More help is on the way…President Obama recently announced an additional $1.5 billion in homeowner aid for the areas of the country hardest-hit by declining home values, Florida, Michigan, Arizona, California and Nevada are the five states that will receive funds. Read more…

Putting on your best…As a seller, you want your home to make a positive first impression. In order to do this, you repair, clean, and strategize marketing for your open houses, but home staging takes it one step further. Read more…  

The good news is, it’s a buyers’ market. The bad news is, it’s a buyers’ market. With competitive prices, low interest rates and a huge tax credit on their side, buyers are jumping off the fence. And if you’ve got a house to sell, there are things you can do to make sure they land on your side, Realtors say. Read more…

New home sales drop like a rock…Sales of newly built homes unexpectedly plummeted in January to their lowest level in nearly five decades, providing more evidence of the housing market's fragility.

Purchases of new single-family homes dropped 11.2 percent in January from December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 309,000, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. Sales fell in every region except the Midwest, and the raw number of new homes on the market rose for the first time in nearly three years.  Read more…

 Just for fun, its time to get dirty  http://gardenpuzzle.com/

FEATHER RIVER CANYON PROPERTY ON 1.61 ACRES WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEWS. THIS 1995 CUSTOM BUILT HOME OFFERS ALL THE SERENITY AND PRIVACY YOU NEED. FULLY LANDSCAPED FRONT YARD W/A BRICK/STUCCO EXTERIOR WELCOMES YOU TO THIS HOME. HOME FEATURES A SPACIOUS TILE ENTRY, FORMAL DINING ROOM W/COFFER CEILINGS, STEP DOWN LIVING ROOM W/LARGE WOOD BEAM CEILINGS, BRICK HEARTH W/FREESTANDING WOOD STOVE, SKYLIGHT & RECESSED LIGHTING. GOURMET KITCHEN BOASTS A 5 BURNER GAS RANGE ON A GRANITE COUNTER ISLAND, HARDWOOD FLOORS AND DINING NOOK W/A VIEW. OFFERS A SPACIOUS MASTER BEDROOM COMPLETE W/CANYON VIEWS, COFFER CEILING AND A PRIVATE DOOR TO THE COMPOSITION BALCONY. THE MASTER BATH FEATURES A TILED WALK-IN SHOWER. ADDITIONAL FEATURES INCLUDE:  BONUS OFFICE W/BUILT-IN BOOKCASE & CABINETS, INSIDE LAUNDRY ROOM W/TILE COUNTERTOP, UTILITY SINK, CUSTOM CABINETS & GAS OR ELECTRIC HOOK-UPS.  FULLY FINISHED 3-CAR GARAGE FOR ADDITIONAL STORAGE. THIS HOME SHOWS OUTSTANDING.

Good night Pa, good night grandma, good night John boy…The new face of retirement, what will it look like? More and more households are starting to look like the Walton’s with three or four generations living under one roof. Aging parents and underemployed adult children with children of their own are squeezing boomer households.  Read more…

Check those credit card statements carefully…Credit card issuers are now going to have to play by a whole new set of rules that are considered consumer-friendly—but will also cut into some of their traditional sources of revenue.

Don’t expect those companies to take that lying down. Card issuers are expected to spend the next year experimenting with new products and fees—as well as higher interest rates—testing just how much consumers are willing to shell out.  Read more…

NEAT AND CLEAN 2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH WITH DETACHED STUDIO.  MAIN HOUSE RENTS FOR $900/MONTH AND INCLUDES LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM, 2BD'S AND 1BA.  DETACHED STUDIO RENTS FOR $500.  LEVEL FENCED LOT, COOPERATIVE TENANTS WITH LEASE TILL JULY 2010.  PURCHASE ALSO INCLUDES THE VACANT, ADJACENT .24 ACRE LOT (APN 006-071-019).  SEVERAL POSSIBILITIES!!!

IMMACULATE 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME OFFERS NEWER: ROOF, DUAL PANE WINDOWS, HVAC UNIT AND EXTERIOR PAINT. ADDITIONAL FEATURES INCLUDE INSIDE LAUNDRY, TILED ENTRY, KITCHEN AND BATHS, LARGE LIVING ROOM W/GAS FIREPLACE AND BAY WINDOW. LIGHT AND BRIGHT KITCHEN INCLUDES ELECTRIC RANGE/OVEN, DISPOSAL, DISHWASHER AND EATING BAR. NICE LEVEL LOT OFFERING CIRCLE DRIVE, R.V. PARKING, OVERSIZED 2-CAR GARAGE, COVERED PATIO, FENCED BACK YARD W/FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES PLUS RAISED BEDS FOR GARDEN AREA. VERY ATTRACTIVE, COMFORTABLE HOME IN CENTRAL PARADISE!!!

HERE IS THE PERFECT FIXER. LOTS OF POTENTIAL FOR THIS 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME! CENTRALLY LOCATED NEAR WALKING TRAIL AND PARADISE'S NEW PARK. **HOME IS BEING SOLD AS-IS; PROBABLY WILL NOT QUALIFY FOR FINANCING.**

CENTRAL LOCATION W/LOTS OF ROOM; GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERTY AND/OR PRINCIPLE RESIDENCE.  PROPERTY IS .54 ACRES AND OFFERS A 2,544 SQUARE FOOT HOME WITH 4 BEDROOMS AND 3 FULL BATHS PLUS BONUS ROOM/OFFICE AND UTILITY ROOM.  THERE IS ALSO A MANUFACTURED HOME AT THE TOP OF THE PROPERTY THAT HAS 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS AND A SMALL BONUS ROOM/OFFICE (CURRENTLY RENTS FOR $800.00 AND THE TENANTS WOULD LIKE TO STAY).  THERE ARE TWO SEPTIC TANKS ON THIS PROPERTY AND WERE PUMPED IN 2009.  THE MAIN HOUSE FEATURES:  A LIVING ROOM OFF THE ENTRY, A SEPARATE FAMILY ROOM WITH VAULTED CEILINGS AND SKYLIGHTS, SPLIT MASTER FLOOR PLAN, CENTRAL HEAT AND AIR SYSTEM, DUAL PANE WINDOWS THROUGHOUT AND A RECENTLY REMODELED KITCHEN WITH NEWER APPLIANCES, CABINETS, 12X12 TILED FLOORS, COUNTERTOPS AND S/S SINK AND FAUCET.   THE ENTIRE PROPERTY IS FENCED WITH CROSS FENCING FOR DOG RUNS ETC.

It is 70 degrees in Paradise today and you have the day off, where do you go? 

Steve Williams-Putts around the outside of the house fiddling with plants, trees and just enjoying the sunshine!

Sandee Williams-First choice go to the park with our grandsons Ty and Chase Second choice...goes for a long walk.

Sheri Palade-Work in the yard and enjoy the sunshine

Christy Voigt-Hit Bidwell Park in Chico, Oroville Lake, or quad ride, can't wait for it to be 70!                                                                                                                 

What would you do?

You should ask your insurance agent a lot of "what if" questions. The deductible amount also plays a big part in setting your premium. Higher deductibles lower the number of claims, and reduce your insurance costs.

Selling your home? These tips will help.  Improving curb appeal has shown to increase not only your property's value, but also the property values of your entire neighborhood.

Whether you are selling or staying put, here are five tips that can help you on your way to a beautiful home. Read more…

Struggling with your mortgage? On November 30, 2009, the Treasury Department released guidelines and forms for its new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA), which will help homeowners who are unable to retain their home under the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). Under HAFA, a borrower (the current owner) may be able to avoid foreclosure by completing a short sale or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (DIL). Read more… or call Steve on his personal private line at 530-872-5411 or email me directly at steve@stevewilliamsteam.com

CUTE AND CLEAN AND RECENTLY REMODELED HOME ON QUIET STREET. THE REMODEL WAS IN 1995 AND OFFERS NEW DUAL PANE WINDOWS, PERGO FLOORS, NEW CABINETS AND APPLIANCES. TWO OF THE BEDROOMS HAVE NICE HARDWOOD FLOORS. THE THIRD ROOM COULD BE A 3 BEDROOM WITH IT'S OWN BATH, BUT NO CLOSET. THERE IS A LIVING ROOM OVERLOOKING THE PRIVATE ENTERTAINING DECK AND A SEPARATE FAMILY ROOM WITH PELLET STOVE. LARGE DINING ROOM AND A HUGE LAUNDRY/UTILITY ROOM. VERY NICE .49 ACRE LOT.

What was your most memoriable vacation?

Sandee Williams - Hawaii in Oct 2009, relaxing, wonderful vacation with my hubby :)

David Lenarcic - In May/June of 2008 my wife and I went to Belize and Guatemala for two weeks.  It was a very adventurous vacation.  We went to several Mayan ruins, we went cave exploring, we were stranded on an island during a tropical storm.  It was very exciting and fun.

Steve Williams - Going to Alabama this week for a mini vacation to watch John graduate from Air Force officer school. Proud parents and sis get to watch the ceremony!

Christy Voigt - New York for Thanksgiving! It was amazing!!

GREAT PARADISE LOCATION. TWO BEDROOM, ONE BATH HOME NESTLED AMONGST THE TREES ON NICE PRIVATE .94 ACRE LOT. THIS HOME IS SURROUNDED BY LARGER HOMES AND HAS NICE END OF LANE LOCATION.

SPACIOUS 4 BEDROOM, 3 BATH HOME IN EXCELLENT PARADISE LOCATION!  HOME OFFERS:  LIVING ROOM, FAMILY ROOM & DINING ROOM.  GREAT FAMILY HOME WITH ESSENTIALLY TWO SEPARATE LIVING AREAS; MAIN PORTION OF THE HOME INCLUDES; LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM, OPEN KITCHEN, 3 BEDROOMS AND 2 BATHROOMS.  OFF THE LIVING ROOM IS A LARGE FAMILY ROOM W/WOODSTOVE, MASTER SUITE WITH WOOD BEAM, VAULTED CEILINGS AND MASTER BATHROOM.  ADDITIONAL FEATURES INCLUDE A DETACHED 4 CAR GARAGE, SHED AND LOTS OF CONCRETE FOR PARKING ETC.  LOCATED IN QUIET LOWER PARADISE NEIGHBORHOOD SURROUNDED SEVERAL MATURE TREES FOR SHADE AND PRIVACY. AGENT MEASURED SQUARE FOOTAGE RECORDS SHOW 1350 BUYER TO VERIFY ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROPERTY.

Agents interested in elevating their business should definitely look into joining STAR POWER Club. Again, the site is:  http://www.gostarpower.com/go?w=gostar&p=a486

STAR POWER is ... Success Shared™.

If you have been waiting to buy it might be time to get off the fence. California's inventory of unsold, previously owned homes shrank to a five-year low in December, in another sign that the state may be coming out of its worst housing slump in decades.

The supply of unsold single-family homes dropped to 3.8 months from 5.6 months a year ago and 16.6 months in January 2008, when inventories were at a peak, according to estimates released Friday by the California Association of Realtors. The inventory levels are now at their lowest level since 2005, resulting in frenzied sales with multiple offers in some cities. Read more…

• Some economists believe that California’s housing inventory is artificially low because many discretionary sellers—homeowners who do not have to sell their homes—are waiting on the sidelines until home prices rise.  Others believe there are more foreclosures to come, as unemployment in the state continues to rise.  However, C.A.R. predicts that foreclosures will remain flat in 2010 compared with 2009, as lenders are listing properties for sale at a more metered pace.
• California’s housing market has shown signs of stabilization since early last year.  Sales of existing, single-family homes bottomed out in August 2007, and the median home price reached its trough in February 2009. 
• In December, the median price of an existing, single-family home rose to $306,820, an 8.4 percent rise year-over-year, the second consecutive year-over-year increase, and the 10th straight month-over-month increase, according to C.A.R.’s December sales and price report.
• With affordability near-historic highs, low interest rates, and home buyer tax credits, many properties in California are receiving multiple offers and sparking bidding wars.  Home buyers who find themselves in bidding wars should work closely with their REALTOR® to ensure they are crafting realistic offers that are more likely to be accepted by the seller.

Mortgage rates in 2010 are expected to rise from 2009’s historically low levels.  Early last year, the Federal Reserve announced plans to purchase debt and mortgage-backed securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to lower interest rates for consumers and spur home buying.  As a result, rates on 30-year, fixed mortgages fell to historic lows.  However, the Fed’s asset purchase program is scheduled to expire at the end of the first quarter of 2010, and a lack of private demand for mortgage-backed securities could lead to a rise in rates.

Falling behind? There’s help available. Struggling to pay your FHA mortgage? Now you no longer have to be late with your payments to get help.

On Friday, the Federal Housing Administration announced that it will assist borrowers before they become delinquent. All you need do is prove your problems were caused by a reduction of income from a job loss, fewer paid hours, slashed wages or a decline in self-employed business earnings. Read more…

What are Your Valentine’s Day plans?

Sheri Palade-No plans yet…generally the weather dictates all our plans since my husband works for PG&E. So, if there is no significant storm that day then maybe we will go to dinner and a movie.

Brian Voigt-(christy,s Husband)

What, if I tell you what good is that. I would love to do something with my wife, she is the best!!!!!!!! Hope fully we can go to a movie and some dinner or possibly a quad date!!!!!

Steve Williams- I’ll sneak off a card in advance that Sandee will receive in the mail. It’ll include a picture of me and description of how much fun I am. ( Just kidding, except for the card part) The card will surprise her because of the mailing part!....She loves sweets so that should be easy.

Sandee Williams- Sending Valentine's to family and friends.   Having fun with my sweetheart Steve.

Christy Voigt-Hoping for some quad time just my hubby and I.

This home has been completely updated and remodeled.  The main house is 2 bedroom, 1 bath and offers:  carpet, wood and vinyl flooring, forced air heating w/wall mounted A/C, recessed lighting in all rooms, dual pane windows and separate utility room w/pocket door from kitchen.  Also includes hook-ups for both gas or electric dryer.  Bathroom joins both bedrooms.  Detached 3 car garage also has a studio with a 3/4 bath that is not included in the posted square footage.  Larger garage has automatic door opener, smaller one has a manual door and wired for 220.  Garages can be separated with an inside double door.  Studio features gas wall heater, wall mounted A/C, carpet & tile floors and laundry hook-ups located in the 3/4 bath.  There is an additional room which joins the studio that at one time was set up as a kitchen.  Excellent corner lot with plenty of parking and circular driveway.  This is a great set-up!

We are going to be posing a question of the week to everyone on The Steve Williams Team. We invite you to post your answers as well.

From time to time we will also include a short bio featuring different members of the team. We hope you enjoy this and gain a little in-site into who we are.

We are looking forward to hearing everyone's answers and thoughts, so come on post your answer too!

Who do you want to win the Super Bowl and why?  (Saints vs. Colts)

Let us know what you think!

Here is what members of The Steve Williams Team have to say:

Don Anderson - My wife and I were both rooting for the Vikings (after we were disappointed that the Packers were out), to go all the way.  Since last week's game, Claudia is all about the Saints but I want the Colts to win.  The Saints were very impressive last week so it is going to be a great match-up.  To be the Colts seem to be more organized and more fluid in their plays.  Go Colts!

 Don Anderson, Broker Associate:  DRE# 00860761

Coldwell Banker Ponderosa Real Estate
The Steve Williams Team
(530) 872-5430  Direct/Voice Mail
(530) 518-5990  Cell Phone
(530) 872-5444  Office
(530) 876-8292  Fax
don.cb@comcast.net
www.northstatehomes.com

David Lenarcic- I want the Colts to win the Super Bowl.  I feel that we are amidst, quite possibly, the best quarterback career in history.  Peyton Manning is putting up numbers that, when said and done, will rival any other Hall of Fame quarterback’s.  If he adds another Super Bowl championship to his resume, it will be tough not to consider him in the conversation of best quarterbacks ever.  It is exciting as a football fan too be a part of this history-making

Christy Voigt - Don't really care, just an excuse to get together with friends.

Sandee Williams - That's a tough one....whoever plays the best game has my vote (does that sound political?????)  If it was the Niners, definitely them. 

But if I really had to choose, I'll vote for the Saints because they haven't been to the Super Bowl and it would be nice for New Orleans to have some good karma come their way.

Brian Voigt-The colts are going to win because Payton manning is just to good. I would like Drew Brees and the saints to win because he is an outstanding person. All in all it should be an exciting close, high scoring game

Sheri Palade- Well truthfully; I could care less who wins the Super bowl. J don’t like either.

 I’ll be rooting for the Saints as the new team on the Big stage! I expect a great high scoring contest,

Steve

Featured  Team Mate

Meet David Lenarcic

This is a very exciting time for me in both my family life and in my career.  This last August, my wife and I had our first child; a baby girl.  Juliette Rose is the love of my life and I am having a wonderful time as a new father.

At work, I am focusing on the positives of the current real estate landscape.  These last few years have been tough for many home owners.  On the flip side, these new market conditions have been great for others; in particular first time home buyers.  As a Buyer Specialist with The Steve Williams Team I have been able to assist many young families in the purchase of their first home.  Because of the lower home values, good interest rates, and buyer incentives, many people that were once priced out of the market are now able to be a part of the American dream of home ownership.

David Lenarcic -

With median home prices  to 2001 levels in many parts of the region, skilled outsiders and professionals have begun trickling back to Sacramento’s  housing market. From July 2008 to July 2009, the population of the four-county capital region comprising Yolo, Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer counties grew 1.1 percent – faster than the state as a whole, according to the California Department of Finance.   Read More…

I can’t stress this enough, if you are thinking of buying you need to act fast. By now it is well documented that today’s affordable housing prices, historically low interest rates and federal home buyer tax credit have combined to create one of the most attractive first-time buyer markets in recent memory. What many Americans might not realize is that a recent expansion of the buyer tax credit has created an equally desirable opportunity for existing homeowners. Read more…

Surprise, surprise, not anymore, this is a good thing…Buying a home should be a joyful experience, but all too often, the mortgage settlement process leaves consumers confused, angry and paying more than they anticipated.

When you apply for a loan, your lender will give you a good faith estimate of closing costs. It's important to understand which costs can change when you go to settlement:

Costs that can't change

Origination fees

Points (after you've locked in an interest rate)

Adjusted origination fees after you've locked in an interest rate

Transfer taxes

Charges that can increase

up to 10% in aggregate

Required services selected by the lender

Title services, lender's title insurance and owner's title insurance, if selected by the lender

Government recording charges

No limit on increases

Required services selected by the borrower.

Title services, lender's title insurance and owner's title insurance, if selected by the borrower

Daily interest charges

Homeowner's insurance

Initial deposit for escrow

Read more…

HUD to the rescue, HUD Takes Action To Speed Resale of Foreclosed Properties to New Owners.  In an effort to stabilize home values and improve conditions in communities where foreclosure activity is high, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced a temporary policy that will expand access to FHA mortgage insurance and allow for the quick resale of foreclosed properties. The announcement is part of the Obama administration commitment to addressing foreclosure. Just yesterday, Secretary Donovan announced $2 billion in Neighborhood Stabilization Program grants to local communities and nonprofit housing developers to combat the effects of vacant and abandoned homes.  Read more…

Help is on the way ! Homeowners with FHA-insured mortgage loans who are experiencing financial hardship are now eligible for loss mitigation assistance before they fall behind on their mortgage payments. Previously, these homeowners were not eligible for such assistance until after they had missed payments.

The Helping Families Save Their Home Act of 2009 signed into law by President Obama expanded FHA’s authority to use its loss mitigation tools to assist FHA borrowers avoid foreclosure to include those facing “imminent default” as defined by the Secretary. FHA recently issued guidance to FHA-approved loan servicers on how to assist these FHA borrowers. Read More…

Some good news to share, New December statistics paint 2009 as the year when Sacramento County home prices finally ended a dramatic four-year free fall. Median sales prices for new and existing homes combined rose 0.6 percent in 2009, property researcher MDA DataQuick reported Thursday. The percentage represents a welcome change for thousands of anxious Sacramento County homeowners who saw their values drop 20 percent in 2007 and plunge another 37 percent in 2008. Read more…

More good news from  The SacBee .  Foreclosure crisis slowing some as banks rethink strategies . La Jolla researcher MDA DataQuick released new Q4 2009 foreclosure numbers this morning, show that defaults are down to their lowest levels since early last year. But the capital region saw 5,081 more foreclosures in the last three months of 2009 - raising the tally since the mortgage crisis began in early 2007 to nearly 52,000.

Statewide, more than 650,000 homeowners have surrendered keys to banks since 1/1/07. Read More…