Crisis" is Overblown
"Sure there are pockets of pain-but it isn't as if most American's are losing their homes." More than 99% of homes are not in Foreclosure."
A recent list of year-end mortgage foreclosure rates in 100 top metropolitan areas drew a lot of attention. Released by RealtyTrac, a company that compiles data on home foreclosures, the list showed the number of foreclosure filings in each metro area, the percentage of homes being foreclosed and the percentage change from the previous year. Though the report had some dismal news -- such as the nearly 4.9% foreclosure rate in the Stockton, Calif., area -- a close look at the data also provides some reassuring information. It tells me, for instance, that the foreclosure crisis is a regional problem, not a systemic one. It could become a systemic problem, of course, but we're a long way from that now. This news will disappoint the gloom-and-doom crew and all those seeking the excitement of financial upheaval. But it may be time to temper our worry and take a closer look at some of the year-over-year foreclosure statistics: Though the national rate of foreclosure increased by a whopping 79% between December 2006 and December 2007, the rate was still only 1.033%. Because about 30% of all homes are owned mortgage-free, this means that for all the noise about a crisis, only seven-tenths of 1% of all homes were in foreclosure. In the top 100 housing markets, the average foreclosure rate was somewhat higher -- 1.38% -- and it was up 78% over the previous year. But if you rank-ordered the list of the top 100 areas, only 34 had foreclosure rates above the group average. Fifty-one areas had rates of 1% or less. Foreclosure rates actually fell in 14 of the 100 areas. More important, many of the areas with the highest increases in foreclosure rates were rising off rates that were tiny. The Bethesda, Md., area, to offer the most extreme case, saw foreclosures rise 1,288% -- to a rate of 0.682%. In other words, foreclosures there were virtually nonexistent the year before. Today they are still well below the national average. The same can be said for the Albany, N.Y., area (up 638% to 0.25%), the Baltimore area (up 544% to 0.73%) and the Providence, R.I., area (up 354% to 0.41%).
For More information, or for a Housing Counselor:
Contact Wendi-Mae Davis,CRS, GRI
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Broker Associate, Counselor
20 Years of Service
Connect Realty
http://www.wendimae.com
Toll Free 866-333-6333
A recent list of year-end mortgage foreclosure rates in 100 top metropolitan areas drew a lot of attention. Released by RealtyTrac, a company that compiles data on home foreclosures, the list showed the number of foreclosure filings in each metro area, the percentage of homes being foreclosed and the percentage change from the previous year. Though the report had some dismal news -- such as the nearly 4.9% foreclosure rate in the Stockton, Calif., area -- a close look at the data also provides some reassuring information. It tells me, for instance, that the foreclosure crisis is a regional problem, not a systemic one. It could become a systemic problem, of course, but we're a long way from that now. This news will disappoint the gloom-and-doom crew and all those seeking the excitement of financial upheaval. But it may be time to temper our worry and take a closer look at some of the year-over-year foreclosure statistics: Though the national rate of foreclosure increased by a whopping 79% between December 2006 and December 2007, the rate was still only 1.033%. Because about 30% of all homes are owned mortgage-free, this means that for all the noise about a crisis, only seven-tenths of 1% of all homes were in foreclosure. In the top 100 housing markets, the average foreclosure rate was somewhat higher -- 1.38% -- and it was up 78% over the previous year. But if you rank-ordered the list of the top 100 areas, only 34 had foreclosure rates above the group average. Fifty-one areas had rates of 1% or less. Foreclosure rates actually fell in 14 of the 100 areas. More important, many of the areas with the highest increases in foreclosure rates were rising off rates that were tiny. The Bethesda, Md., area, to offer the most extreme case, saw foreclosures rise 1,288% -- to a rate of 0.682%. In other words, foreclosures there were virtually nonexistent the year before. Today they are still well below the national average. The same can be said for the Albany, N.Y., area (up 638% to 0.25%), the Baltimore area (up 544% to 0.73%) and the Providence, R.I., area (up 354% to 0.41%).
For More information, or for a Housing Counselor:
Contact Wendi-Mae Davis,CRS, GRI
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Broker Associate, Counselor
20 Years of Service
Connect Realty
http://www.wendimae.com
Toll Free 866-333-6333
The Foreclosure "Crisis" is overblown
"Sure, there are pockets of pain-but it isn't as though most American's are losing their homes" "More than 99% of homes are not in Foreclosure."
A recent list of year-end mortgage foreclosure rates in 100 top metropolitan areas drew a lot of attention. Released by RealtyTrac, a company that compiles data on home foreclosures, the list showed the number of foreclosure filings in each metro area, the percentage of homes being foreclosed and the percentage change from the previous year.
Though the report had some dismal news -- such as the nearly 4.9% foreclosure rate in the Stockton, Calif., area -- a close look at the data also provides some reassuring information. It tells me, for instance, that the foreclosure crisis is a regional problem, not a systemic one. It could become a systemic problem, of course, but we're a long way from that now.
This news will disappoint the gloom-and-doom crew and all those seeking the excitement of financial upheaval. But it may be time to temper our worry and take a closer look at some of the year-over-year foreclosure statistics:
Though the national rate of foreclosure increased by a whopping 79% between December 2006 and December 2007, the rate was still only 1.033%. Because about 30% of all homes are owned mortgage-free, this means that for all the noise about a crisis, only seven-tenths of 1% of all homes were in foreclosure.
In the top 100 housing markets, the average foreclosure rate was somewhat higher -- 1.38% -- and it was up 78% over the previous year. But if you rank-ordered the list of the top 100 areas, only 34 had foreclosure rates above the group average. Fifty-one areas had rates of 1% or less.
Foreclosure rates actually fell in 14 of the 100 areas. More important, many of the areas with the highest increases in foreclosure rates were rising off rates that were tiny. The Bethesda, Md., area, to offer the most extreme case, saw foreclosures rise 1,288% -- to a rate of 0.682%. In other words, foreclosures there were virtually nonexistent the year before. Today they are still well below the national average. The same can be said for the Albany, N.Y., area (up 638% to 0.25%), the Baltimore area (up 544% to 0.73%) and the Providence, R.I., area (up 354% to 0.41%).
For more information, or for a Housing Counselor
Contact Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Broker Associate, Counselor
20 Years of Service
A recent list of year-end mortgage foreclosure rates in 100 top metropolitan areas drew a lot of attention. Released by RealtyTrac, a company that compiles data on home foreclosures, the list showed the number of foreclosure filings in each metro area, the percentage of homes being foreclosed and the percentage change from the previous year.
Though the report had some dismal news -- such as the nearly 4.9% foreclosure rate in the Stockton, Calif., area -- a close look at the data also provides some reassuring information. It tells me, for instance, that the foreclosure crisis is a regional problem, not a systemic one. It could become a systemic problem, of course, but we're a long way from that now.
This news will disappoint the gloom-and-doom crew and all those seeking the excitement of financial upheaval. But it may be time to temper our worry and take a closer look at some of the year-over-year foreclosure statistics:
Though the national rate of foreclosure increased by a whopping 79% between December 2006 and December 2007, the rate was still only 1.033%. Because about 30% of all homes are owned mortgage-free, this means that for all the noise about a crisis, only seven-tenths of 1% of all homes were in foreclosure.
In the top 100 housing markets, the average foreclosure rate was somewhat higher -- 1.38% -- and it was up 78% over the previous year. But if you rank-ordered the list of the top 100 areas, only 34 had foreclosure rates above the group average. Fifty-one areas had rates of 1% or less.
Foreclosure rates actually fell in 14 of the 100 areas. More important, many of the areas with the highest increases in foreclosure rates were rising off rates that were tiny. The Bethesda, Md., area, to offer the most extreme case, saw foreclosures rise 1,288% -- to a rate of 0.682%. In other words, foreclosures there were virtually nonexistent the year before. Today they are still well below the national average. The same can be said for the Albany, N.Y., area (up 638% to 0.25%), the Baltimore area (up 544% to 0.73%) and the Providence, R.I., area (up 354% to 0.41%).
For more information, or for a Housing Counselor
Contact Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Broker Associate, Counselor
20 Years of Service
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Short Sales-interesting facts for El Dorado County
Interesting facts for the last 30 days in El Dorado County. Information from the local MLS. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.
Last 30 Days:
1371 active listings; 78 short sales
1737 total closed escrows; 26 of which were short sales.
El Dorado average:
5.6% of all residential listings are short sales;
1.4% of short sales cose escrow.
What other stats are you interested in?
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Vice Chair Land Use & Environmental
Broker Associate
Toll Free 866-333-6333
www.wendimae.com
wendimae@wendimae.com
Last 30 Days:
1371 active listings; 78 short sales
1737 total closed escrows; 26 of which were short sales.
El Dorado average:
5.6% of all residential listings are short sales;
1.4% of short sales cose escrow.
What other stats are you interested in?
Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI
Director of the California Association of Realtors
Vice Chair Land Use & Environmental
Broker Associate
Toll Free 866-333-6333
www.wendimae.com
wendimae@wendimae.com
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Relocating to El Dorado County
Hi there,
If you are relocating to El Dorado County, Wendi-Mae will be your most important move. I just celebrated my 20th year as full time Realtor this past October '07. I am a graduate of the California Institute of Real Estate, I am also A Certified Residential Specialist-only 5% of all Realtors Nationwide hold this designation. I would be honored to assist you in your quest-Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in El Dorado Hills-
Wendi-Mae Davis
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Toll Freeer 866-333-6333
Please feel free to visit me on the web!
HOMES FOR SALE IN EL DORADO COUNTY
If you are relocating to El Dorado County, Wendi-Mae will be your most important move. I just celebrated my 20th year as full time Realtor this past October '07. I am a graduate of the California Institute of Real Estate, I am also A Certified Residential Specialist-only 5% of all Realtors Nationwide hold this designation. I would be honored to assist you in your quest-Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in El Dorado Hills-
Wendi-Mae Davis
Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor
Toll Freeer 866-333-6333
Please feel free to visit me on the web!
HOMES FOR SALE IN EL DORADO COUNTY
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