Looking for the Perfect Nevada County Home

When you first decide to look for a new home, whether you are a first time buyer, or you currently own your own Nevada County home, it is an exciting experience. Visions of perfection begin to dance in your head. Grand expectations and all of your fondest dreams begin to spring into being. But how do you balance dreams with reality so that you get what you need and maybe some of what you dream of?
Condition Counts
You can get great deals on amazing homes when they need a little repair. However, that is a big trap if you don't take into consideration how adept you are with a hammer and nails. If home repair isn't up your alley, that's not a sin. But, it is unwise to buy a fixer-upper if you're not into fixing or not financially prepared to hire professionals to do the fixing.
Wide Open Spaces
Rural living or huge parcels of property can be very appealing. The desire to own a big spread with rolling lawns can make you feel like a real land baron—until you have to maintain it. There are other aspects to looking at property removed from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Lack of convenience that might seem like a good thing will soon become just inconvenient. Consider the trade-offs if your idea of a perfect Nevada County home isn't exactly in the city.
Don't Settle
While you need to be realistic if your budget isn't unlimited, you should not settle for less than what you truly need. Take the time to determine exactly which features are most important to your family. Consider:
· Which rooms will be most used
· How many people will be living in the house
· How many bedrooms you need
· How many bathrooms are necessary
Don't try to squeeze into something that won't fit those needs. If you have to wait a little while until you can afford a home that is the right size, it will be worth it to avoid the frustration of being dissatisfied with something as important as your new home.
If you would like more information on what to consider before buying a home, I can help. Call me today at 530-913-2019 or email me at Teresaprock@hotmail.com.

LINKS:
Home repair
http://www.essortment.com/home/overpricingcomm_syow.htm

Rural living
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/03/03oct20b.cfm

A home that is the right size
http://www.ourfamilyplace.com/homebuyer/findahome.html

Is Your Nevada County Home Prepared for Disaster?

No, I'm not talking about the economic crisis, or any other type of personal disaster. I'm talking about the kind that Mother Nature doles out with predictable uncertainty. Your home can never be prepared to the extent of knowing when disasters will happen, but you can be ready for anytime they do.

Know What Type of Disaster is Most Likely

While some types of natural disasters can happen anywhere such as fires and floods, other types like earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes and hurricanes are less likely in certain regions. For example, tornadoes are unlikely in California and earthquakes are less common in Wisconsin.

Different types of disasters require different preparations so knowing what your home is most likely to experience is of great benefit. For instance, you do not want to be underground in an earthquake, but in a tornado picking the lowest spot in a home such as a basement is wise.

Gather Supplies

Some things are common to all types of disaster preparations. Having these items on hand should be on every homeowner's "must have" list.

· Extra blankets

· Water

· Several days worth of food (best if prepared or easy to make without electrical appliances)

· Candles or other forms of emergency lighting

· Battery operated radio

· Dust mask

· Can opener

· Moist towels

· Emergency escape plans

· Shelter listings

· Pet food (if you have pets)

· Fire extinguishers (every home should have at least one per floor if not more)

· Infant supplies (if applicable)

Plan for Fast Action

Have disaster plans worked out for a variety of disaster types:

· In the event of a fire, have an escape plan prepared for every level of your home.

· If your home is in a flood zone, have sandbags ready and stored for use at a moment's notice.

· For tornado safety, know the best place in your home to go for shelter.

Being prepared can save you a lot of grief. Disasters are a nuisance at best and fatal at worst. By planning for the worst, you’ll get through them in the best manner possible.

If you need more information on preparing your Nevada County home for a disaster, I can help. Call me now at 530-913-2019 or email me at Teresaprock@hotmail.com.

LINKS:

Disaster preparations

http://www.72hours.org/

Escape plans

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/escape/

Is a Reverse Mortgage on Your Nevada County Condo a Good Idea?

Did you know that cash could be hiding in your Nevada County condo? If you are sixty-two or older, you may be able to qualify for a reverse mortgage, and never have to make a mortgage payment as long as you live in the home. Let me tell you a little more about a reverse mortgage:

What Is A Reverse Mortgage?
A reverse mortgage uses the equity in your condo to make payments to you. You aren’t required to make any payments for as long as you live in your home. The loan doesn’t become due until you have not lived in the home for at least twelve months. Your home can pass to your descendents if they refinance the loan themselves. The money can be used for any purpose you want.

Funds are received as a lump sum, a line of credit, or a monthly payment. You’ll have access to more money with the line of credit, but the interest rate is variable. If you decide on a lump sum or a monthly payment, you will have a higher interest rate. The line of credit can be a credit card or like a checking account. You can buy groceries, gas and pay your bills out of this account.

The reverse mortgage process is similar to the conventional mortgage process. The property will need an inspection and appraisal. There are origination fees and closing costs associated with this type of loan.

Who Qualifies for a Reverse Mortgage?

The first requirement is age; only those sixty-two or older are able to qualify. There are no income or credit requirements to be approved for a reverse mortgage. Some lenders even let you roll the down payment and closing costs into the loan, so that you don’t have pay any money up front.

The loan is based on the age of the youngest borrower. The older you are, the more money you will qualify for. The good news is that the money will not affect your Social Security benefits or Medicare.

There are advantages and disadvantages to a reverse mortgage, so be sure to do your homework before making this important decision.

If you have questions about reverse mortgages, or would like to discuss buying or selling a condo, give me a call today at 530-913-2019 or email me at teresaprock@hotmail.com.

LINKS:

What is a reverse mortgage
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hecm/rmtopten.cfm

Who qualifies for a reverse mortgage
http://www.mortgageloanplace.com/lending-guide/reverse-mortgages/top-10-things-to-know-about-reverse-mortgages

Advantages and disadvantages to a reverse mortgagehttp://www.reversemortgageadviser.com/pros-cons-benefits-disadvantages-pitfalls-reverse-mortgages.htm

How to Throw a Block Party at Your Nevada County Home

If you’ve ever been to a block party, you know it is a great way to gather your neighborhood friends together for some fun. You can easily throw a block party everyone who lives near your home will love. Here’s how:
1. Enlist the help of your neighbors. Throwing a block party at your home is a major undertaking, so you will need all the help you can get. Ask others in your community to help you plan, decorate, prepare food, and clean.
2. Get permission. You don’t want your party broken up by the police or fined by the homeowner’s association. Find out from your municipal government if you are required to get a permit for a block party. Follow up with your homeowner’s association and make sure they will allow the block party.
3. Select a theme. Themed parties are easier to plan and more fun for the guests. For example, if you choose a beach theme, you know what colors and accessories to use in the decorations: anything blue or tan, coconuts, beach balls, and Frisbees. You also know to serve beach foods like hamburgers and hotdogs.
4. Plan a menu and decorate. Keep the menu and decorations simple to prepare and easy to clean. Choose food that can be eaten without utensils, like finger foods and sandwiches. Don’t use elaborate decorations.
5. Have fun. The most important part of your block party is the party itself. Give yourself permission to enjoy the party and the company of your neighbors. Talk to people. Laugh with your neighbors. Participate in any games you play. This is your night to shine.
6. Clean up. If you planned properly and have enough help, clean up shouldn’t be too overwhelming. Make sure the area where you held the party is completely litter-free and looks better than it did before the party. Don’t give your homeowner’s association any reason to prohibit future block parties.
Getting to know neighbors makes life more enjoyable. Throwing a block party is a great way to accomplish that while also having fun.
Let me help you find a Nevada County home in a great neighborhood. Call me today at 530-913-2019 or email me at Teresa rock@hotmail.com.
LINKS:
Party decorations
http://www.orientaltrading.com/
Finger foods
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Course/Finger-Foods
Clean up
http://www.hgtv.com/ah-cleaning-tips-hints/party-cleanup/index.html

How to Identify Your Perfect Nevada County Real Estate Agent

When you begin your search for the perfect house it usually starts with a search for the perfect real estate agent. A good agent can help you with every aspect of buying a home.
They know the proper price ranges, what properties are available that match your needs and all of those pesky legal details required for closing. Your Nevada County real estate agent will keep things moving and make sure deadlines are met and everything goes smoothly.
Here are four tips to help you choose a real estate agent:
Meet Them Face to Face
Perfect harmony should be as instantaneous as love at first sight. You simply know you hit it off with someone, or you don't. Don't fight the feelings if you have doubts. Even the best Nevada County real estate agent isn't going to have a connection with everybody. There will be one that is perfect for you. Keep looking.
Ask Questions
When you do find a real estate agent you have a connection with, ask questions. There needs to be more than just a friendship between you. Make sure the agent has a real grasp of the area, the types of houses that are available, and seems in tune to what you are looking for.
Assess
Do they listen to your needs? If they’re not listening to what you want, move on. Did they answer your questions thoroughly? If they were unable to answer your questions or purposely avoided answering any of your questions, this is not the right agent for you.
Answer Their Questions
Your Nevada County real estate agent will have plenty of questions for you too. They want to be sure you can afford a new home. Don't be offended by what may seem like personal questions. They need this information in order to give you the best advice.

If you’re searching for your perfect real estate agent, I’d be honored if you’d interview me for the job. Call me today at 530-913-2019 or email me at Teresaprock@hotmail.com to schedule a face-to-face meeting.

How to Buy the Right Deck Stain for Your Nevada County Home

If your Nevada County home needs a face-lift, you can instantly brighten up the appearance of your house by staining your deck. There are many different types of wood stain sold at home improvement stores. You will need to keep a few things in mind when choosing wood stain:
What kind of wood are you staining? Different types of stain are made for different kinds of wood. Some stains are specifically made for pre-treated wood only. Untreated wood requires special care and specific stain and sealant products.
What color deck do you want? Most stains will look like natural wood when dried. You can choose from oak to redwood and even cherry woods to match your home.
What are the weather conditions where you live? Since the secondary purpose of most stains is to act as a sealant, you will need to pick the type that will be most beneficial to your deck. Some stains protect against ultra-violet rays and others are made to protect against wood rot and mildew.
How much stain do you need to buy? You will need to calculate the square footage of your deck to know what quantity of paint to buy. Check the labeling on the stain. Some brands require more than one coat for the best results.
After you have chosen the stain for your deck, pick up a few supplies to apply the stain:
· Buy work gloves to keep your hands from becoming discolored by the stain.
· Most home improvement stores will have paint pans and brushes for sale near the stain.
· Because stain is very thin, it tends to drip easily. You may find that a paint pad will apply the stain more efficiently than a paintbrush.
Want more tips on how to improve your home’s appearance? Subscribe to my blog now. It is fast and free.

How to be a Strong Buyer of New Nevada County Homes

During a slow market, buyers have the biggest advantages of all. That’s why now is a great time to buy Nevada County homes. You can haggle without feeling guilty because you have the upper hand. Then, as the market bounces back, you get the extra bonus of rising prices making your home worth more than it was when you bought it.Even in this buyers’ market, you need to be a strong buyer. Otherwise, you could crumble when faced with negotiating prices or needed repairs. Three ways to be a strong buyer of homes:· Walk in to any home for sale with a set idea of the value of property in the area. This means taking a little time to do your homework. When you know the prices of the area, you can't be run over by a forceful seller who is determined to convince you his price is firm. This knowledge also helps you deal with sellers who are emotionally attached to their homes and can't price them according to true market value.· Walk into a home for sale with an experienced REALTOR®. When you have a professional REALTOR® by your side, you are not alone. You do not have to be self-conscious or even be the 'strong one.' Your agent will do all your negotiating for you. You will also benefit from their intimate knowledge of the area and what to look for in a Nevada County home.· Walk into any home for sale knowing your needs and price range. Going home shopping without a clear concept of what you want and can afford can lead to emotional decisions. That can be hazardous for your pocketbook too. If you would like more tips on how to be a strong buyer of Nevada County homes, give me a call today at 530-913-2019 or email me at Teresaprock@hotmail.com.

Nevada County Homes and Lawns: Growing Greener Grass

If you're anything like me, you've driven through neighborhoods, admiring the Nevada County homes and immaculate lawns. You've pictured your dry, brown yard, wondering how these homeowners managed to get their lawns looking so great.
Here are a few tips and tricks that can help achieve that plush, green grass that everyone hopes for:
1. Choose a type of grass seed that's right for your climate zone.
There are three climate zones: Warm, transitional and cool. Warm season grass is better for lawns in the South, cool season for the North, and transitional for Central. The best bet for the transitional zone is either a mixture of warm and cool season grass or using the same seeds as the warm zone.
2. Plant at the right time.
Throw grass seed on the ground at the right time, and it’ll grow.
· Warm zone grasses - sown in the spring, once the soil is warm enough for sprouts to grow.
· Cool zone grasses – sown in the fall, generally between August 1 – 15 for the far North, and August 15 – 30 for the warmer areas.
3. Cut at the right height.
No matter what zone the homes with gorgeous green lawns are in, you may notice that the lawns all seem to be about the same height. There’s a reason for that. Lawn care experts say you should never cut your grass shorter than two inches.
4. Use the right mower.
You want to use mulching lawnmowers, replacing the blades every season to keep them sharp for cleaner cuts. These lawnmowers turn the clippings into perfect grass-feed, which takes care of about half of the feed for the season.
5. Have a good watering schedule.
The best time to water a lawn is first thing in the morning. You want to water all at once instead of in short spurts, soaking your lawn with about one inch each time you water. Cool zone lawns should be watered whenever it's been dry for a week. Lawns for warm zone homes should be watered twice a week during the summer. Want to buy a home with a lush lawn? I can help. Give me a call today at 530-913-2019 or email me at teresaprock@hotmail.com.

Dos and Don'ts of Buying a Nevada County Home in Foreclosure

Whether you’re looking for an investment property or a home for your family, a foreclosure might be a good deal for you. However, buying a foreclosure is different from buying a home from a seller and requires different considerations. Before you sign a contract, consider what you should and should not do when buying a home in foreclosure.· DO consider the cost of repairs. Foreclosures are sold “as is.” That means the bank will not make any repairs to the home in foreclosure before closing, so you will be responsible for them. For example, if the home needs a new roof, make sure you have enough money to pay for it. DO get a home inspection. In a traditional home sale, the seller is required to tell you about any defects or problems they’ve had with the home. However, a bank does not have to supply a disclosure statement because they have not lived in the house and do not have any information about defects. Make sure you hire a professional home inspector to check the structural integrity and condition of the home.· DO be prepared to wait. Buying a foreclosure usually takes longer than buying through a traditional sale. You will have to look through and sign stacks of paperwork. In some states, banks are required to go through the court system to sell a foreclosure which can take time.· DON’T buy a home just because the price is low. Banks like to sell their foreclosures as close to market value as possible. If the price is exceptionally low, there’s a reason why. Make sure you know it. Home repairs can easily add up, turning what you thought was a bargain into a money trap.· DON’T expect to flip the home for a quick profit. Despite what the get-rich-quick-buying-foreclosures crowd tells you, foreclosures don’t automatically mean you’re getting a steal, nor can you always quickly sell them. Buy a foreclosure because it’s an affordable home for you and your family, not as a way to build an overnight fortune.When you take your time and do your homework, buying a Nevada County home in foreclosure can be a great bargain. I can help you find well-priced foreclosures. Call me today at 530-913-2019 or email me at teresaprock@hotmail.com

Buying Nevada County Homes – Why You Might Not Want to Wait

Surprising numbers of potential homebuyers are holding off on buying Nevada County homes. They see the housing prices drop and are waiting for them to go lower. They see the mortgage rates and are waiting for them to drop further. If this is you, you might want to rethink your strategy and take a real look at potential Nevada County homes.
Here are two crucial reasons why you might not want to wait any longer:
1. Interest Rates on the Rise - Thanks to the Federal Reserve buying $1.23 trillion worth of mortgages, interest rates have been kept somewhere between 4.93% and 5.09% for a 30-year fixed-rate loan. That’s about 0.4 % lower than it might be without the Fed’s help. However, by the end of 2009, the Federal Reserve had already started implementing a phase out of the mortgage program. With the Fed program closing at the beginning of this month, it’s not a question of whether mortgage rates will rise, but when, how much and how fast. The experts don’t expect them to climb very high, stopping somewhere between 5.5% and 6% by the end of 2010.
2. Lower Home Prices - Home prices, predicted to drop another 5% in 2010, will also make some difference in overall cost. Putting the falling home prices together with the currently low interest rates, you still have a chance to get a great home at a great deal – for a little
while longer.
Instead of waiting for lower costs that may never come, consider where you are now:
• Do you have good credit?• Are you pre-approved (not pre-qualified) for a mortgage loan?• Do you know how much home you can afford?• Are you certain (or as certain as you can be) of your job stability?
It’s very possible that the market will never be better than it is right now for buyers. It’s a buyers’ real estate market, with the scales tipped to make homeownership as cheap as it can get. If you can afford to buy now, but are waiting for things to get even better, reconsider – you might wait yourself into a market you can no longer afford!
Ready to take advantage of this buyers’ market and purchase one of the Nevada County homes for sale? I can help. Call me today at 530-913-2019 or email me at teresaprock@hotmail.com for more information.

Where Can I Find XYZ On the Nevada County Real Estate Market?

If you’re like me and other real estate agents, home sellers, homebuyers and homeowners, you’re always looking for a great resource for information on the real estate market. You have questions and you want answers.
• What are the mortgages like in this area? • What are the current selling prices for homes? • What’s a specific neighborhood like?• Is there anything besides the economy affecting the Nevada County real estate market?
For instance, you want to know current market trends. Are they stabilizing? Are things still sliding down hill? Is there a buying trend sellers can take advantage of to market their homes? While a professional real estate agent will help you sell or find a home, it doesn’t hurt for you to do some research on your own to become more knowledgeable. Who knows, you may come up with some ideas we haven’t thought of!
So where can you find reliable information on the real estate market? On the Internet, there are thousands, perhaps millions, of informational sites. Below are just a few of my personal favorites:
CNNMoney.com (real estate) – The information on CNN Money.com has no bias in terms of convincing you to sell or buy. Where are home prices falling? Where are they strongest? What information do you need to know as a buyer or seller? From mortgages to pricing and market stability, you can find it here.
RISMedia.com – If you can’t find it on CNN Money, you can most likely find it on RISMedia. Home improvement, financing and foreclosure information are just a few of the topics. As well, because RISMedia is actually involved in real estate, you can find the latest market information.
DQNews.com – DataQuick provides real estate data on a state-by-state basis or on a specific area. While the information can be a little technical for the non-real-estate-professional, if you want to know how the Las Vegas region is doing for home sales, or the average mortgage rates in Missouri, DQ can help. Depending on your area, you may have to pay for the data, but it’s fairly inexpensive and can give you great information.
If you’re interested in the Nevada County real estate market in any way, bookmark this blog and the listed sites for easy reference. The more you know, the better you can prepare for upcoming trends, good or bad!
If you’re trying to sell your home, or are looking for your dream home to buy, I can help. Call me at 530-913-2019 or email me at teresaprock@hotmail.com for more information.

Taking the Plunge and Buying Nevada County Real Estate Makes Perfect Sense

There has truly never been a better time to think about buying a new home. The current economy has created a buyers’ market like never before. This works to your advantage, and the fact that the real estate market is recovering means that buying Nevada County real estate as a future investment is a smart move.Consider New Construction Builders are faced with unsold homes in developments and are willing to make deals. They are interested in all reasonable offers, and, especially if you have pre-approved financing, will negotiate with your real estate agent to give you better price and terms. It is in their best interest to get their existing homes sold. Best Mortgage Rates in Current History. You can take advantage of the low mortgage rates to get fantastic payments on your new Nevada County real estate. These low rates won't last forever, so if you have good credit and solid employment, buy now to make your new home truly affordable.Tax CreditsIf you or your spouse has never owned a home, or if neither of you have owned a home as a principle residence in the past 3 years, buying a home now makes financial sense. You will get a large tax rebate at the end of the year for making a home purchase now. However, you must act immediately because you have to have a binding contract signed no later than April 30, 2010, and close on the home no later than June 30, 2010, in order to qualify for this first-time home buyer tax credit.If you’re a repeat home buyer, you too might qualify for a tax credit. Again, you must act fast. The same dates apply for this repeat home buyer tax credit as for the first-time home buyer tax credit. Affordability and AvailabilityThe market is wide open for buyers now, and finding the perfect home at a reasonable price is easier than ever before. Waiting too long can prove to be a very costly decision. The market is getting stronger and tax credits are coming to an end. Over the course of the next year, it will become increasingly more difficult to buy Nevada County real estate at prices and rates now available.If you would like more information on the intelligence of buying a new home now, please call me today at 530-913-2019 or email me at teresaprock@hotmail.com. I look forward to talking with you!

Homeowners Do It Yourself Project: Staining Kitchen Cabinets

You’d like to remodel your kitchen, but like many Nevada County real estate owners, you need to do it as inexpensively as possible. Consider cutting costs by staining the kitchen cabinets yourself.Here’s the basic 4-step process to staining kitchen cabinets for your Nevada County real estate.1. Gather supplies: 120-grit and 220-grit sandpaper, wood conditioner, paintbrushes, tack cloths, rags, stain and polyurethane. Some experts recommend water-based stain and sealer because they’re easier to work with, while others insist on oil-based products because of their durability. Do some research to make the right choice for you.
2. Prepare the wood: Using 120-grit sandpaper, lightly sand the wood in the direction of the grain. This prevents scratches. Remove all of the loose dust with a tack cloth. Then sand the cabinets again, this time using 220-grit sandpaper. This creates a smooth finish. Remove all the loose dust with a tack cloth and apply a coat of wood conditioner to the cabinets. Let it dry completely.
3. Stain the wood: Brush on a coat of stain with a paintbrush following the grain of the wood. Then take a rag and rub the stain into the wood using a circular motion. Finish the staining by wiping along the grain of the wood one final time to ensure an even finish. Let the stain dry completely.
4. Seal the wood: Apply two coats of polyurethane following the manufacturer’s directions. Once you’ve sealed the cabinets, make sure you give them ample time to cure.Staining the cabinets for your Nevada County real estate kitchen remodel can save you a lot of money. Just be sure you take the time to do a quality job. You’ll be living with the results for a long time, so make sure it looks good.