Current Market Updates and some “Good News”

 Sales of existing homes fell in March

The national housing downturn continued in March as single-family home sales fell 2 percent in March – the seventh decline in the past eight months, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® (NAR) reported Tuesday.  The NAR said the median price of a home fell from $217,400 a year ago to $200,700 this March, a 7.7 percent decline.  The inventory of homes for sale increased by 40,000 units to 4.06 million homes.  At the March rate of sales, it would take 9.9 months to deplete the inventory, up from 9.6 months in February.

Bargain hunters boost home sales in some markets

With prices falling in many parts of the country and the number of foreclosures rising, a small yet growing number of bargain-hunting buyers are seeing an upside to the real estate market—I am actually seeing multiple offers on bank owned homes—first time home buyers with good credit can buy a home and have a payment equal to monthly rents.

The key is keeping your credit good—all parents should educate their children as young adults the value of good credit. First time buyers have a great opportunity to purchase a home now and start a solid real estate future.

Grand Opening-The Ranch Equestrian Estates

Grand Opening at JTS The Ranch Equestrian Estates Saturday, March 29th—11:00 a.m–3:00 p.m. JTS COmmunities invites you to a special afternoon of great food and music to mark the Grand Opening of their new Aspen model at The Ranch Equestrian Estates in Wilton. The Ranch is the culmination of a unique vision of refines country living and LUXURIOUS estate homes on acreage closes to Sacramento. The home sites range from 2-6 acres with prices ranging form the $500,000’s

New Search on my Web Site-Short Sales/Bank Repo’s

Hello All,

Just wanted to let you know I created a new search link for properties called –SHORT SALE?BANK REPO—I just e-mailed everybody new bank repo’s in the high and low end.To find these properties, click on link above, or go to my web site—www.RanchandVines.com,  click on button on front page left column titled Featured Properties, then look on the search bar for types, scroll down to bank repo’s and click search—this will open a page to all the bank owned homes.  These homes are selling fast –so if you are interested you must be prepared with a bank qualification letter and a deposit check—the bank is unemotional and has many sales to deal with—they generally do not counter offer but except the best offer. There is some fabulous deals out there and the investors are buying them up. I recently sent out a notice that the FHA loans have increased their limits—so with a relatively low down you can own a new home. Call me if you have questions—530-295-8440

Happy Trails

Diane Hall

The Worm is Turning in the Real Estate Market Place

Just a note—The Worm is Turning—contrary to news media –the lower priced homes and bank owned homes have sparked buyer’s attention and last count, 7, of my last clients who finally decided to pull the trigger found out an offer was placed just before them. This includes high end homes that are reduced also. The market is starting to move –the prices are great–the interest rates are great–and if you wait until the news media tells you to start buying, it is too late for the good stuff–remember the news media reports national averages. No, the prices are not coming back up and may even continue to bottom for a while in some areas, but some homes previously being sold as short sales are now being sold as a regular sales because their area has picked up. Come on out and take a look at what real estate has to offer.

Real Estate Changes in 2008

Greetings and Welcome to 2008 Real estate info.

 This year shows signs of great changes in the Real Estate Market. The prices of homes has dropped dramaticly and is now settling into a favorable place for buyers. Many people have started looking again for that retirement home or vacation home in the foothills. The interest rates have remained good and now is the time to buy! If you are thinking of leaving the city behind and want a peaceful less hurried lifestyle—-take a look at the beautiful Sierra Foothills and see what it has to offer. Visit my web site as often as you like and see the great buys that are available. Sign up for my instant listings and get updates on special properties , as I find them——Hopefully 2008 will be a great year for you and if a change is in store—-call me –I can help–