New Listing - 3605 Woodcrest Road, Sacramento (Arden), CA 95821

Elegant 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,483sf Arden home! You will love the spacious layout, separate living and family rooms, remodeled kitchen with self-closing cabinets, granite counters, and high end stainless appliances, formal dining room with kitchen nook, remodeled bathrooms with new vanities, and tiled tub/shower surrounds. Freshly painted interior, new baseboards and crown moulding. Wood floors, dual pane windows, whole house fan, central heat and air, remote controlled driveway gate. Short distance to shopping, schools, and more! Don't wait! Offered at $335,000. For more photos and information please visit 3605 Woodcrest Road, Sacramento, CA 95821.

Downpayment Assistance: not just for low income buyers...

It is a common misconception that downpayment assistance is only available to home buyers who are low income. While it is true that most downpayment assistance programs are based on a buyer's income and family size, the income limits are much higher than most people think. This is the perfect example. I attended a presentation by the California Housing and Finance Agency (CalHFA) where they discussed their available programs. For a family of four, the annual income limit is $91,300 for a conventional loan program, and $87,500 for an FHA loan program. And for their Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program, the income limit is $100,100! The photo shows the sliding scale based on income and family size for Sacramento. There are some great programs and great homes available!

I had the honor of being the "Installing Officer" for the 2016 Masters Club Steering Committee...

As some of my regular blog readers may remember, I was President of the Sacramento Association of Realtors Masters Club in 2012... and I was honored when my good friend and fellow Realtor Kellie Swayne asked me to be the "Installing Officer" of the 2016 Masters Club Steering Committee. I had the distinct pleasure of swearing her in as 2016 President as well as administering the oath for the rest of the committee in this last weekend. The Masters Club is definitely an organization that is close to my heart! In addition to being a club of the top producing Realtors in Sacramento, we raise thousands of dollars for local charities. Good stuff!

I was featured on the news...Squatters are becoming more common in Sacramento...

It seems like "squatters" have become an issue again. For several years during the housing crash, as many homes sat vacant they were prone to vandalism and break-in. It was not uncommon to encounter people squatting in homes. When values started to go up again and there were not as many vacant properties, it seemed like squatters became less of a problem. Fast forward to today, and squatters seem to be an issue again.

What is a squatter? A squatter is someone who unlawfully enters into a property and stays there without permission from the owner. It is a crime of opportunity, as well as the fact I do think that with the proliferation of smart phone devices squatters can search MLS for vacant property to target.

I encountered squatters at one of my vacant Midtown Sacramento duplex listings a few months ago. I approached the property to install a carbon monoxide detector, and noticed a shopping cart near the front porch. As I got closer I could hear voices inside and footsteps echoing off the hardwood floors. I immediately called the police. Before the 9-1-1 operator could take my information, a police car drove by and I flagged him down. Luckily those squatters did little damage and probably had not been there too long.

I just represented buyers on another Curtis Park triplex property that was broken into and torn apart by squatters. That property was the subject of an ABC Channel 10 news story by John Bartell. You can watch the news story here. Luckily I was able to negotiate a price reduction on the property once we got a full understanding of the extent of the damage, which in this case was extensive. All three HVAC units were stolen. Holes were punched in the walls. All of the copper plumbing and wiring was removed. It was bad.

How can you as a home seller prevent squatters? I highly suggest if you have a vacant property that you give it the appearance that it is occupied. Park a car in the driveway, or ask a neighbor to do so. Make sure your windows have blinds or curtains so people can not see inside. Put a lamp with a plug-in light timer in a few rooms that is set to go on and off during the evening. Keep the grass and landscape trimmed. Make sure you suspend mail so your mailbox does not overflow. Same with the newspaper. Set your alarm and spring for month-to-month monitoring services. Make sure your neighbors are aware the property is vacant and let them know to alert you to any suspicious activity.

A little vigilance goes a long way.