Archive for September, 2007
Fun Things To Do Near Chico, California: Go Climb A Volcano!
September 17th, 2007 Categories: Fun Things To Do Near Chico CA!, Living in Chico
We are fortunate, here in Chico, CA, to live near an abundance of wonderful recreation destinations.
Mount Lassen is an active volcano, located only about an hour north of Chico, near Chester, California, the mountain town in which I grew up.
The drive, in and of itself, is a beautiful adventure, and one of my favorites of all time. Highway 32, although very curvy, meanders alongside Deer Creek and provides gorgeous views of the creek, canyons and a variety of trees and lush greenery. Make sure that you leave early enough to explore along the way! A few of my favorite spots include the Potato Patch Campground, the falls, and the rock drinking fountain that seems to appear out of nowhere!
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northeastern California, and the nearest airports include Sacramento, California, and Reno, Nevada both around 160 miles away. The park itself includes over 150 miles of hiking trails, beautiful views of the Cascades and the High Sierras, numerous lakes, and the ever-popular active hydrothermal areas. There are also several gorgeous campgrounds. It’s important to call ahead prior to visiting, due to the fact that most areas of the park have severely restricted access due to the snow base and/or weather conditions.
We FINALLY made it to the top!!
The true beauty in the hike is the actual journey. With each turn of the switchback, visitors are rewarded with a new, stunning view.
A couple of ideas! Hiking in Bidwell Park
Swimming at One Mile
Exploring the Swimming Holes of Upper Park
Strolling through Downtown Chico
Experiencing the Farmer’s Market
Blossom Tour
Fine dining at Sierra Nevada Brewery
For more ideas on fun things to do and places to go near Chico CA, visit me again here soon!
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Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag property.
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Chico, California Foreclosures and West Nile Virus
September 16th, 2007 Categories: Chico CA Foreclosure Listings, Chico CA Real Estate News
Rumor has it that the United States’ foreclosure epidemic could be contributing to the spread of the West Nile Virus.
Reports are showing that the number of people in California testing positive for the West Nile virus has increased three-fold compared to last year. Many experts are blaming the increasing problem on the pools located in the yards of foreclosure properties.
The electrical service is typically suspended on properties in the months between the time the former owners have stopped paying the bills and the time a Realtor or management company begins to look after the maintenance of the home. The pumps on the pools cease to operate, creating a giant, stagnant pool of water in which mosquitoes often breed. Mosquitoes are known to transmit the virus to humans after being infected from a bird.West Nile often takes a harder toll on the elderly, people with suppressed immune systems, and children. The West Nile virus is to blame for as many as 5 deaths have in California alone this year. A state of emergency was declared by California Governor Schwarzenegger for Colusa, Kern and San Joaquin counties.
Two of my three Chico, CA foreclosure properties that I’ve had listed in the past month had pools. Both of these pools were NASTY! I specifically cautioned my daughter on a recent trip to one of the properties. She’s only 9, but took heed and stayed in the front yard. This particular pool had 2 dead birds in it, as well as an unbelievable little ecosystem full of assorted little critters… some not so little!
People can reduce their risk of West Nile infection by following some common sense procedures.
1. Avoid time outdoors, especially when mosquitoes are most active. This typically is at dusk and dawn. 2. If you must be outside, wear appropriate clothing: long pants, long sleeves, shoes and socks. 3. Make sure that you apply mosquito repellent. It should contain DEET, eucalyptus oil, or Picaridin. 4. Make sure your screens and doors are adequately sealed. Replace any screens that have holes or tears. 5. Do not allow water to sit anywhere on your property. Empty birdbaths, buckets of water, keep the pool filter running, monitor your sprinkler operation, and change the dog’s bowl frequently!
Remember, your best protection is prevention. Use good common sense to avoid bites and illness.
For more information about West Nile Virus:
- California Web site: http://www.westnile.ca.gov/
- California Information Line: Toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).
- Butte County and Chico, CA www.buttecounty.net/publichealth
Informational Brochure (PDF):
Also, report any dead bird that may have died less than 48 hours prior to http://www.westnile.ca.gov/.
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Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag property.
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How to Hire a Chico, CA Realtor and Make More Money!
September 16th, 2007 Categories: Anatomy of a Chico CA Real Estate Transaction, Chico Buyers, Chico Sellers
It’s often fascinating to hear how people go about hiring a Chico, CA Realtor to represent them in the sale or purchase of a home. More often than not, I hear things like:
“Jeff has those big bulletin boards all over town- he must be REALLY successful!”
“Ann is our next door neighbor.”
“Bill is my co-workers son. He just got his license, and we thought we’d help him out.”
“Julie always has her picture in those real estate magazines, she must sell a lot of homes!”
Yikes!
A real estate investment is arguably one of the biggest, most costly financial decisions a person will make in their lifetime.
As such, it is critical to choose carefully the professional that will be guiding you through the complex transaction. As nice as it would be to give “Bill” an opportunity to learn the trade, are you willing to put your financial security on the line for him? “Ann” might be the best neighbor in the world, but the worst Realtor in town! One of the biggest mistakes I see people making when hiring a Realtor is ASSUMING that an agent is a top producer, simply because he or she is good at advertising. In truth, the agent might not have sold anything all year!
Ideally, you will find yourself a competent, proven professional who is knowledgeable about the industry, the local Chico, CA market, and your needs as a consumer. By doing so, you will make more money!
“How do I go about hiring the right Realtor?” you might ask.
I suggest that you conduct a minimum of 3 interviews with agents you are considering to represent you. That’s right– INTERVIEWS! Ask the tough questions, and take notes on the answers. Compare the experience, professionalism, and general attitude of each agent.
Here is a great list to get you started:
1. Are you a FULL time Realtor?
(IMHO you can find VERY good part timers… you should just know up front who you’re hiring.)
2. What is your total sales volume this year?
(Consider that an average Chico, CA house is around $350,000).
3. How many transaction sides have you closed this year?
(The top 20 producers in Chico, CA will close an average of 30 per year).
4. How do you rank in your company?
5. What price range does your typical listing fall under?
(If your house is worth $1 mill, you don’t want to hire a $200k agent!)
6. How do you rank in comparison to the other 700+ Realtors in the Chico MLS area?
7. May I view your personal web site or blog site?
8. Tell me about your Internet marketing programs.
(Do you understand and cater to the 92% of buyers that utilize the Internet?)
9. Tell me about your traditional marketing methods.
10. Are you currently active in your local Board of Realtors?
(Do you keep yourself current on local issues and network with other Top Producers?)
11. Do you offer Exclusive Buyer Agency?
(Will you explain all levels of agency representation, how they apply, and how affect me?)
12. What real estate specialty designations have you received or are you pursuing?
(Do you find continuing education to be valuable?)
13. Before we agree to work together will you do a ‘listening presentation’ so you can learn about all of my ‘wants’?
14. Are you equipped with the newest tools of the trade?
(the latest in software such as Relay, smart phones, scanners … all of those high-tech things that will help you be an industry leader?)
15. Do you have systems in place to insure that you contact me regularly with useful information?
(Will you continue your relationship with me even when I am not buying or selling real estate?)
16. What percentage of your business comes from referrals and how important is this for you?
(In other words, how much time do you spend prospecting versus working on finding me a home?)
17. What sets you apart from all of the other Chico, CA Realtors that I know??
It stands to reason that a top producing agent has a certain level of proven skill, knowledge, and ability to work with people, all of which are crucial elements to getting you the most money possible from your sale or purchase. Your job, as a consumer, is to be aware and responsible for whom you are hiring to represent you. After all, you are the one who will inevitably suffer in the long run!
One last bit of advice: you need to genuinely like the person you hire! Throughout the course of a transaction, you may spend a considerable amount of time with your Chico, California Realtor. Make sure that you are comfortable communicating with the individual, and that you feel he or she truly has your best interests at heart. Many are great sales persons, but lack the personal connections that are critical.
Please feel free to give me a call or send an email!
I will happily answer any of the above questions, as well as any others you feel are important. I could be just the right Realtor to fit your needs!
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Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag property.
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What is the Difference between Prequalification and Preapproval?
September 16th, 2007 Categories: Chico Buyers, Chico Financing
The difference between a pre qualification and a preapproval, my friend, would be like buying a discount store handbag vs. a Prada or Gucci handbag.
A prequalification is a very preliminary estimate of how much you can afford to pay for a Chico California home. The lender will base his opinion on the information you provide. However, your credit and employment information typically aren’t validated for prequalification, so the results can only be considered a rough idea of what size payment, and what type of loan you might qualify for. Please be forewarned that prequalification letters are not often highly regarded by people “in the know”. All too often, a lender is unable to get the final loan approved, despite the fact that he or she has issued a prequalification letter to his unsuspecting buyer. The more reputable and educated the lender, the better the chance that the pre qualification letter is a valuable step in the process.
Still, a prequalification letter can be a useful tool until you have the opportunity to substantiate your information. Like the discount handbag, it will get you by for a while!
A preapproval is a written commitment from a lender or mortgage broker to finance your home purchase up to a specific amount. This indicates that the lender has scrutinized your financial history including employment verification, rental history, credit reports, pay stubs, W-2’s, tax returns, etc. Preapproval indicates to sellers that you are a pre-screened, serious home buyer. Once you have obtained a preapproval, you can shop with confidence, knowing that your odds of obtaining your desired loan are good.
**It’s important to note that neither a prequalification or preapproval letter is a guarantee that you will be given the loan. Even with the preapproval, there are certain details like a finalized sales contract, inspections, and appraisals that must come into play prior to the bank’s funding your new loan.
Don’t hesitate to give me a call if you’re ready to take that all important, first step to becoming a homeowner: getting prequalified. You will surprised at how quick and painless it is!! It would be my pleasure to match you to a lender, one that both you and I can trust to provide you with the information you need to get you on your way to buying Chico California real estate! I can be reached at 530-864-5407.
All important, related must reads!
WHY Should I Get Preapproved for a Chico, CA Home?
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Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag property.
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Why Should I Get Preapproved for a Chico, CA Home?
September 10th, 2007 Categories: Busy Girls Guide, Chico Buyers, Chico Financing
It’s important to be preapproved BEFORE you start searching f
or a Chico, CA home
Time is always of the essence. There’s no use fooling around doing things the hard way when you can go straight for the gold. By investing a very minimal amount of time before you start shopping for a house, you will save yourself immeasurable time and grief later. Trust me.
1. If you don’t get preapproved, how do you know what price range you should be shopping in? There is nothing worse than spending months looking for the PERFECT house, only to find out later that you can’t make it work financially. Save yourself the pain- don’t guess!
2. It’s best to try to keep your Realtor happy! Like you, she’s busy. The last thing she wants to do is spend endless hours trying to find you a house that you can’t afford. To get the most attentive, personalized service from your Chico, CA Realtor, make sure that you’re ready to pass “GO”. Provide her a preapproval letter so that she knows what your ideal price range is. You will find that she will be dedicated and expedient in exposing you to all of your options, thereby saving YOUR time.
3. Make yourself more appealing to the seller of your dream home! When you put an offer on a house, one of the first things the seller will want to know is whether or not you can afford it! The seller will be less excited about accepting your offer if there is a question about your loan getting approved. After all, he doesn’t want to pull his home off the market only to find out 30 or 60 days later that your loan won’t go through. He would be jeopardizing his chances of securing another buyer.
Also, consider this: If the seller were to receive 2 identical offers, with one buyer being preapproved and the other NOT, which buyer do you think will ultimately have their offer accepted? Of course! The buyer with the preapproval letter.
Call me today at 530-864-5407 for assistance in getting preapproved for your Chico, CA real estate purchase. I can put you in touch with a lender immediately to get the ball rolling.
Getting preapproved is the best thing you can do to get started on the path to home ownership!
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Looking to buy or sell Chico CA Real Estate? Need a Top Producing Chico CA Realtor? Call Sandi Bauman 530-864-5407 or email sandibauman@sbcglobal.net. Specializing in REO, residential, relocation, investment & ag property.
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